Beloved readers,

My name is Mikaeel Iqbal, I am a 10-year-old novice writer in the early stages of my development. My project for this book involves advanced thinking-crafting predictive outcomes by extracting situations from reality. It's important to note that this exercise is intended to inspire without causing offense, recognizing that we are all novice writers in the early stages of learning.

A bit about me:

I love writing short stories and reading books about personal growth. In this book, I've written some short stories of my own, with help from my parents and grandfather, and things I've learned from books and people.

I'm fortunate to have parents who pose thought-provoking questions that challenge me to think deeply. While it can be confusing at times, I value their support immensely. Additionally, I'm grateful for the encouragement of my wonderful friends in the neighborhood who always cheer me on.

I get my ideas from books I read and from my parents, who always encourage me to use my imagination. I also love spending time outside, rolling around on the grass and enjoying nature.

Though born in the UK, my culinary preferences reflect the rich tapestry of my heritage. While I adore fish and chips, a staple of British cuisine, my Bangladeshi mother's love for rice dishes and my Pakistani father's penchant for chapattis add flavorful diversity to our meals. With grandparents hailing from India, our household is a melting pot of various spicy delicacies. We speak, think, and eat differently, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures under one roof.

We've embarked on a family project dedicated to crafting short stories that promote peace and nurture harmonious relations among people. Hailing from a humble town in the UK, we've witnessed firsthand the increasing divisions within communities and families stemming from various differences. Our earnest aspiration is to contribute towards bridging these divides and fostering unity within our society, particularly amidst these challenging times.

All proceeds from this book will support a global charitable cause focused on alleviating poverty and promoting education. Your participation will not only enhance the diversity of narratives but also help us share this anthology with a broader audience. We extend our gratitude to all readers and peacemakers.

With heartfelt thanks,

Mikaeel & family, along with our entire neighborhood, and to all those who have inspired us to continue spreading messages of peace and unity.