Category Archives: Muslim Illustrator

May22

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Hatem Aly

Posted on May 22, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

It is quite remarkable in the course of 40 pages that so many themes, layers, emotions, windows, mirrors, and relevance can radiate with ease and entertainment for children four and up. The authenticity of the text and illustrations create tangible feels in this book, that months after reading it for the first time, I am still moved to tears, both inspired by joy and as a cathartic release of being seen. The true mastery is that even if you are not Muslim and cannot relate to the nervousness of praying publicly, you understand Muhammad’s hesitancy and feel for him as he battles not just finding a place, but watching onlookers reactions to his father, police proximity, and being brave enough to push yourself even when you are scared. Usually when asked what my favorite book is, I stumble to narrow it down to just one, but truly this book has raised the bar of not just traditional publishing representation, but Islamic/Muslim literature across the board. It is a gift to read, to share, to enjoy, and a blessing that such an unapologetic book is available so widely for our children to connect with, and our non Muslim friends to see us through. Please spend time with this book and make it available to your children, your students, your community, it really is that good, alhumdulillah.

It is Muhammad’s birthday and he is seven, “Old enough to pray five times a day,” his father gifts him a prayer rug, and Muhammad is ecstatic. He makes wudu that night and offers salat with full attention. He says the Sunday school words and shares his most wished for wishes to Allah swt, not even letting little sister, Maryama distract him.

After Fajr the next morning, he is determined to find a secret place at school to pray Dhuhr. Daddy doesn’t need secret places, if prayer time comes he pulls his ice cream truck over and prays on the sidewalk, “never delay salat.” At school, Muhammad heads to Mrs. Baker to ask for a place to pray, but his confidence waivers and he returns to his seat.

Anxiety about where to pray has him looking for spots throughout the morning, but when recess comes he finds he can’t take the prayer rug out from under his jacket. He lingers when everyone returns to class and rushes through the words and motions in the coat closet.

That evening he is with his daddy in the ice cream truck and the sunshine and smiles pour out of the two. When the sun sets it is Maghrib time and Daddy heads to the sidewalk to pray, reassuring Muhammad that he can pray at home. Muhammad watches his dad and various events spur him to make his decision.

I love love love the way salat is approached with love and excitement and that the dad embodies safety and joy and does not pressure or force Muhammad. The relationship is beautiful and allows for worship to be seen as both personal, as well as obligatory and merciful. The duo also show a great parent child dynamic that warms the heart.

I like that there really isn’t any “hate” given to anyone praying, it is hinted at, people do not understood, but the focus is not on the outside bystanders- it is what Muhammad thinks and feels. I’m fairly certain every Muslim who has prayed in public has encountered a wide variety of responses, and this book keeps the gray to reflect and spark conversation. It is often met with ignorance, with hate, with aggression, but it is also met with respect, apathy, and curiosity which the text and illustrations allow for.

There is so much love and joy in the book as well as identity, that I don’t mind one bit that my littles ask me to read it over and over. It is perfect for groups, one-on-one, and I cannot wait to share it in a story time, there is also an incredibly informative and heartfelt Author’s Note at the end. If you haven’t preordered it yet, the book releases on June 6, 2023, please pre order it and signal the support for this book and future books that center authentic Muslim joy, Black Muslim representation, and OWN voice author and illustrator accuracy. Request it at your library, put it on hold at your library, check it out, read it. If you cannot preorder it, still purchase it when you can, inshaAllah it will be a beloved book in your home as well.

May15

Ali the Great and the Market Mishap by Saadia Faruqi illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

Posted on May 15, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ali the Great and the Market Mishap by Saadia Faruqi illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

Akin to her beloved Yasmin series, author Saadia Faruqi offers up a new set of books similarly rich with culture, family mishaps, problem solving, and fun for early readers. This is the first book in the series, with three more announced that follow the Pakistani American family, and seem to perhaps even connect to Yasmin (based on the cover pictures). The books are not religious, Ali’s mom wears hijab, and there is an Eid title in the series, but having only seen this particular book I’m not sure if it is faith detailed or not. Over three chapters and 32 brightly illustrated pages, second grader Ali Tahir, along with his little brother and Dada head to the South Asian store to find some snacks and ends up having to find little Fateh. With a family portrait and Urdu words defined at the start, the story concludes with some jokes, some details about traditional desi snacks, questions to consider and info about the Muslim author and Muslim illustrator.

