Dune Books was set up in December 2020 by Kate Rafiq.

Kate has been writing silly poetry and children’s stories since she was at school. When her first child came along (17 years ago) she began to take it all a little more seriously and in 2019 she started to illustrate some of her stories. Over time she became a little more proficient, and in 2020 she was ready to make an actual book!

Her debut picture book, a tribute to the city that has been her home for over twenty years, is called Birmingham Boy. Inspired by her youngest child and the city’s streets, this picture book follows Birmingham Boy on a fun filled day out. He visits the library, goes swimming and even finds himself taking part in a demonstration. There is also a poignant underlying message that offers an opportunity for older children to explore the theme of homelessness and the importance of sharing and charity.

Kate published her second book in October 2021. The World is Your Masjid is a lighthearted set of rhymes with vibrant illustrations, to help show little Muslims that they can pray wherever they are in the world. In January 2022. The World is Your Masjid won the Muslim Bookstagram Award for Best Early Picture Book.

We Are Here is Kate’s third book. This is the story of a young boy and his mother, as they make a long and difficult journey in search of safety. Full colour illustrations accompany meaningful prose poetry text in this call to empathy and action in these increasingly hostile times.