The New York Jewish Parenting Guide (NYJPG) had the pleasure of sitting down with author Edna Khalily to discuss her best-selling book, Alisha’s Magical Red Lipstick: 999 Ways to Be Beautiful. The following interview has been edited for clarity.

NYJPG: What inspired you to write Alisha’s Magical Red Lipstick: 999 Ways to Be Beautiful? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the idea? You immigrated to the United States as a teenager. How did that experience shape your views on beauty, identity, and self-confidence, and how does it influence your writing?

Edna Khalily: When my mother passed away, she left me with an invaluable message that has profoundly shaped my life. She said, “There are a thousand ways for a girl to be beautiful. Only one of them is physical beauty. The remaining 999 are a journey each person must take to discover true beauty within themselves.” This wisdom encouraged me to see beauty not just in appearance but in qualities like kindness, confidence, and compassion. My mother’s insight continues to guide me in understanding what real beauty truly means.

Moving to the United States and taking on roles as a teacher, wife, mother, and engaging with diverse cultures has deeply enriched my perspective. This journey has inspired me to write children’s books, driven by a commitment to positively shape young minds and share the values that my experiences have taught me.

NYJPG: Can you share more about the significance of the red lipstick your mother gave you and how her lessons on inner beauty guided you throughout your life? Alisha travels the world meeting children who define beauty through acts of kindness, generosity, and honesty. How did you choose these specific qualities to represent true beauty, and what do you hope young readers will take away from them?

Edna Khalily: The red lipstick in my story holds a profound emotional and symbolic meaning. For me, it represents my mother’s beauty, grace, and the powerful influence she continues to have on my life. When she asked me to wear red lipstick when visiting her, it was likely her way of conveying a message about confidence, self-expression, and embracing my own beauty. Red lipstick often signifies strength, empowerment, and boldness, and wearing it reminds me of her spirit and the love she had for me. Each time I put it on, it brings back memories of her and the lessons she imparted about beauty that go far beyond physical appearance.

The idea that true beauty lies in qualities like kindness, generosity, and honesty is a powerful message, especially for children. By having Alisha travel the world and meet children from diverse backgrounds, I can illustrate how these qualities are universal, showing that beauty is defined by actions and character rather than appearance. Incorporating King Solomon’s poem “Woman of Valor” adds depth to this message, highlighting timeless wisdom that celebrates inner beauty and virtue.

NYJPG: Today, physical appearance is often emphasized. Why do you believe it’s crucial to teach children that beauty goes beyond what’s seen on the surface? The book emphasizes empowerment for girls, encouraging confidence and fearlessness. How do you believe Alisha’s Magical Red Lipstick will help young girls develop a sense of inner strength?

 Edna Khalily: I’m increasingly concerned about today’s emphasis on physical appearance, especially given the influence of media and the beauty industry on young minds. As children are constantly exposed to messages that prioritize looks, it becomes essential to present an alternative that celebrates inner beauty, kindness, empathy, and a sense of community.

Creating Binsa as Alisha’s alter ego is a brilliant way to bring these themes to life. Binsa can serve as a mentor, guiding Alisha through challenges and encouraging her to embrace her true self. Binsa’s fearless, confident nature inspires children to step out of their comfort zones, engage meaningfully with others, and understand the importance of supporting one another. Through Binsa and Alisha’s relationship, readers can see how confidence, empathy, and courage are cultivated, showing that true strength lies in helping others and being authentic.

NYJPG: Is this book only for girls, or do you believe boys can also learn valuable lessons about girls and relationships from it? How do you define beauty, and what does it mean to you personally, especially after writing this book?

Edna Khalily: My book is inclusive for both girls and boys, designed to help young readers of all genders explore the values of character, kindness, and true beauty. Teaching boys about qualities to seek in a partner is essential for building healthy relationships and fostering mutual respect. Incorporating the wisdom of King Solomon’s “Woman of Valor” serves as a powerful foundation for these lessons, especially if the poem was inspired by his mother, adding a meaningful dimension of maternal influence in shaping values and understanding true worth.

By presenting beauty as a reflection of how we present ourselves to the world, my book underscores the importance of authenticity, integrity, and the positive impact we can have on others. This perspective encourages readers to live with purpose and strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around them.

 NYJPG: Each child Alisha meets teaches her a different aspect of true beauty. How did you develop these characters, and do any of them reflect real people or experiences from your own life? The book encourages girls to find their own versions of beauty. What are some practical ways parents or educators can use your book to reinforce these messages of confidence and self-acceptance?