It has finally stopped raining and Dada needs snacks, so he puts Fateh in the stroller and the three of them head off to the market. Dada is from Pakistan and he and Dadi live with Ali’s family. Once they make their way to the store, they take in the sights and start looking for Dada’s favorite chips. Ali has to let go of Fateh’s hand to catch a spicy chips display from falling over, and that quickly Fateh disappears.?

I love that the Yasmin series is such a staple and so widely beloved that a similar series with a boy protagonist is now going to grace our classroom, school and public libraries. This particular book might only have a #Muslimintheillustrations, but it normalizes religious garb, cultural traditions, and larger themes that unite us all in a fun, age appropriate book that will get early readers smiling and brown Muslim kids glad that yet another mirror exists for them and a window for those around them.

Apr24

Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska illustrated by Hatem Aly

Posted on April 24, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska illustrated by Hatem Aly

There was a time in college when my friends and I would gift each other Cinderella retellings and versions from all over the world, that was nearly 20 years ago, and I haven’t thought much of it, until this book reminded again of “This is the House that Jack Built.” Having just read and reviewed “The Masjid that Kamal Loves” which is structed similarly, I can confidently say forget Cinderella, I’m loving this new trend, of a repetitive layered story conveying love and excitement and joy to little readers in such an engaging way. This book has more of a story than the original and shows relationships and longing, even though it is primarily a love letter to Cairo. The swapping out in some verses for Arabic words and English translations, the sound affects and the connections really elevate the OWN voice details in the text and make the book an absolute treat to read and share even for those of us who are not Egyptian and have never visited. The Auntie who visits wears hijab, the muezzin calling Allah u Akbar is a repeated refrain, their are numerous illustrations of women in hijab and a masjid is shown repeatedly throughout allowing Muslims everywhere to feel seen with this culturally specific story. The Glossary with the Arabic script and pronunciation guides and Notes from the Author and Illustrator really radiate with love and invite the reader to participate in the celebration on the pages. I have no doubt children (and their parents) three and up everywhere will fall in love with the 40 page story and delightful illustrations.

Auntie Fatma comes to visit a little girl’s family from Egypt and brings sahlab and changes for two weeks to the home. Arabic is spoken, and a nightly lullaby of the sounds of Cairo are among the beloved additions to connect the little girl to her Auntie and her culture.

The lullaby begins with the sound of the Nile, the boats floating through the city, the athan calling to prayer, the carts on the streets, the traffic. The halawa ya battekh, swish, swoosh, swish, Allah u Akbar, beep honk toot, all add layers to the bustle of the city as the little girls memories of the sights and sounds of Egypt soothe her to sleep. When it is time for Auntie to return the little girl’s sadness is palpable, but Auntie finds a way to reassure her and all those that have drunk from the Nile and long to return.

It is hard to say if the text adds to the illustrations or the illustrations to the story, both combine to make this book impossible to read without smiling. I love that the mosque is shown in the daytime and at night implying that the call to prayer is not a one time thing without articulating that Muslims pray five times a day. I don’t know if the author identifies as Muslim or if the inclusion of the athan and Allah u Akbar is just an environmental reality of Egyptian daily life and thus featured. The illustrator could have very well added the hijabs on his own as there is nothing religious or explanatory in the text. Perhaps it is worth noting that there is a dog in the family’s home that seems to sleep with the little girl. The book is a cultural heartfelt portrayal, and that Islam is prominently featured so beautifully made for a lovely surprise.

I hope you will consider preordering the book here, requesting it at your library, and sharing it on classroom and home bookshelves. Happy Reading!

