Category Archives: Non Fiction

Jan24

Ramadan on Rahma Road: A Recipe Storybook by Razeena Omar Gutta recipes by Faaiza Osman illustrated by Atieh Sohrabi

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Ramadan on Rahma Road: A Recipe Storybook by Razeena Omar Gutta recipes by Faaiza Osman illustrated by Atieh Sohrabi

 

I would not know where to shelve this 40 page in a library, it has beautiful pictures, it is informative, resourceful, useful, and interesting- I’ve only delayed sharing it because I really have had to think, how best to use this book to its maximum potential, to make it truly effective. It is formatted externally as a picture book, but it reads much like an chapter book anthology with the stories connected by the road the diverse folks live on, Rahma Road, all coming together for a communal iftar, with some fasting and some not.  The spreads feature vignettes on the left of what each house is making, including tidbits of culture, facts about Ramadan, insights about method or ingredients, with the facing page being the recipe.  The book is incredibly meticulous and intentional in appealing to Muslims and non Muslims alike, as well as a variety of ages.  It works as a book for Muslims to see themselves in, non Muslims to get a peek at iftaar excitement through, messages about community and diversity celebrated, foodies to see new recipes that they can try, cultures to explore through food and native words, a story framing to feel connection, I really could go on and on with the layers and inclusions this book provides, alhumdulillah.  I think the best way to use and share the book is going to be for me to read it with my 5 and 9 year old children a week or so before Ramadan.  Where I can read the story portion, getting us excited for Ramadan, slipping in some reminders, appreciating Islam’s global presence, and then talking about the recipes so that they can pick dishes to try in Ramadan and add needed ingredients to the shopping list (I wish I made the effort to be this organized all year long).  I then will plan to leave the book out and have my teens flip through to find any recipes that they think sound good and will commit to making.  The book would work all year long, but as a new release, I’m sharing my plan with hopes that it can help your family as well. 

The book contains 25 globally inspired recipes, featuring 11 with accompanying stories.  I absolutely love that at the bottom of the recipes are page numbers for additional items that would pair nicely, or be condiments or beverages or desserts for the dish.  This allows easy personalization, fusion meals, and more importantly a way for different age groups to be able to help each other in the preparation.  Maybe koshari is a bit advanced for your kid, but the mint lemonade paired with it might be something they can tackle a bit more independently. 

The framing of everyone on the road coming together book ends with the neighbors sharing a meal at the end,  I love the backmatter explaining Ramdan, about the recipes, even about Rahma Road.  The message to the reader and the naming of consultants really is a credit to the time and effort put into this book.

A few of the dishes and countries featured are: Atayef from Palestine, African American Sweet Potato Pie, Nigerian Puff Puff, Japanese Temaki Sushi, Morrocan Harira, Uyghur Lamp Stir-Fry, Guatemalan Dobiadas, Turkish Chicken Gozleme, Malaysian Teh Tarik, Australian Mini Strawberry Pavlovas, South African Bunny Chow, Mexican Elotes  .I can’t wait to report back if my plan was successful, if the dishes prepared were a hit, and ideas for further maximizing the use of the contents it contains.

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.

Dec27

Gift of Salah by Yusra Khan illustrated by Aisha Aamir

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Gift of Salah by Yusra Khan illustrated by Aisha Aamir

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This basic 10 page board book, is simple, and age appropriate to teach toddlers the order, name, number of rakats each of the five prayers are, and the time of day that they should be offered.  The gift on each of the two page spreads lifts to reveal the name of the prayer and the repetitive refrain will allow the audience to jump in on cue to supply the answer to the question being asked.  We have a lot of high tech and fancy lyrical options to entertain and teach our kids these days, but sometimes a solid book, that can teach and reinforce such a foundational concept is a just what our kids need.  I do wish the flaps were a little thicker, but the 6 x 6 inch size is great for little hands, alhumdulillah.

The book is consistent with each two page spread discussing the time for each of the five prayers on the left, with the number of fard rakats and the refrain of “Do not miss/ Do you know which salah is this?” I think some punctuation would help, but none-the-less, the present is then meant to be lifted for the name of the prayer to be revealed.

The illustrations do not have faces, and show the little boy praying from different angles and in different positions.

