Category Archives: islamic fiction

Nov14

Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

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Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

This 32 page large 10 x 10 hardback book explores how we are all different and unique, while also being the same too.  The illustrations and text present a nice way for children to learn that Allah swt created us all to be different in our appearances, what foods we like, how we dress, how we speak, but come together to all say Assalamu alaykum and stand foot-to-foot to pray.  Some of the refrains are a bit abrupt, and it really focuses a lot on physical descriptions and food, the target audience though of preschool to early elementary, will see themselves in the book, probably even a character that looks like them, and expand their understanding of al-Khaliq creating them all.

 

The book starts with an ayat from Surah al-Hujurat and then starts by asking the audience to imagine a world were everyone is the same.  It highlights that Allah created each of us starting with prophet Adam (as) to be just as we are, with different traits. From there, neighbors are introduced: their names, country of origin and favorite foods that all come together to make a table of sharing.

In school the students look different and play different, in the city the different building types are shown to come together, and in the masjid our hearts are in sync when we pray. The text concludes asking the reader to highlight five ways they are unique and a hadith in Arabic along with its English translation.

Nov8

Eliyas Explains Phenomenal Women in Islam by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

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Eliyas Explains Phenomenal Women in Islam by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

Another wonderful Eliyas Explains book that targets elementary readers with a relatable, funny, likeable voice that weaves in information, heart, faith, and humor in a way that makes them favorites at my house, even after my children have aged out of the target demographic. I particularly enjoyed this 106 page focus on women in Islam, because like the others in the series it is sourced, illustrated, and engaging, but I felt the cover story linking the facts was also compelling. I genuinely didn’t know what the family was going to do about the expo mix-up, and was invested in not just the Islamic role-modeling of how the family would handle the set back, and what historical woman it would be connected to, but also what they were going to do with all the Qur’an Match games, and I assure you, I didn’t see the resolution coming, or the twists that followed.  I always appreciate that the author’s books don’t talk down to the readers and with the information contained, I think both children hearing the stories for the first time or those that know them well, benefit.  The way they are presented serves as a reminder for some or a tease for others to go learn more.  Alhumdulillah for this series and this book that highlights Khadija (ra), Fatima (ra), Aisha (ra), Maryam (as), Hajar (as), and Aasiya. As prices for goods continue to soar, this reasonably priced book should be an auto buy for us all.

SYNOPSIS:

Eliyas and his family are heading to an expo to set up their booth and help their Mum sell her Qur’an Match game.  Mum is a little nervous and the road trip is the perfect setting to talk about phenomenal women in Islam to give her confidence and the kids some teachable moments.  The kids are wowed by the business savvy and status of Khadija bint Khuwaylid (ra), and they want to hear about the other  women promised jannah.  Little sister Aasiya is particularly interested in who she was named after.  Once they get to the expo though, things are not as expected.  The organizers have no record of the stall reservation, tickets are sold out, and Yusuf goes missing.  Alhumdulillah, Mum stays level headed and the family trusts Allah swt to provide them with something better.  The remainder of the book is the family taking what comes at them and making the best of each situation as they make their way home, share more stories, and enjoy each adventure as it comes.

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the subject and how it is presented.  I always appreciate the sourcing given at the beginning so that the stress of accuracy is abated. The writing quality allows you to be sitting right there with Eliyas in the car taking it all in.  I know that many Eliyas books have workbook style prompts at the end, but I was glad this particular one is just a straight story read.  The illustrations as always are comical, and I can’t wait to see what is up next in the series.

FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISUSSION:

My kids read it and we talked and laughed, and I recommend it and the whole series for 2nd-4th grade classrooms to have for kids to read, enjoy and learn from, alhumdulillah.

