Category Archives: Muslim Illustrator

Mar24

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

Posted on March 24, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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.

Mar20

The Month that Makes the Year: A Joyful Celebration of the Spiritual Practices of Ramadan by Inda Ahmad Zahri

Posted on March 20, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Month that Makes the Year: A Joyful Celebration of the Spiritual Practices of Ramadan by Inda Ahmad Zahri

This book was definitely worth the wait, alhumdulillah. For all the complaining I do about books regurgitating facts, or Ramadan joy books leaving out the religion, and presentation feeling like it is more for non Muslims than for our own little children; this book does a great job of sharing key points about Ramadan with authenticity and heart that Muslims and non Muslims alike will benefit from the light story, engaging and adorable illustrations, and Muslim child centering. This 32 page book works well for preschool to early elementary readers and listeners at bedtime, at story time, and in settings were introductions to Ramadan are shared.

I was a little nervous that this book was framed as a child’s first fast, but a few pages in my concerns disappeared. Little Deenie knows what Ramadan is, her family is encouraging her to try and fast for a few hours, and she knows that she can’t hide in a cave and sleep like a hibernating bear because Ramadan is so much more than going without food and drink.

I love the shelving of tempting snacks and bad habits of unkind words, waste, impatience, and that little changes lead to big changes one at a time: kindness, love, attention, gratitude.

Deenie goes a little longer each day, and her tummy rumbles, but where she once felt lonely in the quite spaces, she is finding new things that otherwise would have been missed. She helps the coach off the pitch at soccer, the family connects without screens, the “ordinary feels extra-ordinary.”

The mosque opens its arms for tarawih, and extra prayers are “a chance to look inwards and upwards.” A chance to belong. There is sadaqah and Zakat, and being thankful, learning about traditions and connecting with others. There are non Muslim friends changing a lunch date to a gallery stroll, and realizing the kindness is not required, but appreciated none-the-less. The human body is amazing, and Deenie is growing stronger with each Ramadan day. Eid is a time of celebration, but Ramadan is missed, and we are not the same people we were before the blessed month..

The book starts with an Author’s Note and ends with a Glossary. The hardback 11 x 9 book is a great size to allow kids to truly enjoy the sweet illustrations that add to the text and bring the feelings to life. There are a variety of skin tones, mobilities, clothing styles and head coverings, or not covered characters shown. There are so many smiling faces, and relatable scenes. This book is really well done and an absolute joy to read and share.

I personally needed to see that my expectations for a Ramadan read were not unrealistic, and this book alhumdulillah, not only proved that good representation can be beautiful and heartfelt and unapologetic, but raised the bar. I can’t wait to share this for our Masjid Ramadan story time, I only wish it was easier to obtain in the USA. I preordered mine from Book Depository, but since publication the price has gone up, inshaAllah if we all show our support, local stockists will find a way (www.allenandunwin.com).

Mar11

Nadia and Nadir Eid Surprise by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Lala Stellune

Posted on March 11, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Nadia and Nadir Eid Surprise by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Lala Stellune

This is another holiday book in the Nadia and Nadir series for early readers, this one focusing on Eid al Fitr, but also celebrating Muslim American athletes Ibtijaj Muhammad and Muhammad Ali, sadqa, and the love of grandparents. The 32 page book with four chapters shows Desi American siblings enjoying both their Pakistani and American cultures while consistently embodying their Islamic faith. They pray salat, wear hijab, discuss sadqa, and say Salam and Eid Mubarak. I am not sure why they pray Eid prayers at home, and not in a community congregation, no it is not a Covid set book, they then go to the mall, but the pride in their faith, culture, and family is enjoyable. Early readers will enjoy the colorful pages, large illustrations, and relatable story situations.

The book starts with the siblings hearing laughing downstairs, then seeing suitcases, and being surprised by their Nani and Nana coming from Pakistan to surprise them on Eid. The family eats paratha and chai together before praying and making duas.

After presents are passed out, the kids receive eidee and are off to the mall to pick out a toy. Nadia sees an Ibtihaj doll, and Nadir points out that she is wearing a hijab just like his sister. Nadia recognizes her and shares some facts since she has read her books. Nadir wonders if Ibtihaj knows it is Eid and the family reassures him that Muslims everywhere in the world are celebrating.

