I’m super excited today to be sharing my interview with Selina Brown, author of the picture book, My Rice is Best! It’s the type of picture book I would have loved to have seen when I was younger, with so much humour and joy encased in both the text and illustrations!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t do this interview in person/virtual but Selina was kind enough to answer all my questions anyway! Thank you so much, Selina, for taking the time out to speak to me and to WearMediaHive for organising this interview.
Join Shane and friends as they attempt to settle the age-old question of which rice dish is the best in this funny and joyful new picture book!
Shane is convinced that nothing beats a big, delicious bowl of rice and peas – it’s the best rice in the world! But when he brings his favourite meal to school, he discovers that his friend Yinka is just as passionate about her jollof rice. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt showdown to settle the age-old question: which rice reigns supreme?
A laugh-out-loud, heartwarming picture book that brings the joy of food, friendship, and cultural pride to life, My Rice is Best explores the playful rivalry between two friends who both believe their rice dish is the ultimate favourite. Through humour and a universal love of eating, the book offers an entertaining way-in to help children embrace new cuisines and celebrate cultural identity and diversity.
My Rice is Best is a mesme-ricing celebration of food, culture and friendship!
Perfect for kids and parents as it delves into Caribbean and African cultures through the importance of foods. A brilliant way to celebrate cultural identity and diversity through the ever evolving Black British culture.
What inspired you to write this book?
Selina: The inspiration came from real life – the playful but passionate debate between Caribbeans and
Africans over who makes the best rice!
I loved the idea of taking something familiar and full of pride and turning it into a story children could engage with. Food is so central to culture, identity, and family life, and I wanted to celebrate that through the eyes of young characters.
Why a children’s picture book rather than an adult’s book?
Selina: Children’s books allow you to introduce big ideas – pride, culture, identity – in a joyful, accessible way. I wanted young children to see themselves and their traditions reflected with warmth and humour.
Picture books have a magic to them: they stay with you forever. Reaching children at that early stage, when they’re forming their sense of self, felt much more powerful to me than writing this particular story for adults.
This book is a real blend of cultures coming together. How much do you feel this book speaks to the ever-evolving Black British culture? And was it deliberate?
Selina: It was very deliberate. Black British culture isn’t one single story – it’s a rich, layered blend of Caribbean, African, and many other influences. I wanted to show that proudly through the characters and their families.
The children’s playful rivalry highlights how culture is something we celebrate, carry with us, and evolve with – it’s vibrant, dynamic, and full of love.
How did you find the process of writing a picture book? Is there anything you’d change going forward? Or anything you’d keep the same?
Selina: I love writing picture books. It’s a craft that demands precision – every word has to earn its place. And I would definitely keep the heart and humour in my writing going forward.
If anything, next time I might push myself even more to leave space for the illustrations to tell part of the story, as the collaboration between words and pictures is so vital.
Humour can be so hard to add into stories in general – let alone picture books. What was that like for you?
Selina: I found it really fun! Humour is a natural part of my voice, especially when writing for children. With My Rice is Best!, it was about finding those little moments of pride, teasing, and exaggeration that feel real and relatable.
Humour, when done right, builds connection – and that’s what I wanted between the characters and the reader.
Maxwell A. Oginni’s illustrations are divine and seemingly perfect for this humorous picture book. What made you decide on his illustrations for your book? Or did Puffin (your publishing company) choose him?
Selina: Puffin suggested Maxwell, and as soon as I saw his work, I knew he was perfect.
His illustrations are full of energy, expression, and personality – exactly what the story needed! Maxwell understood the spirit of the book straight away and brought the characters to life in a way that felt authentic, vibrant, and joyful.
Considering the reports of the lack of diversity in children’s books, how important is it to you to write these books?
Selina: It’s everything. Representation isn’t a luxury; it’s essential.
Children need to see themselves as heroes, dreamers, and adventurers in books. When they don’t, it sends a harmful message about whose stories matter. Writing diverse stories is my way of making sure every child knows: you belong here, your culture is beautiful, and your voice deserves to be heard.
What do you hope children and/or parents take away from this book?
Selina: I hope they take away a sense of pride, joy and curiosity. Pride in their own culture and traditions, joy in celebrating others, and curiosity about the many different ways families connect through food and storytelling.
I also hope it sparks conversations about family heritage at the dinner table!
If you could give any advice to aspiring picture book writers or writers in general, what would it be and why?
Selina: Tell the story only you can tell.
Don’t chase trends or try to fit into a mould – your unique voice is your superpower. Read widely, stay playful and remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth.
Persistence and authenticity are key.
Last, but not least, what’s your favourite? Jollof rice or rice and peas?
Selina: Oooh, that’s a tough one!
I have a deep, nostalgic love for rice and peas – it’s the taste of my childhood, Sunday dinners and celebrations. But I will happily eat a good plate of jollof too… I just have to stay loyal to my roots!
And that concludes my interview with the wonderful, Selina! Thank you so much for taking the time out to answer my questions. She gave us so many beautiful gems of wisdom and I’m truly excited for her picture book to enter the world!
Do check out ‘My Rice is Best’ coming out May 8th with Puffin to all local bookshops/retailers near you!