Sep14

Momo & Bronty’s first book about Prophet Muhammad (saw) by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

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Momo & Bronty’s first book about Prophet Muhammad (saw) by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

I’ve mentioned it numerous times over the years how few children’s books there are about Prophet Muhammad (saw), and I love that this new book by Zanib Mian is a wonderfully illustrated 14 page board book for toddlers introducing them to some of the basics about our beloved Rasulallah. Momo and his toy dinosaur Bronty are featured in the illustrations, but do not dominate the text, which keeps the focus on Prophet Muhammad (saw) being the last of Allah’s messengers sent to tell us Allah is One, that the salutation is said after his name, and that he is always smiling, truthful, and making duas for us all, his ummah. I read the book a few times to myself and stumbled over some of the short sentences, but oddly enough when I read it aloud to my kindergartner it flowed fine. I always read picture books aloud before writing my reviews, as I was taught to read my essays aloud in school before submitting them, to effectively find errors. So, I’m not sure why for this book, I stumbled when reading to myself, but not aloud, a first for everything I suppose. The last spread though I did benefit from reading beforehand, as the order of what text comes next is not clear on first look. The pictures contain a lot of accessible details and discussion points and even early elementary aged children will find themselves drawn to the book, the reminders, the messaging and the simple text.

The board book is not just a list of facts, but doesn’t have a plot either, it is somewhere in between as it stays on level and flows between ideas, keeping the readers engaged. It starts by explaining that Allah swt sent Prophet Muhammad to us, the Qur’an through him, the message he carried, and why we love him. It shows that he exemplifies what a Muslim is and gives some examples, it then highlights that “His face was more beautiful than the full shining moon” and that “he played with little ones and made them laugh.” It concludes with connecting us, his ummah, as being important to him as he knew “the message he brought from Allah,” would spread.

Aug5

Academy Story by Naim Hammami

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Academy Story by Naim Hammami

I dnfed this elementary aged book a few months ago, and pulled it back out feeling obligated that the publisher sent it to me and, I ought to read it.  So, I did, and it is not well-written, but since I read it, I’m writing a review, and hopefully sparing y’all the same frustration.  The cover is pretty cool, so is the idea, and the Islam is centralized and prioritized, but the story reads like an introduction, yes a 152 page introduction.  It repeats itself so often, it contradicts itself within the repeated ideas, and then moves forward at a snails place before ending.  I think it wanted to end on a cliff hanger, but because so little is accomplished up until that point, it feels like it doesn’t end at a climax, but rather the start of the action, which is irritating.  It feels like the author started telling a story orally about a family in a kingdom that when they finish primary school either continue to secondary school or find themselves in a secret academy, and no one knows how they are chosen, or what the academy is like; someone heard that much and told the author to write a book, and they did.  There is no character development, drawing the reader in, suspense, imaginative language, or refinement, it reads rough and I don’t know if it is because it is translated, or because there was never much to work with, but if you have seen this book, and were excited to see an Islam centered adventure story, sadly I’d say pass, it misses the mark.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with centralizing three siblings, Fatima, Suhayl, and Harun.  Fatima is the oldest and is a second mother serving her family, cooking, and apparently enjoys reading, she was not chosen for the Academy and is still bothered by it.  Suhayl is the protagonist who hates school, and Harun is the little brother who is still in primary school.  The first few chapters are the repetitive circling of anticipation and excitement for finding out who gets in to the Academy at home and talking about what little is known about the Academy, and why it is important as today is the day Suhayl will find out.  Why they had no idea about the Academy before breakfast on the day he is going to find out, is beyond me, the world building was an info dump, repeated in the following chapter when Suhayl is now at school.  His friends all discuss that they are going to find out about the Academy, only then to contradict that whole build up and wonder IF they will find out about the Academy today.  We meet the friends, find out some of them have parents that went to the Academy, but do not talk about, as they are not allowed.  The reader is not told what the benefits of having gone to the academy are either, outside of knowing all educators have been trained there.  The book then says how Suhayl doesn’t have friends and proceeds to discuss how close he and his friends are.  When the assembly starts the class learns there is no Academy announcement and no end of the year field trip, instead they will have to come up with a challenge, that is optional, to do over the school holidays.  After rounds of voting and a weird power flex, a business challenge with rules is established and the winner gets to leave school if they want. Suhayl is determined to win, he and his buddy, Yusuf, decide to make fans using the Venturi Effect to sell at their stall and try and make the most profit and win.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like the premise, the artwork, the Muslim characters, I even like the business, life-lessons and science explanation of the fan.  I don’t understand how it makes Suhayl’s fan more effective than a regular fan, but the book has bigger problems. I know for many author’s writing is figuring it out or making it up as you go, so I realize the ridiculousness of saying that this book feels like the book is being made up on the spot. It is writing quality that allows readers to get lost in a story, enjoy the words, and connect to the characters knowing that the author has control of a story and taken care of the required elements of a completed book.  The rules of the challenge and how they were to finalize the idea, seemed so scattered, that combined with the weak writing, and repetitive premise building, made the intrigue of a whispered about Academy seem like a completely separate story.