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Dec24

Our Neighborhood: Friday Fun by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Anoosha Syed

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Our Neighborhood: Friday Fun by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Anoosha Syed

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At 26 pages and 55 words, this adorable board book conveys Jumu’ah sunnahs, joy, Islam, and community.  The simple rhyming words and bright engaging illustrations are meant for babies to three year olds, but I have a house full of older kids and this book made them all smile.  The book is part of a larger non fiction series, “Our Neighborhood,” that focuses on different communities, and the first of two that celebrate Islam.  “Excited for Eid” will be released before the end of the year.  The 7 x 7 size and thick pages can work in small groups in addition to bedtime.  Whether your audience is Muslim kids learning about Jumu’ah, or non Muslims learning about what Muslims do on Fridays, the book will have a large appeal and be a joy to read over and over.

The book establishes it is Friday and then the characters get ready for Jumu’ah at the masjid.  They shower and groom, and trim, and head to the mosque for a talk before the adhan signals the time to pray.  After duas they give charity, hug their friends, and share a meal.

The little kids, male and female, pray together, but I took it to be realistic as often little kids are with one parent and are not segregated like the adults.  The illustrations show some of the kids in hijabs, others not, some of the adults in duputta style head coverings, others in hijab, and some in niqab.  “Allah” is written in Arabic above the mimbar, and the word “sadaqah” is on a box under donations and above mosque.  All the other words are the English versions of the word, except Adhan is in the text and not defined as the call to prayer.  There is no glossary.  The book really is for Muslims, by Muslim, but as a mainstream published book, it also is an easy window to open for non Muslims to see us in our element on Jumu’ah, alhumdulillah.

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Dec10

Dear Moon: Inspiration from the Beautiful Wisdom of the Qur’an by Zayneb Haleem

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Dear Moon: Inspiration from the Beautiful Wisdom of the Qur’an by Zayneb Haleem

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At 128 pages, this hard back 7.5 x 8.5 inch book is a beautiful book from start to finish.  If you follow the artist online (@idotdoodle), you know her style and her incorporation of an ayat from the Qur’an or an Islamic sentiment with her signature young girl and nature embellished scenes.  But holding the book in your hands, and pausing on the two page spreads to reflect, and ponder, and be reminded to connect with the love of your creator, is truly a treat. Whether you read it from start to finish, or dip in and spend time with just a few pages at a time, the book will capture the attention of all ages and be enjoyed over and over again, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with a welcome to the reader from the artist, introducing herself, her connection to Islam, her love of art, her expression of emotions through her illustrations, how she picked the verses, where her own thoughts and reflections emerged from, and what she hopes the book will accomplish. 

The book releases in February 2025 and is available wherever you purchase your books.  I hope you will consider preordering to show your support.

Dec9

The Power of Du’a by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

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The Power of Du’a by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

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Having not read the author’s first book, Ramadan Reflections, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this non- fiction/memoir/anthology/self help/spiritual focused book. Alhumdulilah the tone is easy to read, the chapters consistent in their format, the quotes and passages sourced, the personal stories relevant, and the information often moving and inspiring.  At times it did feel repetitive, but ultimately the book has staying power, and now that I have read it once cover to cover, I can see myself picking it up and reading a chapter or two at random and being again drawn in again.  While nothing in the book seemed “off” I did find myself wondering though, what qualifications are needed to write a book such as this, and did not find the author’s bio satisfying in providing that information.  Yes, there is a statement of praise by Mufti Menk on the cover, but similarly I don’t know if that means he “checked” and “approved” the book, or just liked the concept of it.  Ultimately, I don’t know that it matters, but I do feel it is worth disclosing, since it did linger in my mind, and I would have appreciated some transparency in the matter.  The 258 page book is meant for adults, but older teens will find it valuable too, even if a number of the stories are related to pregnancy.  I love that this book is traditionally published in the UK, it is for Muslims by a Muslim, but the glossary at the back and the way it is written, would allow even non Muslims to be drawn to the beauty of conversing with our creator, subhanAllah.

The book is divided into four parts: Du’a of Need and Want, Before Du’a, The Du’a, After Du’a, and each of the parts has multiple chapters that explore, develop, and illuminate the concept heading.  Each chapter starts with an ayat, or hadith, or quote, then gives a personal reflection of what the chapter sets out to do, and how the story about to be shared came to the author.  A personal du’a story from a real person is then shared.  The author then uses examples from the story, along with hadith, examples from the Qur’an, and/or guidance from scholars to build the case of the chapter’s intended goal.  Often there are then action items in a pull out box of suggestions the reader can do to “Develop Your Du’a” or strengthen one’s connection.  The final paragraph of the chapter is, “Allah, Transform My Du’a” where an example is given of a how to phrase your du’a.

I love that you can implement every single bit of knowledge into your du’a and your day, immediately.  If you read a chapter, you have something to ponder and act on, if you read multiple chapters you have more.  The implementation is easy and accessible, because of how it is presented.