When it is Nadir’s turn to choose what to buy, he picks some boxing equipment with marketing images by Muhammad Ali. Nana fills him in on the activism and accomplishments of Ali and how impressive his fearlessness really was. When the change is given after paying, the kids and their grandparents discuss sadqa, charity, and this gives Nadia an idea.

The book concludes with a glossary of new words and information about the illustrator and author. You can purchase your copy at all major retails such as here at Amazon, or you can support small business owners like Crescent Moon store and purchase your here.

Mar8

Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

Posted on March 8, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Set in Ramadan this graphic novel for middle grades has a coming of age theme brought to life with fantasy, religious practices, and storylines of bullying, acceptance, and folklore. Nayra is fasting, she prays, she says bismillah and Assalamualaikum, her practice of her deen is never in question and by and large I don’t know that anything is “haram” in the Islamic representation. Yes, she says bismillah in julus, the sitting position of salat, there is sihr, magic. done by the djinn, and a lot of liberties about the ghayb (you can’t really disprove them), but honestly my biggest problem with this book is that somehow even though it is a graphic novel, more visual than text, there is way too much telling and not enough showing. The reader is told that there is bullying, but only shown that one girl calls her “baba ghanoush,” we are told over and over that she is friends with Rami and that she needs to fix the relationship, but we never see what the friendship was before, only the forced awkwardness that it is now. The inside flap of the book stereotypes the “strict family,” but we never really see them being overly demanding or difficult, and the conclusion is very naïve with both the two girls and the two djinn resolving everything on Eid. I wanted to care about the characters, but never felt a connection to their stresses, traumas, and relationships, and many mirror my own life. In full transparency though, I must acknowledge to you all, that I do not read a lot of fantasy graphic novels or even comic books, if the choppiness, and lack of depth is what makes the genre work for others, then this book will be fun with its pink and purple pallet and tracking of the Ramadan moon. I really might just be the wrong person to review this OWN voice djinn fantasy authored by a Palestinian Muslim who like her fictitious djinn goes by they/them pronouns.

SYNOPSIS:

Nayra is being picked on by Tanya for messing up in volleyball in PE, and gets to calling Nayra “baba ganoush.” When the book opens Nayra fasting for Ramadan is what Tanya chooses to attribute Nayra’s lacking skill too, and Nayra is ready to find a new school. Her family offers no support, her older siblings set the bar high and got through by ignoring the bullies, and expect her to do the same. The one other Muslim at school is Rami, and Nayra needs a break from her, they meet to break fast every evening, but Rami is exhausting. When an online forum somehow gets a visit from a djinn, Nayra offers to be the anchor that Marjan needs to escape the ghayb and exist in the human world. Marjan’s past comes back to haunt them, and when Zirkouniya arrives, there is only so much protection the month of Ramadan can offer as Eid arrives and the djinn are returned to full strength. Djinn and human alike will have to own up to their mistakes, forgive others, and rebuild the relationships that matter.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like the Ramadan centering, and appreciate that the coming of age story line was not an identity crisis about Nayra’s faith. I finished the book feeling like I didn’t understand much. There was a lot of build up for a strict family, and djinn wisdom, that just didn’t exist. The conflict with the friends was superficial and the resolution the same. Maybe I missed the visual resonance as I tend to enjoy lyrical writing and relatable text, but the story seemed really simplistic, and the characters flat.

I honestly don’t know if the liberties of the djinn world and djinn themselves goes too far or if folklore, mythology, and fantasy give it fictional protection. There are details that perhaps come from culture, or are completely made up, I don’t know. Djinn in Islam are real, they are made of smokeless fire, some are good, some are bad, they have genders, and families, and feelings, and communities. Outside of that, I don’t know much, and do not presume to, when I sent @bintyounus some of the pictures from the book, she remarked, “Djinn are part of the Ghayb/unseen, So it’s not like we say oh none of it is true, but we also don’t take it as 100% true.”

The magic is minor just a fixing of a flower and flower pot, so in reality the only fantasy are the details about the djinn and the journey to the djinn world.

FLAGS:

Lying, bullying, magic, sneaking out.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

There is not enough in the book to discuss in a book club, and because of the lacking resonance, I don’t know that most kids would read the book or be interested in it. I can see it being thumbed through, but I don’t think it would be finished by Muslim kids at the Islamic school, or by my own children. Those that know the Islamic view of djinns won’t find that enough of a hook when the story inside is about a friendship, and not a particularly deep or fleshed out one. They might see the bullying as relatable, but being called baba ganoush doesn’t really seem that bad compared to what many endure and pining for friends, when you have a very loyal friend, also will probably be met with some confusion.