Additionally, I don’t understand the stressing of the three siblings, The book is only about one, Suhayl, and his friends, yet each have a “character profile sheet,” but they are not all together at the start, or even the end.  One profile sheet is at the end of chapter 2, one at the end of chapter 4, and then the third at the end of chapter 6.  If the point is that as the series progresses you will see the sibling more, and it is meant to garner interest, the choice assumed that readers will stick around for a series, and I don’t think the book at hand, will pull readers in to see how the series pans out.

FLAGS:
Secrets, business deception

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

If the book were donated I would shelve it, but I would not seek it out to shelve.

Jul3

Trains & Trainers by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

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Trains & Trainers by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

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This 36 page picture book about siblings, one with autism, is much needed in the Islamic fiction sphere to shine a light and bring awareness.  My concern, though, which is a big one, is that no where in the story or backmatter or even dedication does it hint that the author has first had experience with an autistic individual.  The lack of transparency makes it hard to feel at ease reading the story.  Is it tokenism, is it assumption based, is it stereotypical, is it accurate?  The take away message shouldn’t be affected, Allah swt has made us all unique and special, but when it states in the back matter so generically, to “ask an adult to help you find out more about autism,” it makes the book feel inauthentic. Now for all I know the author has an autistic child or sibling, but that is kind of the point, I don’t know, and because I don’t know, I don’t know if this book is valid.  Literary wise the book is decent, there are heavy handed speeches from the mom, where it might have been nice to see the main character learn those same lessons on his own, but it is often the nature of Islamic fiction books, and this book handles it better than most.  I did cringe at the illustrations with the children wearing trainers in the house.  I know it is part of the plot, but even my kids noticed right away and felt it was off. Perhaps Muslims taking off their shoes at home is not as universal as it once was, and no it isn’t just the autistic child wearing shoes while sitting on the sofa.

The book starts with a young boy quietly turning on the TV as to not alert his older brother to what he is doing, the blaring music though betrays him, and Badr stands in front of the TV blocking Malik from seeing the outcome of Zymbot and Fungulga’s battle.  In frustration he pushes his autistic, non verbal brother, which makes Badr cry and gets Malik a chat from his Mama.

The mom and sons then head to the store, but on the way there, they stop at a train crossing and watch the railcars pass by.  At the store Malik wants to get a toy train, but Mama reminds him that a toy such as that will not last long in their house.  Once again Malik feels his life is hindered by his brother. He says things in frustration that he doesn’t really mean, and regrets, but again gets him some guidance from his mother.

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At home, his Mama prays and Malik contemplates what his Mama goes through.  Badr, who often plays in his own way, then starts playing and pulls Malik into his fun too.

