Dudley schoolboy, 7, becomes published author after writing poem celebrating his family's homeland

A seven-year-old boy from Dudley has become a published author after turning an unforgettable family trip into a colourful poem celebrating the beauty of Pakistan and the importance of discovering your heritage.

Qasim Muhammad’s poem, Pretty Pakistan, has been professionally published in Our Stories Our World, the UK’s first nationally curated child-led anthology after being selected alongside just 19 other young writers from across the UK.

Inspired by a visit to see family in Pakistan, Qasim’s poem captures the excitement of experiencing a different country through the eyes of a young explorer.

From tasting spicy samosas and traditional Pakistani tea to hearing the call to prayer echo across the sky and helping his grandmother milk a cow in the countryside, Pretty Pakistan celebrates the sights, sounds and memories that made the trip so special.

Qasim said: “I wanted to write about Pakistan because it’s such a beautiful place and I wanted other children to see how amazing it is. I loved visiting my family and trying lots of different foods.

“I hope my poem encourages other children to learn about where their families come from and to be proud of their culture.”

Written in playful rhyming verse, the poem brings Pakistan to life through a child’s imagination, describing bustling streets, colourful traditional clothing, delicious food and unforgettable family moments.

One of the poem’s most touching moments comes when Qasim describes hearing the adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, for the first time during his visit. He writes: “A beautiful noise echoed in the spectacular sky. The adhan made my mum cry!”.

As his adventure draws to a close, Qasim bids farewell with the heartfelt words: “Good-bye, pretty Pakistan. It was an honour to see your beauty.” Qasim’s poem is one of twenty stories and poems featured in Our Stories Our World, created by eight-year-old literacy advocate and Guinness World Record holder Jayce Joyce as part of his mission to inspire more children to become readers, writers and leaders.

The anthology celebrates children’s voices while exploring themes including family, travel, culture, identity and belonging.

The publication comes during the National Year of Reading, as concern continues to grow over children’s declining reading for pleasure and increasing screen time.

Jayce Joyce said: “Qasim’s poem is a wonderful celebration of curiosity, culture and family. Through his words, readers can experience Pakistan through the eyes of a child, reminding us that travel isn’t just about seeing new places it’s about understanding people, traditions and where we come from.”