Mar7

Hunger Alert by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Sania Hussain

Posted on March 7, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Hunger Alert by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Sania Hussain

On my first read through, this book came across as a bit text heavy and the presentation didn’t quite fit with the content for the target audience, but when my seven year old read it, then reread it, and my 12 year old picked up and read it and both said, “it’s good,” I realized, the target audience is not little kids, nor is it adults, it is kids who have fasted and have felt the pangs of hunger. The character is getting through his first day, but the relatability is for kids everywhere fasting for the first time the hundredth time and everywhere in between. It is Islam centered, I appreciate the healthy food temptations and the unwavering that fasting needs to be done, but as an adult and an educator, so often I wanted to interject Islamic touchstone to getting through the day asking Allah for help, talking your self up and increasing your determination by knowing the Angels are recording your struggles and you will be rewarded in the akhira, and while Quran is read, and a surah loved, and Islamic phrases included, the focus of the book is a little boy in a very idyllic family trying to keep hungry thoughts away. The small 8 x 8 soft back book with 22 thick cardboard pages would be a bit hard to share at story time, but the simple concept story is fine in smaller groups and at bed time.

The books starts with Ahmed fasting for the first time in Ramadan, he has a list of things he needs to complete his fast: 1-Keep busy, 2- Don’t think about food, and 3-Stay away from the kitchen. I found when reading it to my younger kids I would pause here to discuss why we fast, and that we are doing it for the sake of Allah, so we need Him to be successful, not distractions.

Ahmed starts with reading his favorite book about a charitable boy, the illustrations though had baskets full of shiny, big, read apples. “Grr, Hunger Alert!” He runs to his brother’s room to keep busy with a soccer video game, but the prize on the screen are big, yellow bananas. “Grr, Hunger Alert!” This continues throughout the day, including while reading Surah Rahman, and the pomegranates trigger yet another Hunger Alert. When Grandpa asks him to take strawberries to his mom and his mom is in the kitchen, each of his rules will have to be broken.

With iftaar approaching and fruit chaat waiting, Ahmed will have to persevere to complete his fast. There is a glossary at the back and the book you can search online to find where the book is available near you http://www.compassbooks.ca

Mar3

Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi

Posted on March 3, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This beautiful lyrical book has a simple premise of the moon looking down on people celebrating Ramadan as it circles the Earth, but stands out as being unique thanks to the poetic language and engaging illustrations. Each spread shows moon in a different phase over a different country, and the joy, activities and worship that Muslims are partaking in during the blessed month. I’m embarrassed to say, I didn’t realize that the author is also the illustrator until I sat down to write this review, and honestly it makes sense, as the story text and illustrations work seamlessly together. The tone of the book, the details in the pictures, and the rich language make this a good read for a large audience. Little ones probably won’t fully understand the poetry, but they will be mesmerized none-the-less and feel the excitement. My three year old calls the moon all year round, the “Ramadan Moon” and he understood that the Moon in the story is excited seeing us celebrate and worship. He consistently would still be peeking in windows or searching the scenes, not quite ready for me to turn the page long after the text was done being read. Older kids will appreciate the shared global bonds of Muslims and the cultural specifics too. They will grasp the information shared and beliefs touched upon in the flowing words that do not preach. My only criticism is that the book starts with Moon saying, “Hello.” In an Islamic centered book I would have expected to see Assalamualaikum, especially since it appears on the page where moon is above Egypt, so I’m not sure why the English greetings is used. The book has a glossary and notes at the end making it a great addition to Muslim and non Muslim spaces alike. I plan to read the book for a Masjid story time as the large hardback book will work just as well for a group of kids as it does at bed time.

Told from a personified Moon’s perspective, the book begins with Moon smiling at Earth as people all over the world excitedly point and look up at her, but once they see her, they rush off to prepare for the month. Over Turkey, the Ramadan Drummer awakens sleepy people for suhoor and over Indonesia he sees families gathering for iftar. As each day passes Moon grows fuller watching the children do good deeds and people sharing their wealth.

Nights of Taraweeh and listening to the Quran over Somalia, sharing treats in the United Kingdom, and interfaith among neighbors in the United States bring joy to Moon. And as the waning crescent sees henna being put on hands in Dubai the month is coming to an end. People once again look to the sky, but they cannot see Moon in Argentina, Moon is new. It is Chaand Raat and then it is Eid. Moon is back in Egypt watching people celebrate and then the world returns to looking up at Moon and she beams with love and gratitude.

