Category Archives: OWN Voice

Mar24

The Monkey, The Cow, and the Wolf (The Song Book) by Zain Bhikha illustrated by Amir Al-Zubi and Azra Momin

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The Monkey, The Cow, and the Wolf (The Song Book) by Zain Bhikha illustrated by Amir Al-Zubi and Azra Momin

I was wondering when the book version of this song was going to be released.  It is a beloved at our house, and when the book arrived, I don’t know if the 4 year old or 13 year old was more excited.  Either way, none of us were able to read the book, we all, by about page two, were singing at full volume the story of the monkey, the cow, and the wolf.  If upon seeing this cover you didn’t immediately start humming the beloved kid’s song, then you are in for a treat with this book as three stories about animals teaching timeless lessons are shared.  The book is simply the lyrics of the song, so a parent might need to explain a bit, but the fun illustrations, and rhyming lines will make it a favorite for toddlers and preschoolers to sing and flip pages to, alhumdulillah.

The song/book is organized with a statement, a chorus highlighting the moral after each story and then repeating the opening framing statement.  The first story is about a business man who would cheat his customers, Allah swt sent him a monkey, and the monkey purified his wealth by disposing of half of it in the sea. The moral being that “Allah hates cheating, Allah hates lies, so give what’s due and receive what’s right.”

The next story is about a farmer and his cow.  The farmer works his animals way too hard, so Allah allows the cow to speak and tell his owner not to abuse him or the other animals.  The moral being that “Allah made animals, Allah made man, to all living creatures be kind and fair.”

The final story is about the wolf trying to steal the sheep and the shepherd protecting them.  The warning is that the sheep must be strong in faith for the wolf will always be trying to take you.

The book and song are catchy and fun, and provide stories and morals to discuss with kids at story time and bedtime.  The only slightly odd thing about the book is that the last page is the inside back cover.  I’m sure it was a binding decision but it seems it could have balanced the title pages at the beginning to make it feel symmetrical.

Available to order HERE

Mar23

Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara Alfageeh

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Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara Alfageeh

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Despite my initial hesitancy, the book really won me over.  The inspiration behind the story is impressive, but even if it was complete fiction, it would still be a cute book.  Over 40 pages, the illustrations and simple text introduce you to Zahra, a young girl in the UAE with big dreams and a lot of determination.  And that is before she even sets foot on the ice.  Four to eight year old kids will enjoy the humor, with the older readers appreciating what she was able to overcome and accomplish.  Adults will appreciate the authors’ and illustrator’s notes at the end and seeing their kids being inspired to pursue their dreams.

The book begins with Zahra watching a movie at a theater and being inspired by the skaters on the screen.  She slides across the floor in her socks that night when she gets home, and declares she is going to be a figure skater.  Her brother points out that she doesn’t know how to skate. When she asks her friend to make her a costume, it is revealed that she isn’t even taking lessons. It seems everyone wants to point out the flaws in Zahra’s plans.  To which she responds, “not yet.”

Luckily her dad supports her, and takes her to the only ice skating rink in the country, where she promptly falls over again and again.  But there is something to be said for not giving up, and the true story of Zahra Lari shows that sometimes you have to be the one to break the barriers and remove the “not yets” on the path to achieving your dreams.

I found this book at my public library, but it can also be purchased here.

Mar21

Until You Find the Sun by Maryam Hassan illustrated by Anna Wilson

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Until You Find the Sun by Maryam Hassan illustrated by Anna Wilson

I don’t know that this book is particularly unique or mind blowing, but I read a digital copy a few weeks ago and was surprised when some tears fell, I read it when I got the physical copy to my kids and my throat caught again, and here I am writing this review and feeling all vulnerable.  It is as if I too am a little girl in a new place missing her grandfather on the other side of the world, which clearly I’m not.  The book is sweet, and moving, and I find myself emotionally invested every time I read through the 32 pages and get lost in the large sweeping illustrations.  The book is not Islamic, there are a few hijabis in the background and text that articulates friends saying salaam before the girl moves.  Additionally, the main character’s name is Aminah, and the author is of Pakistani decent, and has a Muslim sounding name.  The story though, at its core is universal, heartfelt, reassuring, hopeful, and lovely to share in all spaces. It begs to be read aloud and holds the attention of toddlers to early elementary aged children.

The book starts with a happy little Aminah in a bright sparkly environment of sunshine, mangoes, and salaams.  Every night she listens to Da’s stories of adventure as she snuggles next to her grandfather.  One day she finds out they are moving, going on an adventure.  Only Da won’t be joining them and Aminah is devastated.

The new home is gray, and cold, and no adventure at all.  She wants to go back, but Da reassures her during their nightly conversations that things will get better.  And sure enough, with a bit of bright yellow inspiration, she starts to discover the adventures awaiting in her new home.

Kids will find the end hopeful and resolved, but I somehow found it a little bittersweet.  Da loves his grand daughter and wants her happy, but the adult me, realizes their relationship will never be the same, and Da will miss her in many ways, alone, as she embarks on her own life.  I know I’m projecting, but the ability to see both perspectives adds a nice layer to the book.

The book is available here from Amazon and will be in local libraries in June 2024.

