Category Archives: Kg-2nd

Jan28

Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

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Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

I have read this book dozens of times and I honestly don’t know how I feel about it. If you remove the title and second to last page and just READ the words, the book could be about any holiday that you might clean and decorate for, that would involve giving gifts, putting on henna, wearing new clothes, praying, and sharing food at. The illustrations imply that it is a Muslim holiday with about half the women in the pictures wearing hijab, and a few decor items that say Eid Mubarak in English and Arabic, but readers that are unaware or unfamiliar might not grasp that it is faith based at all, and the Author’s Note mentions, but doesn’t detail much about the religious significance either. During one reading, I felt it also could almost seem like a mystery, that the title just happens to ruin. The cat Nylah goes to different houses on the street seeing and hearing the tidying and banner hanging and gift wrapping occurring, but doesn’t know why no one has time for her, until the big reveal that it is Eid. I think for little non reading kids that actually might be my approach, to share the book without the title and back blurb and see if they can figure out why everyone is too busy to play with Nylah.  I don’t know that it is tokenism, or that Islam is left out to make the book palatable for the Western gaze, I could be wrong though, I really just think this is the author’s style.  Having read her chapter books that always center animals, feature community, and include Muslim names, I think this is just an extension of her lyrical writing in her debut picture book. The book would work for either Eid, but the backmatter is the author’s reflection on Ramadan and Eid al Fitr.  I know I’m the minority that struggles with Islamic holiday books that leave out the Islam, so for those of you that do not find it disappointing, the book is sweet.  Nylah is a cat that is welcome and known to the entire neighborhood, to come and go as she pleases, the age engaging illustrations complimented by the cadence and rhythm of the structure, lines, and diction are easy to read aloud to groups of all sizes, and hold the attention of 3 year old children and up.

The book starts with a family “wiping and scrubbing, tidying and sorting, everything in sight.”  When no one has time to play with Nylah, she heads outside under the crescent moon, and goes next door to Bilal’s house, where he and his family are decorating.  When she tries to play with the ribbon, she is once again told they are too busy to play, so she slips into Reem’s house where they are doing henna.  This continues from one house to another until the next morning when her family all dressed wakes her up to go to the park with them for prayers and Nylah realizes it is Eid.  Now the children are not too busy and everyone plays with Nylah.

Yeah, I know, taking a cat to Eid prayers sounds wild to me too, kids love imagining though what chaos might ensue.  There is enough hinted at that Muslim families can find the clues and make the book more religious or holiday centered, but I wish it showed the cat seeing praying or reading Quran, hearing the athan or thikr, or something that would ground the book in Islam, but alas, it does not.

The book concludes with an Author’s Note and scanable QR Code for a free audio reading.

Jan27

Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story by Nada Shawish Dutka illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

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Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story by Nada Shawish Dutka illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia


We can always use more Eid al Fitr stories, but to stand out in an increasingly crowded field, really requires something special, impeccable story telling, and repeatability.  Unfortunately for me, this book just comes up short.  Food centered books are already so over done, toss in small font that nearly bleeds into the binding where you would hold the book for story times, top it off with a vague story lacking the OWN voice charm that a religious holiday centered book, by a Muslim, that is noted to be slightly autobiographical should have, and the recipe is just going to feel lacking.  There isn’t anything “wrong” with the book, it just doesn’t really seem like it will be memorable or asked for again. Focusing on a mom and daughter moving the night before Eid, the book has elements of adjustment, new traditions, change, nerves, salat, iftaar, looking for the moon and making a new friend- layers that should resonate with readers, but somehow for me, stayed on the surface of this 32 page book for preschool to early elementary aged children.

The book starts with the protagonist talking about the city where she was born, the community, the family atmosphere, and her mama’s famous Eid cookies.  But this year will be different, it is almost Eid and Reem and her mama are moving away from the city to a house with a yard. Reem is not excited, in fact, she spends much of the drive feeling carsick.  Once they arrive it is time to unpack, break their fast, pray and look for the moon.  The excitement of making making cookies with her Mama sustains her, until she notices the walnuts are missing. Change is inevitable, and Mama is determined to show Reem that they can make do with what they have.  When neighbors come over to welcome them to the neighborhood, a new friend might be just what Reem needs to settle in.