There are diverse characters of a variety of skin tones, mobilities, ages, body size and abilities featured all throughout the book in a positive and inclusive normalizing manner. The backmatter makes the concepts more accessible and the book work on different layers. I really enjoyed the book and am excited to share it. I purchased mine at Crescent Moon Store where using my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) will save you 10% it is also available here at Amazon Even my local public library has it on the shelves already! Happy Ramadan!

Mar2

Nadia and Nadir: Ramadan Cookies by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Lala Stellune

Posted on March 2, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Nadia and Nadir: Ramadan Cookies by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Lala Stellune

This 32 page early reader is part of the Nadia and Nadir series that can be read and purchased as a standalone. It shows the sibling duo problem solving, working together, sharing, and getting excited for Ramadan. With the theme of cookies, the book could work as a read aloud in a small group with an activity of making cookies following it, but the small leveled reader size and text volume would make it a hard selection for larger groups. The setting is Ramadan, the female characters wear hijab (even in the home with just family), but there is not a lot of religious beliefs or practices included in the story. It does detail the lunar calendar and phases of the moon, but thankfully does a decent job of inserting that knowledge from Nadia who has learned about the moon in science class. There are a few salams, and it mentions that Nadir isn’t fasting because he is young, Nadia gets up for their predawn meal, and snuggles back in to bed after saying her prayers. There is articulation that Ramadan is a month for Muslims and a time to share blessings when the kids share their cookies with the neighbors. There is a handful of Urdu words sprinkled in and a glossary at the end. The book shows a family’s traditions and radiates joy, it is a solid addition to Muslim and non Muslim book shelves in showing Ramadan cookie making and excitement in action, but would not inform a lot about the religious aspects, uniqueness, or basic practices about the month.

Nadia and Nadir start the book with their binoculars around their necks waiting for Abu to arrive home from work, Ammi is already on the roof and they are determined to spot the Ramadan moon. The kids are all sorts of confused where to even look in the vast night sky, but once Abu helps them out they find it and declare, “Chand Mubarak.”

Nadir wants to know why it isn’t a full moon, and his older sister Nadia explains the cycles, they are then off to make cookies as per their families Ramadan tradition. The dough is ready, the star cookie cutter has been found, but where is the moon cookie cutter? Nadia has an idea, and sure enough her problem solving skills allow crescent moons to be made.

The next morning Nadia has her predawn meal of cookies and milk and when Nadir wakes up he has the same. The kids pack up bags of cookies with their Ammi to pass to neighbors and friends, with only one left who will get it Nadia or Nadir?

The books are available widely at places such as Amazon but for the same price I hope you will support a small Muslim owned bookstore and purchase your copy at Crescent Moon, if you use my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you will save 10%, link:

Nadia & Nadir Series

Mar1

Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Halime Nur Sevim

Posted on March 1, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Halime Nur Sevim

This rhyming softcover picture book sets the tone of the month with its large heartfelt images on cardstock thick pages. The book mentions tarawih, reading Quran, suhoor, iftar, compassion, Laylatul Qadr, eid, but does so in a way that reflects what Muslim kids know and love about the month. It is not overly descriptive, nor does it define the terms. It shows Muslim kids in Ramadan living their lives and draws out the emotional joy felt in acts of ibadah, not in the gifts and parties alone. The rhyme works and isn’t terribly forced and the 8.5 by 11 size and the introductory framing of major Ramadan activities makes the book a good addition for toddlers and up. I plan to use this for a masjid story time for Muslim kids ages 4-9, but it can be used in non Muslim settings easily as well.

The book starts out with decorating the home for Ramadan, as the city decorates outside too. Ramadan has arrived, the moon has been seen with binoculars, and Tarawih at the mosque is where everyone is praying, and kids are playing. Mornings start with the Ramadan drummer waking people up for suhoor, but mom is already up cooking. The first few days of fasting are hard waiting for iftar, implying it gets easier.

The kids and their parents make duas and thank Allah for their blessings as well as share their blessings with neighbors as they learn compassion. The kids practice reading Qur’an every day with Grandma and before you know it, it is the last ten nights and Laylatul Qadr and then eid, alhumdulillah. The 32 page book ends with prayers of gratitude and hope that Ramadan will be seen again.