Apr17

The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Fraklin illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

Posted on April 17, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Fraklin illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

I don’t normally post about upcoming releases this far in advance (2.5 months), but I am hoping that if I share the link for preorders, I just might help in signaling to the traditional publishing world that books like this are so so so important and that we will support unapologetic, well written, Muslim centered, Muslim and Black joy featured books with our purchasing power. This book is incredible for toddlers to early elementary in its “This is the House that Jack Built” format. Muslim kids will giggle with excitement as they see themselves happy to see their friends at Jumu’ah, flinging shoes a little too hard before entering the musallah, splashing a bit when making wudu, playing while helping put out the prayer rugs, and getting a little wiggly or tired during the khutbah. The happiness and love radiates off the pictures and through the text that even non Muslim readers will feel our connection to our Masjids and the prayers that occur within. Muslim authored, Muslim illustrated, masjid not mosque, and a beautiful Author’s Note, makes this book a must have on every shelf where young children need books that mirror their experiences and provide windows into the beauty of Islam.

The book starts out describing Kamal’s smile and offering the reason for such joy as being Jumu’ah at the masjid. It then starts with describing the masjid and all that is contained with the lines adding on the refrain of “the masjid Kamal loves.” The friends, the shoes, the feet, the rugs, etc.. Terms such as imam, ummah, salaam are in the text and the illustrations show wudu, salat, khutbah, conveying a Jumu’ah experience.

Each page is brightly illustrated across horizontal orientated scenes. The expressions on the kids faces, are engaging and smile inducing and the lyrical text has a rhythm and strength that makes you feel proud to also have a masjid to love like Kamal.

I have an arc, but have preordered a copy for myself here and hope you will do the same. Please also request your public libraries to order it, and if they have already you can place the book on hold, inshaAllah little steps to show support.

Apr7

What Should I Do? By Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

Posted on April 7, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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What Should I Do? By Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

Most rhyming children’s books are absolutely terrible, but this one made me smile as the format compliments the tone of the book. Every child has done something they regret and every parent desperate to raise truthful children; what very easily could have been a heavy handed story, stays positive as little Yousuf breaks something and seeks advice from his siblings about what to do. The book provides a lot of teachable moments and allows discussion and reflective referencing. It also is a reminder to us parents to praise the honesty, and forgive the transgression. The book is 24 pages and while text heavy at times, the fairly smooth rhyme and relatable story will be great for mature toddlers to kindergarteners. Some of the vocabulary will possibly need some explanation, but the cute pictures provide clues and the messaging will come through.

The book starts with Mum heading out to run errands and the kids being reminded to be nice, not to fight, not to make a mess, and that dad is in the garden and call if they absolutely need her. Did I say it is relatable? Yeah, I say this at least once a week, but dad isn’t in the garden, and I don’t rhyme.

Yousuf amuses himself and one thing leads to another and a ceramic plate gets broken. Not just any ceramic plate, his Mum’s favorite. He heads to his brother playing playstation for advice, and then to his other brother, and then finally to his sister before his mom comes home.

I’m sure for adults the story is predictable, but the solutions the siblings provide are similarly relatable and mom being grateful that honesty won out are conveyed on a child’s level that makes the book enjoyable at bedtime or in small groups. It provides an entertaining and clear reminder of how important telling the truth is.

There is nothing clearly Islamic in the text except the children’s names and the mother wearing hijab. No hadith or ayats are mentioned in conveying the universal character trait of honesty. The author and illustrator are Muslim and I do wish that there was a tie back to Islam either before or after the story, but alas there is not.

I purchased my copy here at Crescent Moon where my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) will save you 10% and it is also available here at Amazon.

Apr5

Not Now Noor! by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

Posted on April 5, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Not Now Noor! by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

This 32 page book is incredibly adorable and silly, and yet so vague in the answer that is the whole premise of the book, that it really has me wondering why we are so afraid (in children’s books and possibly in our daily lives) to say that we wear hijab because Allah swt commands it? The book articulates that we are Muslim and that hijab defines us, which I love, it just seems that while the rest of the book is incredibly direct and funny, the answer is fuzzy and lyrical. It is by no means wrong, it just at the end presents what hijab means, the benefits of wearing it, and one’s personal feelings toward it, while skirting the answer the girl keeps asking of why? It seems to be a common approach lately, and I wish that more picture books about hijab would clearly articulate that the commandment to cover is in the Quran. It isn’t for any other reasons. It may have perks of keeping your ears warm, fashion, or hiding your earbuds, but that isn’t why Muslim women wear hijab. Perhaps the trend has me more frustrated than this book on its own warrants, it really is sweet and I don’t regret purchasing it and having it sent from the UK. It allows for a serious conversation about hijab to occur after, and it intentionally pushes the humor, which I definitely think we need more of in Muslim centered books.