The book seems to be deliberately vague, and I don’t know that it will bother children, but it bothered the journalist in me.  Why are they moving, what city are they leaving, is Sarah Muslim or just knows to say Eid Mubarak, but doesn’t say walaikumasalam.  I also feel like the publisher didn’t properly invest in the book.  The text is tiny, when ample space is available on nearly every spread.  Blocks of text on the lower inner binding make one’s hand cover the words when reading to a group, and certain paragraphs seem to be erroneous or at the very least awkward.  Take for example this paragraph when they are unpacking, that I stumbled over every time I read it. “Tonight, it’ll be just me and Mama who look from between tall boxes.” Maybe it is in reference to looking for the moon, but the next page does have her and Mama planning to look for the moon.  Similarly, when the walnuts can’t be found, Reem wants to go back, but Mama says the store is too far. The mother in me was fuming that she didn’t see it was more than about the nuts, go give the girl a hug. Earlier Reem remarks that “Finally, Mama kept her promise,” in regards to the cookies, but is it finally they are making cookies or does Mama not normally keep her promises. I know I’m being picky, but it starts to add up, the reader doesn’t feel that Mama and Reem are in this together. That they listen to each other. So it is hard to get emotionally invested. And when I review I try and unearth why a book doesn’t work for me, and all these little hiccups for me, become obstacles that keep the book from being great.  Sadly all it needs is some good editing and my critiques really could have been resolved, sigh.

Even though the book is set at Eid, and shows the mom and daughter praying, they say salaam, they look for the moon, there is no real Eid as a religious holiday stressed, the focus is the cookies and the new friend.  Culture also seems to be noticeably absent, the cookies are Arab, the phrase “Al Harakah Barakah” is Arabic, but it isn’t sourced, the reader is never told where that sentiment comes from and it isn’t explored as much as the inner flap would suggest. The book concludes with an author’s note and a recipe for ma’amoul.

 

Jan26

The Eidi Bag by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Shiva Delsooz

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The Eidi Bag by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Shiva Delsooz

This adorable 32 page picture book, is not just a story about celebrating Eid al fitr, it weaves in themes of culture, faith, anticipation, disappointment, change, and appreciation.  It is Sarah’s first Eid in a new country and she has made herself a new Eidi bag just for the occasion, to collect the money she will receive from friends and family to celebrate the holiday, and then use to buy treats to share.  Except other than her parents and grandfather, no one gives her Eidi.  She longs for Pakistan and the traditions that she is used to, when slowly she sees that new and different traditions can also be fun and filled with love and joy.  The slow realization and protagonist point of view are skillfully done in keeping the story engaging, the arc smooth, and the lessons nuanced.  The beautiful illustrations, tug at your heart and bring the story to life making me confident that it will be a highly sought after addition to any book shelf for story time, bedtime or independent readers, Muslim and non Muslim alike.

The book starts with Sarah running into the kitchen on Eid morning to show her Mama her Eidi bag and ask for her Eidi. Her Mama lovingly gives in and reminds her that it isn’t polite to ask for Eidi.  Sarah repeats the requests when Baba and Dada ji enter, and Mama rolls her eyes.  The family is then off to the masjid to pray, listen to the khutba and give donations.  At each turn of greeting friends, Sarah shows off her bag, and yet no one offers her Eidi, much to her confusion.  On the way home Sarah is missing Pakistan and recalling how full her bag would be if she were there.

Once home, Mama is busy in the kitchen getting ready for guests to come by. Sarah notices that they will be coming at a certain time, not in and out all day long like before.  When the guests, Muslim and non Muslim, start to arrive they each bring a gift, baklava, flowers, candies, a little plant, and even a set of 40 markers just for Sarah, that she can store in her Eidi bag.

I love that even though it could very easily come across as whiney, or with money being discussed, greedy, it doesn’t.  The book is very tender, and you feel the emotions of Sarah in a new place adjusting to what her expectations are to the reality, and adapting. Being kind of dismissed at Eid also was very reflective as children everywhere get a bit jostle with all the hugging and greetings flying around above their heads. I also love that the neighbors come, including a friend named Jessica, modeling for non Muslims what they too can expect if invited to an Eid party. Someone brings baklava, not a traditional Pakistani dish, also showing the diversity within Islam, subtly adding an additional beautiful layer to the story.

