Children's Book Author and Freelance Editor

Lost Words: An Armenian Story of Survival and Hope

“It is difficult to find the words to describe the type of loss a genocide can cause to a young child. I’ve been looking for something similar for my own son. This picture book is a good start to help explain loss and raise the many questions necessary to start the conversation.”

—Serj Tankian, activist, artist, and lead vocalist for System of a Down

“Boukarim’s storytelling and Avedikian’s illustrations find the delicate balance between conveying the message while making it appropriate for children. This story is both heartbreaking and inspiring—a must-read.”

—Sona Movsesian, New York Times–Bestselling Author of The World’s Worst Assistant and Cohost of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

The Zips and Eeloo Series

“[A] wonder-filled graphic novel introduction to the art of food preparation—with an extraterrestrial twist.”

—Foreword Reviews

“A mix of simple comedic ingredients with a few twists as garnish makes for a funny, fast read.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Simple yet energetic dialogue combines with deliciously bright artwork, making the events of this goofy early reader graphic novel offering practically bounce off the page.”

—Publishers Weekly

A Million Kites: Testimonies and Poems from the Children of Gaza

"This tiny-big book - as I like to call it - is a petition for life, a prayer for peace that arrives through the untarnished voices of the children of Gaza. Some of these children have died since sharing their childlike desires and pleas for peace."

— Myfanwy Woods-Jack, Author

" I believe this book will change the world. It will change hearts, perspectives, strengthen resolves, bring shifts. It is an honoring to the kids whose words are captured in it and countless, truly countless, others represented by those words and these gentle, at times darling, at times desperate illustrations. It is a gift to all of us as we listen, sit, witness, let the poems sink in, move us to action. A MILLION KITES, a million wishes for freedom."

— Danielle Davis, Author

"If I could peg this story with a one word review, I'd choose the word miraculous."

— E. G. Al Araj

"It was such a pleasure to work with Leila. Very professional, punctual, and extremely thorough! I learned so much from her in such a short period of time."

“I honestly don't know what to say about Leila to convey how amazing working with her has been.”

“I am so grateful for Leila. Without her help, I can honestly say my story wouldn’t have been a story at all. Her feedback felt above and beyond what I’d expect from an editing process.”