Many of the stories, and the lessons from them are emotionally humbling.  I often found tears on my cheeks as I saw my own vulnerability, fears, worries, and hopes expressed on the pages.  And the passages that moved me today, I could see having a different effect on me if I reread them in the future.  Similarly, pages I skimmed, I have no doubt could truly grip me in the future as well.

I’m glad I own the book, glad I read it, and can see me recommending it, suggesting it, and gifting copies to others. The importance of du’a and the balm it provides is something we all know, but how to go about it to make the most of it, is often something we need assistance with and can be facilitated by this book, alhumdulillah.

Nov16

Prince Among Slaves by N.H. Senzai illustrated by Anna Rich

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Prince Among Slaves by N.H. Senzai illustrated by Anna Rich

 

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This 48 page biography tells a story that we all should know, yet are probably hearing for the first time.  The story of how West African Prince, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori, was forcefully taken and sent to America to be a slave on a plantation, what he endured for decades, and how he made his way back to the African continent.  The large emotional illustrations and poignant text tell of his his life in Fouta Djallon, the painful journey to Mississippi, the trials as a slave, the joy of being a husband and father, and his attempts to return home a free man.  With each challenge and at each stage, him additionally showing amazing strength and trust in Allah swt.  The heartbreaking tale unearths so much evil, ignorance, and faith, that the story is not meant to be read once, it begs to be reflected on, pondered over, and shared far and wide. The treatment of Prince Abdulrahman shown in some of the illustrations are difficult to look at, as they should be, there is also a very passionate kiss shown up close between him and his wife.  I think the story’s words and illustrations emphasize the anguish, the strength and the humanity, but I mention the illustrations for each to decide on their own.  There is not a biography or sources in the book, but rather mentions in the Author’s Note the source matter being a film by Unity Production Foundation.  It is not unusual to adapt a biography from a film, and I read an ARC, but I do hope the final copy will be sourced.  The book is for middle grade readers, and I cannot wait to add a physical copy on my own bookshelves, and gift numerous ones to teachers to share in their classrooms.

WARNING: SPOILERS: THE SYNOPSIS CONTAINS A FULL RETELLING, as it is historical, I hope that is ok, but in no way shape or form is my summary taking away from the details, emotion, and writing the actual book contains. 


In 1762, the Fulbe enjoyed prosperity and peace under the king, and when Abdulrahman was seven he started school in Timbo. He loved learning about the Prophets in the Qur’an, and excelled at his studies.  So much so that his father sent him to Timbuktu to continue his studies at age 12. Five years later he returned to train as a warrior, when the first white man, a surgeon, Dr. John Cox appeared injured and lost, they helped heal him and sent him back home to Ireland.

By age 26, Prince Abdurrahman was a warrior, a scholar, soon to be king, a husband and a father of a son.  One day while on patrol, he was captured. He and 170 others were loaded on a ship, for eight months, and sent over 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

On August 16, 1788 he arrived starved in Natchez, Mississippi, for $930 he and another man became the property of Colonel Foster.  Resigned that this was his fate, he helped share his knowledge of cotton, and the plantation prospered. In 1975 he married, Isabella.  They had nine children and eight grandchildren.  

In 1807 while selling goods in the market, Abdurrahman sees Dr Cox (subhanAllah), and the doctor pleads with Colonel Foster to free the Prince.  Foster could not be moved and when the doctor died, Abdurrahman once again accepted his fate. 

His story though had started to spread, and a printer, felt a softness to the Prince turned slave and printed often embellished stories trying to help his cause.  He asked the Prince to write a letter, the Prince wrote an ayah from the Quran and the printer passed it to Mississippi senator Thomas Reed explaining the Prince’s desire to return to Africa.  Senator Reed got the letter to Henry Clay, the Secretary of State under John Quincy Adams, who then got the message to the President of the United States.

The letter was written in Arabic, and they assumed Prince Abdurrahman was thus from Morocco.  The Sultan of Morocco was touched by his plight and petitioned for his release, and the Prince kept quiet not wanting the truth of where he was from to remove the help he was receiving.

He was finally freed and able to purchase the freedom of his wife Isabella with the help of those who had heard his story, but the efforts to free his children were not as successful.  The truth about him not being Moroccan became known, and despite extensive travels and pleas, his declining health forced him to leave America with out his children.  He arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, but would die before he could reach his home of Fouta Djallon.