Jun8

The Story of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha by Humera Malik illstrated by Basmah Syadza

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The Story of Hajj and Eid Al-Adha by Humera Malik illstrated by Basmah Syadza

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This early chapter book discusses some of the key parts of Hajj and Eid al-Adha in a fictionalized manner.  A young girl, Sumayyah, spending the weekend with her grandparents finds an old photo album of their trip to Hajj, and bed time, walks to the park, and baking muffins, all provide great opportunities for grandma and grandpa to share their experience, the Islamic concepts, and the historical roots of this pillar of Islam.  The book is presented in a gentle way with concepts explained in broad terms, some related to experiences Sumayyah can relate to, and kept light and age appropriate.  The book is not particularly detailed, or even as informative as many picture books, but allows early independent readers to emerge themselves in the story, pick up on familiar and new facts, and hopefully gain a bit of an overview about Hajj and Eid al Adha.  Their isn’t a plot, it is characters and their dialogue providing a framing for the concepts to be shared.  The illustrations are sweet and make it accessible to the target audience, and while the author’s note acknowledges that further information can and should be sought from people of knowledge.  I really wish this book would have sources or a scholars approval, or where to go for more information.  Overall, a good book for our kids, and an easy read that they will benefit from, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with establishing the characters, the photo album, and the curiosity surrounding it all.  There are nine chapters in the book: The Photo Album, Prophet Ibrahim, Ihram, Tawaf, Sayy, Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and The Ka’bah.  The titles really outline the book and what it covers.  The rituals are explained and the historical concept given and often linked to something Sumayyah and her grandparents are doing.  For example, Sumayyah is inspired by Hajarah’s bravery running between As-Safah and Al-Marwah and uses that to fuel her determination to tackle the zip line at the park.

I enjoyed the approach to the content, it doesn’t just list everything as steps or facts.  The history, the acts of hajj, blend together to make it read like a story, even with the predictable framing of teaching the character to teach the reader.  My 8 year old knows a lot of the facts and details, but could chat about them a bit more after reading this book, alhumdulillah.

Jun7

A Letter to the Beloved: Dear Prophet Muhammad (saw) by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Rumeysa Abis

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A Letter to the Beloved: Dear Prophet Muhammad (saw) by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Rumeysa Abis

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I was a little skeptical about a 32 page rhyming letter to our beloved Rasullah, illustrated in book format, but it is cute and it won me over.  The rhythm keeps the rhyme from feeling too forced and allows for some forgiveness when it misses the mark, it also makes the book appeal to a wider audience. Even my preschooler could sit through it pretty well.  The book being the letter without any stilted framing, has a lovely authentic voice of a young boy, also named Muhammad, asking the Prophet (saw) questions and chatting in a very stream of conscience sort of way. It blends facts that the young boy knows with his stresses and asking the Prophet for advice.  The font is meant to look like a child wrote it, but it is a little cumbersome for children to read, and even adults (me) during read alouds.  I do wish the book was sourced, nothing really seemed wrong, but having it sourced or approved by a scholar is just a reassurance to the reader, and in my view a responsibility of the author.  The only line I didn’t like was near the end, when the boy hopes “that you will remember me, from this letter I am writing you.”  I feel like it will confuse kids, is the letter being sent? How would he know you when you’ve never met? What will be done with the letter once written? The illustrations are hit or miss, some are absolutely lovely, others a bit off, for example a music book on top of a picture of Masjid an Nabawi and the Kaaba, some also easier for small groups to see than others.  For kids there really aren’t a lot of books about Prophet Muhammad saw that are not textbook like in their portrayal, so I like the approach this takes, I just wish a few things were tweaked.

The book dives right in, with Muhamad introducing himself to our Prophet, he writes that he was named after him, and all about his family.  He then starts to tell what he knows about Prophet Muhammad, and questions he would like to ask.  Its a one sided discussion about siblings, smiles, appearances, kindness, and generosity.

The little boy then wants to know about Buraq, splitting the moon, talking to angels, standing out numbered at Badr.  It then turns to food and the little boy wondering about if RasulAllah would like mustard and relish, and burgers.  