The book starts with Noor identifying what her Ammu’s hijab is and isn’t, how she wears it and how she doesn’t. The next page shows Noor’s bustling family and she compares how her Ammu’s hijab is not the same as her Nanu’s or Dadu’s or Aunt’s or even her sister’s, but she doesn’t know why any of them wear it. Yes, I’m sure there is some pointed criticism I should make about how can a child her age not know, but I think for the sake of it being a book and being comically done, I am willing to let it slide. I do wish that the spread had the women and their style of wearing a scarf shown. I appreciate that they are in the dining room at home and thus not wearing a scarf, Nanu is because Dada is in the picture, authenticity which I love seeing, but children need a little more hand holding to see which person the text is talking about. Yes I know there is a family tree on the inside cover, but at story time, it is cumbersome to flip back and forth.

Back to the story, Noor starts by asking her sister, the coolest hijabi she knows, if she wears it to hide her snacks in, or hide her big ears, but Affa brushes her off with a, “not now, Noor” and she is off to the next family member to ask. Each time the rationale gets more outrageous: hide the eyes on the back of your head, prevent you from getting nits, etc.. And each time the person she asks sends her on her way with a “not now, Noor.”

When Noor finally gets to her mom it is she who answers with poetic lyricism, “We are Muslim women, my Noor, Unapologetic and true. We are believers. We are dreamers. We are thinkers. We are leaders. We can wear our hijabs on our heads like our hearts on our sleeves. Whether you choose to or not, my Noor,, we are so many things…and we are more than enough.” On the next page it continues, “My hijab is not just a scarf. It means more to me. It is a reminder of who I am, where I’m from, and where I’m going to be. And perhaps one day you’ll understand what I mean. Because, most of all without my hijab, my Noor, I don’t feel like me.”

A flowery sentiment, but little Noor and the reader never got the answer as to why Muslim women wear hijab, and I think that it is unfortunate. The book is beautifully illustrated, the size is great to be shared, the text funny, the voice playful, the joy contagious but the answer for me, just missed the mark, not by a lot, but by enough that I think an adult would need to supplement the overall takeaway message.

Apr3

Allah and My Heart by Humera Malik illustrated by Basmah Syadza

Posted on April 3, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Allah and My Heart by Humera Malik illustrated by Basmah Syadza

This 47 page book of feelings and reassurances shows Muslim kids that they are not alone and that Allah swt is always there for them providing love. The book is not a story, and at times it might sit unopened on a shelf, but when it comes out as a needed tool, I think the resource it provides will be much appreciated, powerful, and useful. The book offers scenarios with emotions: fear, excitement, anger, sadness, and then reassures the reader with Allah’s promises, and then with what we can do or say. There are only a few words on each page, with a simple illustration that changes with each scenario and is reflective and inclusive to skin colors and abilities. The book if rushed, will just seem like a list, it really needs to be discussed and shared with children in a way that leads to internalization, application to their own life, and appreciation that Allah swt is aware of everything. The book is not sourced, but the sentiments are familiar.

Here are a few samples of how the book is tied together: “When it is dark outside, I feel scared, Allah says don’t be scared I am with you. I can say ‘Allah is my protector,’ and read the last three surahs of the Quran.” This plays out over four pages. “When I have too much to do, I feel overwhelmed. Allah says He does not give me more than I can handle. I can say ‘Allah I am overcome, help me’ and I can do dhikr to calm my body.

I like that the book is well done for what it is. The repetitive format and Islamic centering make it is a useful tool and the guidance gentle on a child’s level. If nothing else knowing that what you are feeling is normal and common and accounted for in our deen is a tremendous reassurance in feeling big emotions. The reasonable price and the Islamic centering makes me hope this book is shared and shelved in places that little Muslims will have access to with adults to help facilitate the messaging.