The book concludes with an Author’s note and a glossary.  A great book that will work for both Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

Jan23

Saif’s Special Patches by Humera Malik illustrated by Ravan Sader

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Saif’s Special Patches by Humera Malik illustrated by Ravan Sader

I really had no idea what this book was going to be about, and the first page or so seemed a little off with the child not knowing about the quilt he was wrapped up in, but. oh. my. heart! Every subsequent turn of the page was a hug from Saif’s patch made quilt straight to my cynical soul.  The infusion of Islam as such a part of his daily activities, his loving family and environment, and the reminder that labels can both hurt and inspire is beautifully done. The illustrations, the tone, and the messaging, is great for kids that have been called “just shy” and everyone who has ever doubted themselves (i.e. everyone) with it’s relatable emotions, and reminder that like a quilt, we are still growing.  I cannot wait for this book to be released and I can enjoy a physical copy to share in classrooms, libraries, and bedrooms. One of the best picture books I’ve read in a while, thank you.

The book starts with Ami asking Saif why he isn’t outside playing basketball with his friends.  He replies, that he “is shy.”  His mother shows him that the quilt is made of patches of Saif: experiences he has had. She shows him a patch and helps him recall the memory attached to it,  starting with last Eid when he was brave and went down the big slide. As he joins in the recollection, he then owns the label that he is brave.  It isn’t that easy though, he tries to be smart like his brother and read a lot, but reading is hard, his brother reminds him he is smart and points out the patch from when he won the scavenger hunt.  Swimming, helping at the masjid, reading Quran, calling the athan, all help Saif to realize he is more than just shy, more than one label, and that he is still growing.

I love the relatability of what Saif is going through, and even though so many of the settings and examples are Muslim centered, the book will resonate with all readers, of all ages.  A tear or more two may have stumbled out as I saw little me in the illustrations and the scenarios, and I have never been called shy. The book releases in March and is traditionally published, meaning plenty of time to pre-order a copy and request your library to shelve it, as it will be available wherever books are sold.

Jan22

Owl & Cat Learn about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Emma Apple

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Owl & Cat Learn about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Emma Apple

img_8455-1I have loved many an Emma Apple book over the years, but it has been a minute since a new one has been published. So imagine my delight and anticipation to see my soft spot for Prophet Muhammad (saw) kids books combined with the silly doodling antics of Owl and Cat? And then I read the first page. “Prophet Muhammad  peace be upon him was born in the city of Mecca in the year 570 on a Monday in April.” I think it is widely understood there is a level of uncertainty as to the date of his birth, and that’s really quite specific for no apparent reason. This is precisely why I’ve recently become a HUGE advocate of sourcing non fiction. Once something rubs you the wrong way in a book, or accuracy is questioned, it is really hard to move past it, even in a book meant for preschoolers.  The rest of the 66 pages read at times like a sentence from a biography and at other times are filled with general characteristics of what RasulAllah taught, how he treated people, and how he lead. The illustrations are cute, more serious than funny in this book, as the topic is a bit more demanding of love and respect. I think for basic information, or to add to the uniform yellow cover collection, this book is a good addition.  With the mix of specifics and generalized vagueness it isn’t going to hold attention of young readers without some embellishment, my nine year old honestly got more out of it than my five year old did.

I haven’t gone back and checked if Ramadan and Hajj and Islam have held up over time, so maybe my standards were lower.  None-the-less there are a lot of really cute spreads, and good information in the book, unfortunately I just found it a little disappointing, that it wasn’t sourced.  Even basic information benefits from the reassurance that it is accurate.  I purchased my copy here from Crescent Moon Bookstore and if you think it will be a good fit, I highly encourage you to shop small as well.

Jan8

Kamal’s Key by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Sophia Soliman

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Kamal’s Key by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Sophia Soliman

This 44 page hardback book gently, yet powerfully, focuses on the Palestinian resistance symbol of the key, by sharing a multi generational tale of new beginnings, heartache, hope, and resilience. The writing is moving, and flows with simple lines, beautiful illustrations, and maintaining a focus on a singular theme. So often well meaning books about oppression, war, politics, try and include numerous details that the picture book suffers in its appeal to younger audiences, the opposite is often true with books being so generalized that it isn’t clear exactly where refugees are from or what turmoil is being discussed. This book strikes a beautiful balance of calling the incoming occupiers a dark cloud and not giving them space or attention, while focusing on Palestinian experiences through a lens of hope, joy, and love.

The book starts with the key. It is a beginning to Kamal’s home. It is on his belt at his wedding, it is the beginning of his and Huda’s new life starting together, a symbol of their home when their son is born. It is the beginning of Jalal’s imaginative play of using it as a dhulfiqar. It is secured around Huda’s neck when they are forced to leave their home, and find refuge in tents. It is hung when the tents become walls.

