“Creativity does not wait for age; it grows when it is nurtured with care and patience.”
As the quote denotes, five-year-old Heyra has made history after being recognised as Malaysia’s Youngest Author by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) in December 2025. Born on 5 December 2020, her achievement stands as a gentle reminder that creativity, emotional awareness and storytelling can emerge at a remarkably young age.
Heyra is the author of a children’s storybook titled Heyra, the Big Sister, inspired by a deeply personal chapter in her life, the arrival of her baby sister. During this period, Heyra’s mother was hospitalised for an extended time following childbirth, leading to a separation that proved emotionally challenging for the young child.
According to her mother, Heyra began sharing daily stories about how she spent her days while her mother was away. These narrations, filled with imagination, honesty and emotion, gradually became the foundation of the book.
“She would tell me stories every day about what she did, how she felt and what she missed,” her mother said. “They were sincere and deeply emotional.”
“Heyra’s journey shows that storytelling can be both a form of emotional expression and healing, even at a young age.”
Unbeknownst to Heyra at the time, her mother documented these daily narrations. When Heyra later discovered that her words had been preserved, she suggested turning them into a book, a moment that surprised and delighted her family. Over the following months, the stories were developed through conversations, storytelling sessions and illustrations, allowing Heyra to work at her own pace in a comfortable and pressure-free environment.
To mark her golden birthday, her parents made a meaningful decision to complete and officially publish the book on 5 December 2025. The date now represents not only her birthday, but also the beginning of her journey as a young author.
Heyra’s inclination towards storytelling had been evident from an early age. Her parents observed her natural ability to narrate experiences, express emotions and create imaginative stories through drawings and conversation. While challenges such as maintaining focus and organising ideas arose, the process was thoughtfully adapted to suit her age, ensuring that creativity remained joyful rather than demanding.
“My role was to guide and encourage her without forcing creativity,” her mother explained. “I managed the technical aspects while making sure she felt confident and proud of what she created.”
The Malaysia Book of Records recognition was revealed during Heyra’s golden birthday celebration, which also marked the official launch of her book. The announcement was kept entirely as a surprise, with even her father unaware of the honour.
“When the announcement was made, there was shock, followed by tears,” her mother said. “What began as a birthday celebration turned into an unforgettable milestone for our family.”
Looking ahead, Heyra has expressed excitement about continuing her writing journey. Heyra, the Big Sister is the first book in a planned series, with her family committed to nurturing her creativity in a supportive and natural way.
The book is available through direct orders and selected platforms, with updates shared on Heyra’s official Instagram page, @heyra_jeganath.