The book really is well done, there is no plot or story, but it introduces the month to little ones, reminds older ones what to expect and does so with accuracy and mirroring. The book will lend itself to spark discussions about what a readers’ family can look forward to in the month, how one should behave in a masjid, perhaps some Quran goals and some appreciation for parents. The poor mom helps decorate, stays up early to cook suhoor, cooks yummy iftar, and lays out Eid clothes all while wearing hijab. InshaAllah a point to mention when reading how amazing moms (and dads) are in making Ramadan memories while fasting themselves.

I purchased mine from https://crescentmoonstore.com/ if you use my initials at checkout ISL (Islamic School Librarian) you can save 10% or click this link directly to go to the book.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Feb13

Amir’s Blue Jacket by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

Posted on February 13, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Amir’s Blue Jacket by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

This heartfelt elementary picture book does a remarkable job of drawing the reader in to the emotions of the main character, his relationship with his grandfather, and imparting a moral message without being preachy. The illustrations are lovely on their own, but the way the muted tones convey the memories and illustrate the text really ties the book together. Whether it is for a larger story time or a one-on-one bedtime read, the book will offer discussion, comfort, guidance, and a little surprise at the end for Muslim and non Muslims alike. The slightly allegorical book does conclude with a widely known hadith (it is attributed to Prophet Muhammad saw, but is not further cited/sourced) and the family is clearly Muslim with their names mentions of Eid and God, and a hijab clad woman, but the book is universal and a lovely addition to any book shelf.

The book starts with Amir finding his Grandpa’s old blue jacket and recalling wrapping himself in it the day after his beloved Grandpa died. With it smelling like mothballs, he tosses it in the washing machine, but unfortunately when it comes out it has clearly shrunk. Amir is in denial, he says it fits fine and he has no desire for a new one. It is Grandpa’s jacket, and Amir is going to wear it, no matter how tight it is. Amir storms off to sit under the apple tree and recalls picking apples and making applesauce the year before for the whole neighborhood. Grandma shares that she used to keep grandpa’s cane but when someone needed it, she let it go.

Grandma stirs another memory in Amir when she pulls the tray of ka’k out of the oven, of him trying to sneak a whole plate for himself only to have his hiding spot taken over by ants. When he is asked this time to share a plate, every step to the neighbors house reminds him even more of making the trip with his grandfather. Slowly he starts to realize that his memories are with him, not in his grandfather’s things, and Amir makes a decision that would make his grandfather proud, and (inshaAllah) give him more good deeds, even though he is gone.

The idea of sadaqah jariyah is understood through the story, and present in the hadith at the back, but it is never mentioned outright. Just as God is used, not the term Allah (swt). As Amir feels denial, frustration, and eventually peace, nothing is really told, it is shown, which really opens the book up to be a tremendous tool in sharing it with children and asking them to discuss what they understand, what they feel, and what they took away from Amir and his Grandpa’s blue jacket story.

The book is available through the publisher Ruqaya’s Bookshelf as well as HERE at Crescent Moon Bookstore where code ISL will save you 10%.

Feb3

Animals in the Qur’an Search & Find by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Guliz Gerdan

Posted on February 3, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Animals in the Qur’an Search & Find by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Guliz Gerdan

This book is targeted to preschoolers, but with the minor details the book sends readers looking for, I think children up to third grade will enjoy the mix of fun and learning that this book offers. The book uses animals in the Qur’an as the theme for each two page spread, tells what surah the animal is mentioned in, and some Islamic context, as well as some basic facts about the animal. Over 45 pages kids will learn about bees and snakes, donkeys and wolves, and dive in to the challenge of finding a spider with spots looking to the left or a fish with strips swimming to the right. My three year old can not differentiate between some of the more specific markings of this cow or that, but he still loves the illustrations and benefits from the brief factual text. This book is a great addition to school, masjid, and home libraries with its Islamic foundation, beautiful large execution, and wide audience appeal.

The book starts with the Arabic ayat of verse 45 in Surah Nur and the English meaning of the translation. It then establishes the format of the book, and then lists the 20 animals featured, where they are found in the Qur’an and on what page number, in the table of contents.

Each page offers the animals and some nature elements to be found on the large 10 x 10 pages. The pictures are playful and colorful with the print quality glossy and a sturdy thickness.

I enjoy the book and think most families with young elementary aged children will as well. You can purchase a copy here from Crescent Moon Store and if you use my initials “ISL” at checkout, you will save 10%