One day Jalal takes it down, when the hurt in his father’s eyes is too much for him to witness. When Jalal becomes a father though to Salma, the key becomes her toy, her microphone, her connection. When Kamal gifts the key to his granddaughter it becomes her art, her poetry, her necklace, a symbol of her hope and a people’s right to return.

I’ve read this story a few times to myself, as well as with my children, and I only wish it was a little larger in size. It works well one-on-one or with a few, but it is a story that needs to be shared in large story time groups, and the 9 x 9 inch size makes it a bit difficult.

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The book concludes with an author’s note, an illustrator’s note and a glossary, not just of terms, but traditions, concepts, and information about the song. I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon Store.

Jan1

Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

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Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

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I have five children, I have taught second grade, I have shelved, recommended, and read aloud a number of early chapter books for the better part of the last 20 years, so when I say that this book changes the standard of what a book (series) for this demographic can and should be, I do not say it lightly. Yes, I am bias, the author is a dear friend, but Amina has layers, growth, insight, struggles, warmth, heart, and all the other glowing adjectives normally associated with beloved books and characters for older readers. This book is the first in a series of four, and each book is somehow better than the previous. At 126 pages with a robust backmatter that includes scientific extensions, a recipe for ful mdamas, and a note from the author, I am confident that children of all ages, everywhere, caregivers, parents and educators alike will all fall in love with Amina, cheer for her, laugh with her, and be enamored with her attitude, perseverance, and joy.

SYNOPSIS:
Amina loves having a plan, a formula in fact, and when she arrives in Indiana as a refugee from Syria she is determined to make friends in 3rd grade.  Things don’t always go as expected, but alhumdulillah Amina doesn’t stay down: classmates, family, and determination combine to help the clever, yellow-loving protagonist find a way to rework her experiments, accept what she can and cannot control, and succeed in making this new country feel a little bit like home.

WHY I LOVE IT:
I adore the humor, unapologetic Islam, the rich Syrian culture woven in, and Amina’s approach to life.  So often early chapter book protagonists are obnoxious, annoying, crude almost, bratty, arrogant, and repetitive, Amina is none of those things.  She is vulnerable and strong, confident, yet nervous, hopeful, but worried, she is tangibly real in a way that readers will see themselves and relate.  I love the humor of idioms being confusing, and the heart of seeing what the parents have sacrificed and are willing to sacrifice by starting over in a new place.  The illustrations add to the experience of drawing reluctant readers in and will help those transitioning from picture books to chapter books be immersed by the story.  As always the author’s writing is impeccable and the story well-crafted.

FLAGS:

There is some teasing, reflections on why Syria was left, the journey to America, and hardship.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
This book is ideal for classroom, library, and home shelves.  It would be a wonderful classroom read aloud and works equally as well at bedtime.  My children college to elementary have all read and loved Amina, and I highly encourage preordering so that your children will get a chance to fall in love with her too.

 

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.

Nov11

The Gift of Eid by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrayed by Aaliya Jaleel

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The Gift of Eid by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrayed by Aaliya Jaleel

With heartfelt words and large two-page spread illustrations, this beautiful book shares a mother and daughter finding the perfect Eid gift for one another while bringing the reader into the Souq Al-Hamidiyeh, before sending them off to Masjid Al-Umawi for a warm hug.  A retelling of the classic, A Gift of the Magi, the story poignantly presents threads of love, gifts, loss, and Eid to fill the reader with joy, peace, and gratitude.  I’m admittedly very bias, as a close friend of the author, but this beautiful book doesn’t need lip service or marketing, it will appeal to all readers in all settings, and be cherished and asked for, over and over again, all throughout the year. Alhumdulillah.

The book starts with Yasmine and her mama entering the souq through the archway, and Yasmine remembering her father and her imagining the circles in the ceiling to be twinkling stars.  He is no longer with them, the magic is gone and money is tight now, but with liras jingling in her pocket, Yasmine is determined to find an Eid gift for her mother that will make her smile.

Yasmine looks around the shops as her mother counts out liras to buy za’atar, and tries to find something cheaper than sfeeha at the bakery.  She finally knows what to get her mother, but it is more lira than she has.  With determination and selflessness she makes a decision to get her mama the perfect gift.

The process separates the two, and when they reunite at the masjid for maghrib salat, it isn’t the gifts themselves, but rather what they mean, that make the laughter, tears, and love overflow.

I love the emotional depth the book conveys so deftly, never explaining or pulling the reader out of the story, thus allowing the connection to linger long after the book is closed, a rare treat in a picture book.