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He imagines the Prophet visiting and leading his family in prayer and the scent that would then linger.  The boy hopes to meet him in Jannah, and promises to do his best to follow Allah’s decree. He signs off and sends salawat upon the Prophet. There is then a place for readers to write their own letters to the Prophet.  

May26

Sheba: The Good Muslim Cat by Carima Elfarrah illustrated by Aaron Yusuf

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Sheba: The Good Muslim Cat by Carima Elfarrah illustrated by Aaron Yusuf

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I was really looking forward to this book about Muslims and cats.  Every masjid seems to have cats all over the world, and while feline friends often sneak into Islamic fiction books about other things, I liked the idea of giving a cat the spotlight.  Alas, the rhyming text, the examples given, the inspiration shared in the backmatter, the angel imagery, and the ambitious glossary made this small 8×8 inch 32 page picture book rather off putting and ultimately forgettable unfortunately. The cat remains at the family home, and basically just hangs out with the family when they read Quran, pray, get up for fajr, and the cat is patient when waiting for food or water.  Sure it makes it a nice cat, but with a title implying this cat is a “Good Muslim,” I really expected more.  I appreciate the hadith at the end, but it is not sourced, and the cat with a halo and wings signals Christian imagery, that doesn’t align with the tone of the book.  Additionally, the idea of the book comes from a story of a Syrian scholar who had a conversation with a cat. I’m not saying it did or did not happen, but it seems a little bit of a stretch for my cynical brain.  The book reads for toddler and preschool Muslims, but the glossary reads copy and pasted from Wikipedia for non Muslim adults.  The small size makes the book impossible for group story times, and it can be hard to read at times because the text often runs over the pictures making it hard to see.  Ultimately though, while my toddler enjoyed it well enough the first time, he has not asked for the book again despite it sitting on my side table for weeks, which is probably more insightful than my review.

The book starts with a young boy introducing his family cat, Sheba, who has sapphire eyes. The family is Muslim and the boy is confident his cat is too because she hangs around his dad when he reads Quran, she comes running when salah time comes, she plays with the imam (the dad) after the last salaam, and she waits patiently for food and water when her bowls are empty.  She cries at fajr to wake the boy up and he hopes that on the day of judgement she will attest to the good the family did for her.

The backmatter includes the story of Shiekh Shukari, a scholar in Damascus that spoke to a cat, then a two page spread glossary, and author and illustrator bios. The illustrations aren’t particularly spectacular, the boy at the beginning seems much older on some of the pages compared to others, although his clothes stay the same.  I didn’t like the angel imagery, perhaps I’m erroneous, but none-the-less it felt off to me.

May13

Allah Made Me Beautiful by Layla Izruna illustrated by Laila Radhani

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Allah Made Me Beautiful by Layla Izruna illustrated by Laila Radhani

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This 6×6 board book is 18 pages of affirming and celebrating that no matter what we look like, “the Best of Shapers, shaped us all.” The little size, the rhyming lines, the repetition of the phrase “Allah made me beautiful” on the right page of each spread, is what you would expect from a board book meant for newborns and up.  The rhyme and cadence levels out after the first page, and makes for a sweet easy read.  The mirror on the last page with a hadith in English and Arabic is particularly nice.  The illustrations and text are intentionally diverse and inclusive and with the Islamic centering the book is good for starting discussions as well.

The book is no literary masterpiece, but sometimes it doesn’t need to be, to be a staple read on repeat to our little believers.  This book dives right in on the first page, there are no copyright or dedications that have to be flipped through.  It is numerous pages of examples of how Allah swt made us all different: straight hair, curly hair, twins, larger body size, skin color, mobility, freckles, glasses etc. The end spread, before the mirror, is the conclusion that our “looks have been perfected by Him, tying it all together.

The illustrations are engaging, and simple, but detailed enough to foster dialogue if desired and while the small size would make using it at story time impossible, I think little hands and little hearts will benefit from knowing that we are different, but just as Allah swt intended us to look.

The book is available from the publisher Prolance directly, or here on Amazon 

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