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Nov3

The Prophet;s Sunnah by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

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The Prophet;s Sunnah by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

This joyful 20 page board book shows our littlest (and biggest) Muslims some of the Prophet’s sunnahs in a way that they can also do in their lives.  The adorable illustrations appeal to kids and the simple text showing the acts are relatable and engaging.  I did cringe at times with the changing size of the basic font and the perspective of some of the lines being told to the reader as “your” and others as “our,” but I’m a bit of a sucker for kid’s books about Rasulullah.  Some of the vocabulary might need some explaining, but overall my little ones enjoyed the book when I read it, and I have caught them looking through it on their own, so yes I’m aware that I’m over looking a few basics.

The book starts with a hadith on the dedication page and is then followed by an ayat in Arabic and English meaning of the translation about following Prophet Muhammad (saw) if you love Allah swt.  It  introduces Prophet Muahmmad saw to the little readers, not stressing the call to Prophethood and revelation, but him as a “neighbor, friend, father, husband, leader and teacher.” Starting with Bismillah, sharing, and helping, visiting the sick, being humble, some pages are filled with multiple images, and others a single scene.  Some have Arabic transliteration and one has Arabic script accompanying the English.

The illustrations show different sizes, colors, abilities.  Some of the girls wearing hijab, some not.  Readers are bound to find someone in the book that looks like them.  The binding quality and page thickness is well done and the 8.5 square size makes it great for story time or reading in small groups.

Oct31

First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan

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First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan

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This large, LARGE (10 x 13.5), 16 page board book is joyful and informative for our little Muslims to look through.  Each two page spread starts with a topic that is followed by an ayat from the Quran and then adorable illustrations are splattered around with comments, questions, facts, or definitions.  In some ways it reminds me of the Richard Scarry books that don’t have a story, and don’t have to be read front to back. You can, or you can just pore over the pages and point things out to your little ones.  The book also helps caregivers that might not do voices and Broadway style productions at story time, by offering little prompts with each picture that allow the child to engage, have their attention directed, or offer up their connections in an intuitive manner.  The size and quality definitely make the book stand out on the shelf, and I think for babies to early elementary the Islam centered focus will appeal to more than just toddlers.

The book features Animals in the Qu’ran, Plants in the Qur’an, People in the Qur’an, Nature in the Qur’an, Places in the Qur’an, Objects in the Qur’an, Blessings int he Qur’an, and  Color’s and Shapes in the Qur’an. The last page features a baby safe reflective “mirror.”

Oct11

Auntie Aisha Answers: The Tween Muslim’s Ultimate Guide to Growing Up by Aisha Hussain Rasheed illustrated by Magdelena Zareba

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Auntie Aisha Answers: The Tween Muslim’s Ultimate Guide to Growing Up by Aisha Hussain Rasheed illustrated by Magdelena Zareba

Kids have questions, and in today’s world it is easier than ever to get answers, however parents need to parent and help provide CORRECT answers for their children. This 100 page book is a great resource to facilitate conversation, hand to tweens to read independently, or just have on the shelf for when a child is curious and knows the internet might not be the best resource.  For boys and girls, this book takes a conversational tone of answering questions that tweens are thinking about, and maybe some that they should be thinking about.  I love that it is not just a body or maturation or puberty book, it discusses boundaries, emotions, hygiene, wellness, it weaves Islam in for context and reassurance and direction, and also has workbook type activities to engage the reader.  The balance of facts and conversation keep it from not being dry, or overly heavy handed, which is also quite impressive.  The text, illustrations, size, and pacing make the information available in pieces or cover to cover.  We tend to have more female focused “growing up” books for our Muslim girls, and this one really is for both.  It provides insight into one’s own body and as well as understanding and compassion for the opposite gender.  If nothing else it normalizes that changes are nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed by and allows real conversation with proper terminology to be discussed in an age appropriate and Islamically rooted manner;  yeah, the Islamic references are sourced! If you have kids, go order this already, you will be glad you did, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with discussing the blessing of one’s body and moves into discussing abilities and disabilities before moving into male and female bodies.  The first section really focuses on the body: privacy, care, autonomy, healing.  The second section is called “Growing Pains” and discusses the changes the body undergoes.  Before opening the book, I for some reason, assumed it would be framed as questions and answers, and it is not, it is chapters, but the chapters have illustrations, activities, bolded words, and are visually engaging.

Ultimately I love that the book is easy.  The topic matter can seem intimidating when you are faced with discussing some of these topics with tweens, and this book really will put parents and children at ease in the way it approaches, discusses, and walks readers through concepts that Islam has provided resources and answers for in the Quran and Sunnah, in a contemporary tween friendly way.