The book can be purchased here from Amazon or from Crescent Moon Store here if you use my initial ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you will save 10%.

Mar31

Sajjadati and the Power of Dua by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

Posted on March 31, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Sajjadati and the Power of Dua by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

This 38 page large hard back picture book is absolutely beautiful: the illustrations, the tone, the thickness of the pages, all come together to create a child’s wonderment about the power of salah and dua with grounding in the actual parts of prayer. On my first reading the imaginative “magical” aspects of the prayer rug, “Sajjadati,” was sweet and endearing, but as I thought about the story and then reread it, I had some concerns. I know the book is meant for children, I know I am a reviewer and thus am over analyzing it, so I point the following out as a “heads up” so to speak, and for you to make your own decisions if the literal text will be misleading or if the overall mood of the book will be taken as loving dua and the closeness prayer brings one to Allah swt.

The book starts with a little boy recalling when he got his green prayer rug from his grandma, that has his name on the corner (in the illustration it is centered on the top, not in the corner) and him naming the prayer rug, “Sajjadati.” The following page, same spread, then says, “When I have Sajjadati with me, I can pray anywhere. And when I pray on Sajjadati, I can go anywhere.” These lines give me pause, because even if the prayer rug is lost or not with him as he grows up, he is still going to need to pray. The importance of the prayer rug seems over elevated, albeit sweet, religiously a little unsettling. The second of the two lines, about going anywhere, is also a bit of a gateway to the rest of the book and almost encouraging one’s mind to wander during salah.

The next page gets back on track saying that starting to pray and saying “Allahu Akbar” leaves this world behind, the little boy says surahs he has memorized, and knows Allah swt is watching him. He asks Allah for what he wants, and his imagination takes him on adventures after each salah. He imagines flying, and being a superhero.

The story then returns to being in prayer, not after, and going in to ruku. The text has him imagining he is in the “biggest candy store in the universe” wondering if Jannah has rivers of chocolate before standing up straight again saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah,” and contemplating if there is a place where his prayers would be worth more and Sajjadati taking him to al-Aqsa.

In sujud Sajjadati tickles his nose, but he doesn’t mind because he is closest to Allah swt in this position, and while he won’t let his “annoying little sister,” bother him, his mind does drift to being on a boat in the sea with seagulls squawking, “salaam.”

Hamza is then making dua for those suffering. Since nothing is impossible when making dua, he is also asking for pets from the savanna, but knowing that Allah swt will provide what is best. He makes duas to go for hajj and concludes his salah by folding up Sajjadati and finding peace in Allah swt being al-Mujeeb.

I love the heartfelt framing of salah and the interweaving of both real and whimsical wants, as well as the sprinkling of facts about prayer into the story, but I honestly struggled a bit with the juxtaposition of the parts of prayer with the day dreaming elements. I also struggled with the tenses, and find myself constantly rewording this review to reflect the book’s timeline. Hamza is with his family, for example, hearing the current event news, while the next set of pages has him back making dua at the end of the prayer he started at the beginning of the book. And the hearing the news and the praying for people is all being conveyed in the present tense, not clear if he recalled hearing about strife in the world and then made dua, or paused heard and resumed his prayer, it all seemingly happening at once, but that doesn’t really make sense. The title also says dua, not salah, and so much of the book is about prayer, that I feel like the two get conflated erroneously, and dreaming big during dua is different than having your mind wander during your salah.

The book starts with an ayat from the Quran in Arabic text and meaning of the translation in English and concludes with a glossary and space to complete a Dua List.

If this book seems like a good fit for your young child, I ordered mine from Crescent Moon Store and you if you use my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you’ll save 10%.

