Meet the Creator of Zen Boy: Sky.S.Khalid on Mindfulness, Martial Arts, and Finding Your Inner Power

At Magic Moon Publishing, we’re always excited to introduce fresh voices and inspiring stories that empower young readers. One such exciting new book coming soon is Zen Boy, featuring Zen 'Flying Kicks' Lee, written by Sky.S.Khalid.

This upcoming book follows Zenon, or “Zen”, a young boy who wishes to be like Bruce Lee after facing a tough day. As if by magic, Zen finds himself guided by the legendary martial artist himself, learning about focus, resilience, and the power of mindfulness. Through engaging storytelling, rhythmic dialogue, and interactive exercises, Zen Boy encourages children to embrace their emotions, build confidence, and discover the strength within.

Ahead of the book’s release, we caught up with Sky.S.Khalid to learn more about the inspiration behind Zen, what young readers can expect, and why this book is set to be a powerful tool for emotional growth...

What inspired you to write Zen Boy? Was there a particular moment that sparked the idea?

I’ve always been drawn to the underdog story—the journey of rising from challenges to triumph, from nothing to something.

Zen Boy was born from a powerful chapter in my life: my son’s journey as a premature baby. Thanks to the incredible care he received in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), he not only survived—he’s now thriving.

As I began researching the growing concerns around children’s mental health—and as a lifelong fan of both mindfulness and martial arts, which I believe help build confidence and emotional resilience—I saw an opportunity. I wanted to create a story that blends action, emotion, and self-awareness—something fun, empowering, and deeply needed in today’s fast-paced world.

Zenon meets Bruce Lee in a moment of struggle. Why did you choose Bruce Lee as the mentor in this story?

Bruce Lee was an underdog in his own time—he faced immense challenges and ultimately became a global icon whose wisdom extends far beyond martial arts. His philosophy of self-discipline, resilience, and mindfulness is timeless, making him the perfect mentor for Zenon’s journey.

By introducing Bruce Lee in a fresh, kid-friendly way, we connect with young readers and nostalgic parents who admire his legacy.

Growing up as an ’80s kid, action stars and athletes were my heroes. After watching movies, I’d “become” them for the day. Naturally, I watched a lot of Bruce Lee kung fu films and spent my time doing flying kicks around the house!

Through this book, I hope Zen Boy becomes an inspirational figure for children—helping them navigate tough times with tools for mindfulness, confidence, and self-belief, just as Bruce Lee did for so many.

Mindfulness plays a big role in the book. Why do you think it’s important to introduce mindfulness techniques to children at a young age?

ZEN: a state of calm attentiveness...

Mindfulness is a superpower! It helps kids focus, regulate emotions, and build confidence.

With Zen Boy, I wanted to make mindfulness fun and approachable through movement, breathwork, and storytelling. Parents and teachers are looking for creative ways to introduce these tools—and Zen ‘Flying Kicks’ Lee brings them to life through playful, engaging moments.

Zen experiences frustration, anger, and self-doubt. How does the book help children recognise and manage these emotions?

Kids experience big emotions, just like adults—they just don’t always have the language or tools to manage them.

Zen’s journey shows that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—and that simple strategies like deep breathing or mindful movement can help turn things around.

At the end of the day, all kids are good kids—even the cheeky ones like Zen! Sometimes they just need a little encouragement and the right tools to boost their focus and inner strength.

As Zen would say, “Mood boost time!”

The book includes breathing exercises, movement, and reflection. Why was it important for you to make this an interactive experience?

Because kids learn best when they’re actively involved.

Reading becomes a full-body, immersive experience—not just words on a page. It also makes story time more engaging for families, classrooms, and libraries, turning it into a meaningful moment of calm, connection, and learning.

Zen Boy has a fun and rhythmic storytelling style. How did you develop this approach?

Rhythm and rhyme help kids stay engaged and remember what they learn. This lyrical, bouncy style makes Zen Boy ideal for read-alouds—at bedtime, in classrooms, or during mindfulness sessions. It’s designed to be as fun to hear as it is to read.

And the benefits go deeper—rhyming stories help boost literacy, vocabulary, and creativity, all while creating meaningful time between kids and caregivers.

Zen’s world is bright, dynamic, and engaging. How did you collaborate on the visual aspects of the book?

From the start, I knew the visuals had to match the story’s energy. I worked closely with the creative team, using visual guides filled with references, ideas, and mood boards to bring Zen’s world to life.

We wanted something that felt bold, vibrant, and cinematic—a style that would jump off the shelf and shine in digital formats. The result is a visually striking book that grabs attention and invites kids into Zen’s world with excitement and heart.

If there’s one lesson you want children to take away from Zen Boy, what would it be?

Encourage kids, and they’ll never forget you.

I hope children—and their grown-ups—take away the message that confidence, calm, and imagination already live inside them, just waiting to be unlocked.

Even one positive line from the book can plant a seed. And if that happens, I’ve made my ripple in the universe.

Get your Zen on—and go from nothing to something!

What has been the most rewarding part of bringing this book to life?

Personally, it’s been about following my bliss—finding my own chi and creative flow.

But the true reward will be hearing from parents and educators who see children using these techniques in real life. That’s what this is really about: watching kids grow more confident, calm, and connected to themselves.

With Zen Boy coming soon, what can readers look forward to as they step into Zen’s world?

As Zen would say... “Time for a Supercharge Boost!”

This is just the beginning. Zen Boy will be back with new adventures, interactive tools, and inspiring icons to guide him.

With the support of readers, we’re also exploring ways to bring Zen Boy into classrooms, mindfulness kits, and digital spaces—so every child has access to tools for confidence, creativity, and inner resilience.

ZEN...WHAT A BOOST

Follow Zen Boy’s Journey

Zen Boy is coming soon! Stay in the loop for book updates, mindfulness tips, and sneak peeks:

X (formerly Twitter): @ZenBoyBooks

Instagram: @zenboybooks

Threads: zenboybooks

Pinterest: ZenBoyBooks

TikTok: @zenboy_books