Edna Khalily: Bringing fictional characters inspired by “Woman of Valor” into Alisha’s journey is a wonderful way to illustrate true beauty in its many forms. Each character can embody a unique virtue or quality drawn from the poem, helping readers appreciate the diverse facets of inner beauty. As these characters interact with Alisha, they contribute layers to her understanding of beauty, creating engaging stories that highlight how kindness, strength, compassion, and wisdom play a role in one’s life. This structure allows readers to explore these virtues with Alisha, with each page dedicated to a different character, ultimately shaping a rich and complete vision of what beauty truly means.

By focusing on girls’ empowerment, I aim to help them discover their own unique beauty—a message that can have a lasting, positive impact. Building a strong foundation of character equips girls with the resilience to navigate challenges and counter societal pressures, addressing issues like low self-esteem and depression often tied to unrealistic beauty standards. My book emphasizes self-acceptance and individuality, encouraging young readers to value their own unique qualities and find strength in being themselves.

NYJPG: You’ve been a teacher for three decades. How has your experience as an educator shaped the way you approached writing a book for children, particularly one that deals with such important themes? What do you think is the biggest challenge facing young girls today in terms of self-image, and how does your book aim to address that?

Edna Khalily: With over three decades of experience as a teacher, I have a strong foundation for writing children’s books that emphasize essential character traits. In today’s world, where the internet and digital media have a significant impact, it’s more important than ever to remind children of the core values that shape their character and interactions. By focusing on kindness, empathy, honesty, resilience, and respect, my books are designed to be engaging resources for parents and educators who want to instill these values in young readers.

It’s especially important to address the challenges girls face today, influenced heavily by social pressures and peers. My book encourages girls to follow the example of the “Woman of Valor,” empowering them to choose positive role models over negative influences. By emphasizing the qualities and strength found in the “Woman of Valor,” I hope to inspire girls to embrace values that resonate with their true selves, fostering confidence and resilience as they navigate their world.

NYJPG: Your story centers on a mother-daughter relationship, which is often a crucial bond in shaping self-perception. How do you think mothers can best communicate these values of inner beauty to their children?

Edna Khalily: Centering the mother-daughter relationship as a key theme is a beautiful way to convey the transmission of values and the essence of inner beauty. This bond plays a vital role in shaping a child’s self-perception and understanding of their worth. My own experiences with my mother, from heartfelt conversations to shared reading moments, provide a rich backdrop for exploring this dynamic in my story.

In the book, Alisha and her mother can engage in various activities that reinforce the values of inner beauty, whether it’s through cooking together, reading inspiring stories, or having meaningful discussions. By weaving these elements into the narrative, you can create a vibrant tapestry that highlights the depth of their bond. This approach not only emphasizes the importance of inner beauty but also celebrates the unique connection that profoundly influences a daughter’s self-perception, helping her recognize her own worth and the qualities that truly matter.

NYJPG: Your mother’s legacy is a central theme in this book. How do you personally continue to live out the lessons she taught you about inner beauty? Are there any upcoming projects or future books that you’re working on, continuing to explore themes of beauty, confidence, or other values? Finally, what advice would you give to young girls or readers who are struggling with self-confidence or societal pressures about their appearance?

Edna Khalily: Integrating my mother’s legacy as a central theme in my book is a heartfelt way to honor her teachings and ensure that her values continue to resonate. By focusing on inner beauty and the lessons she imparted, I’m not just celebrating our relationship; I’m crafting a meaningful narrative that can touch the hearts of readers.

I’m thrilled to announce that my new book will center on qualities that make a positive impact on children. By highlighting the importance of inner beauty and the value of kindness, I hope to inspire young girls who may be facing challenges with self-confidence and the social pressures of appearance. This message is vital in building resilience and self-acceptance, encouraging them to see that true beauty radiates from within and is shown through their actions toward others.

NYJPG: Thank you for your valuable time and for all the information you shared with us. I appreciated it, as will our readers.

For more information:

Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide.com, and New York Jewish Parenting Guide.com.

To learn more, visit Edna Khalily’s website at Home | Author Edna Khalily

Alisha’s Magical Red Lipstick: 999 Ways is available for purchase on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Alishas-Magical-Red-Lipstick-Beautiful/dp/B0BQ9LM6P2