Mar27

The Blessed Pomegranates by A. Helwa illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi

Posted on March 27, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Blessed Pomegranates by A. Helwa illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi

I hadn’t even heard of this new Ramadan book until @bintyounus reviewed it, so it wasn’t in my 2023 Ramadan Reads Roundup, I apologize, but I’ve bought it, read it, and am sharing it now. I even hope to include it in my local masjid story time, if it is a smaller crowd as the 8.5 x 8.5 size is a bit small for a larger group to see the illustrations well. The story itself, though, is nice. It isn’t the simple list of what Ramadan is, or a first day of fasting hardship, it focuses on giving. The plot has a predictable story line that works in a few tidbits about Ramadan, but really is more a “feeling” book about the beauty of sharing as the poetic refrain of “It is the holy time of giving” is woven in to the 32 pages that follow two siblings and their grandma as they share their pomegranates with their neighbors to have the blessings return to them. Preschool to second graders will enjoy the sounds of the pomegranates, the happy ending, and the message of sharing what you love most.

The book starts with siblings Adam and Alyah laying under the pomegranate tree when Grandma Essi challenges them to climb the tree and pick the fruit. Once gathered they realize they have more than they can eat and they brainstorm who they can share with.

Ramadan is when the Quran was revealed, it is full of love and guidance. It was shared with us, so we should share too. So they load up the wagon and head out in to the neighborhood. When they give Maryam some pomegranates, they go plunk, plunk, plop into the bucket and she knows just what she will do with them. They wish her a Ramadan Karim and are off to the next house.

Uncle Shakir is greeted with salam and also knows just what to do with the juicy fruits. Mrs. Jones is given pomegranates and the trio explain that it is Ramadan a month of sharing our blessings with others for Muslims, she too knows just what she will do with her gift.

After all the pomegranates are distributed, the sun is getting low and the kids are wishing they saved a few fruits for them. Grandma isn’t worried though, she knows “Allah always rewards kindness with more.” And Grandma is right.

The book concludes with a glossary of terms and the book is meant for Muslims, but I think non Muslims would grasp the love and messaging and enjoy the story as well. I wish the book was larger, so the illustrations could be better enjoyed, but for the price point (EDIT: it has increased since I purchased it last week)tone, I was pleasantly surprised with the overall quality and tone of the book.

I purchased my paperback version here from Amazon, but it is also available as a hardback.

Mar24

My Baba is the Best by Bachar Houli illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

Posted on March 24, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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My Baba is the Best by Bachar Houli illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

This 32 page horizontal picture book by an Australian footballer starts out much like a list detailing why a little girl loves her Baba, after a few pages though of more superficial delights, the book gets deeper. It shows the family making duas at bedtime, going to the masjid on Fridays, it even gives a little insight into Eid and fasting before it then takes readers on a camping trip. There isn’t really a story or plot, but the bouncing around fits the narrator’s point of view and will appeal to the intended target audience. The book is mainstream published by Penguin in Australia, so I absolutely love the inclusion of Islam, the mom in hijab, the dad’s beard and the love shown between the little girl and her Baba. Sometimes celebrity books feel a little forced, but having never heard of this athlete, I still found the book incredibly sweet and joyful, and the illustrations by a Muslim illustrator a great amplification of the simple heartfelt text.

The book starts with a little girl rushing to give her Baba a hug on the field as fans cheer in the background. After all her Baba gives the best hugs, it then mentions that he is always doing something and shows him washing his boat and jumping on a trampoline with the little girl and her younger sister. The trio garden, exercise, ride bikes, train and go fishing. They also watch movies at the theater or at home with the whole family. At night Baba reads special prayers to protect them while they sleep.

On Fridays, the family goes to the mosque for prayers, and the most special time is when they all go for Eid in their best clothes. They listen to the imam and give donations to those in need. They open presents and after fasting they eat Lebanese pizza before going to visit teta and jeddo.

The best time is when they go camping. They all set up the tent, and get sticks to roast marshmallows. They even see kangaroos eating dinner before heading back to eat theirs. On many of the pages it is just the girl and her Baba, but even when the whole family is present, the focus is on the strong relationship between the two.

The book is very endearing and as a daddy’s girl myself, I love seeing the relationship unfold on the pages with big things, and little things, fun things, and reflective things, and from the little girl’s point of view. The book is not readily available in the United States, I purchased mine from Book Depository, where they offer free shipping.