Mar19

An Eid Story: Husna and the Eid Party by Fawzia Gilani-Williams illustrated by Kulthum Burgess

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An Eid Story: Husna and the Eid Party by Fawzia Gilani-Williams illustrated by Kulthum Burgess

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This 27 page book is old, published in 2007, and one that I kept an eye out for on occasion since reviewing a similar early chapter book by the same author, The Lost Ring, that I found in a public library in 2016.  Somehow it found its way to me in 2024, and I’m reviewing it because it has been a while since I’ve indulged in older books that shaped the foundation of Muslim literary representation so many years ago.  It is the epitome of Islamic fiction and what Islamic fiction looked like when I started teaching.  It has a Muslim protagonist, with a universal stress, framed in Islamic acts, perspectives, information, and morals.  It is unapologetic, it is at time preachy, and while the writing isn’t remarkable, an engaging story is laid out with numerous lessons along the way.  You may not want to rush out and purchase this book, but if you have it on your shelf, it would be worth pulling out, dusting off, and sharing with a child. At times the details feel a little dated, but there is a timelessness to stresses with friends, being left out, assuming the worst, and wanting to be included.  This book will offer a chance to be seen in the text and illustrations as Husna waits to be invited to her friend’s Eid party.  The book does not specify if it is Eid al-Fitr of Eid al-Adha, but it really isn’t impactful on the story, as it simply sets the time, mood, and draws all the threads together.

SYNOPSIS:
It is the week after Eid and students are back at their Islamic school, Husna has lots of friends, but Maryam is her favorite.  While on the playground, someone asks Maryam where the party is going to be, and she responds, “probably at the house.”  Excited Husna waits for her invitation, that unfortunately never comes.

WHY I LIKE IT:
Even though the book has a happy ending and is based on a misunderstanding, the feelings are very real.  I remember feeling left out, I’ve seen my own kids and students feel it, and that the book is a snapshot of that feeling from a Muslim perspective, really makes it hit home.  Husna makes dua in sujud at Maghrib and Fajr that she will be invited, conversations begin with As-Salamu ‘Alaikum and end with Barak Allahfi-ki, homework is learning Hadith and memorizing ayats, jumah is prayed, and every page is filled with Islam.

FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
The book is an early reader, a text heavy one at that, but none-the-less meant for ages seven and up. I can see it being read today in small groups in an Islamic school or if you have a young one who is perhaps feeling something similar.  You might have to explain invitations in the mail, or calling on a house phone, but it still has relevance.

Mar18

The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide to Growing Up by Yasmin El-Husari illustrated by Noon Eltoum

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The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide to Growing Up by Yasmin El-Husari illustrated by Noon Eltoum

I still get asked fairly frequently about maturation books for Muslim kids. Boys are another story, but for girls, I’ve always had to settle on a non Muslim book that gives an introduction and some conversation starters, bur rely on the adult to provide the Islamic perspective.  Alhumdulillah, those days are over, I can now recommend this 47 page book as a great resource to hand to a young Muslim girl to read independently and/or together with a trusted adult.  The conversational text, the Islamic centering, the complimentary subtle illustrations, allow the book to be informative, but not intimidating.  For girls on the cusp of puberty it shows them what to expect and it normalizes what they are going to experience in terms of body changes and hygiene, all within an Islamic framework.  I do wish that it noted if scholars approved the text.  The author is a teacher and the illustrator an MD, but a statement at the beginning asserting the accuracy would give additional credibility to the contents.  In full disclosure, the author was my daughter’s teacher, but none of my kids are currently in her class, and I purchased the book on my own.  Truly the book is so desperately needed, the fact that it is well done is something I am happy to share, and inshaAllah, inshaAllah a book for boys will be forthcoming.

The book starts with an introduction from the author and then a table of contents.  Growing Up, Seeing Spots, A Hairy Situation, Body Safety, A Sweaty Dilemma, Tahaarah!, Periods: The Big Change, Periods in Islam, Discharge, Feminine Protection, Bra Measuring Guide, and Glossary.  There is not a lot of talk about moods, emotions, friendships (relationships), it really is streamlined to cover the body’s changes and practical tips through an Islamic lens.

The tone is very reassuring that what a girl is experiencing or about to experience is normal, something all women go through, nothing to be embarrassed about, and nothing to feel isolated by.  Even the glossary reinforces this this tone by explaining the medical terms and Islamic terminology used.  If a girl reads it alone, she will get that messaging, and hopefully feel empowered to embrace her changes and reach out if needed.  If one is reading it with an adult, the book lends itself easily to discussions that can be more specifically tailored to the young girl, or even a group of girls.

It talks about hijab and provides a chart about who can see you with and without, I’m a bit confused by young children being in both categories, I’m not sure if I am missing something or if it is a mistake.** I also feel like the chapter headings and the section subheadings are not clear as the font, color, and text size are often the same.  The book is small and short, it can be read in one sitting or thumbed through, so the chapters are not particularly necessary, but if it has a table of contents and headings, I feel they should be different in appearance for consistency and ease.

The book is currently available here on Amazon.

**UPDATE FROM AUTHOR:

*Correction Post
Assalamu Alaikum readers both past and present. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your support and engagement with The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide. We had a reader reach out to us pointing out a typo in the text last week. Alhamdulillah that mistake is now corrected. Any book ordered after March 14th should be the correct version of the text. If you bought a copy with the printed mistake it can be returned to Amazon and repurchased inshallah. Again, I appreciate all of your support and Jazakum Allahu Khair 🦋
Mar17

Ilyas & Duck: Spectacular Salah by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Mattia Cerato

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Ilyas & Duck: Spectacular Salah by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Mattia Cerato

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It has been a minute since we have had a new Ilyas & Duck book to read and share with our kids, and this one focusing on prayer is informative, fun, and was well worth the wait.  It is also long, 48 pages long to be exact.  There is a lot of information and works best for ages six or seven and up.  The clever rhyme and engaging illustrations tell about wudu, the times of the five daily prayers, Surah Al Fatiha, facing the Kabah, having the right intention, connecting with Allah, and not being distracted. I love the framing that salah is not just an obligation, but is an opportunity to talk to Allah swt and should be spectacular.  The author reads his books aloud a lot to kids, so if you have ever seen one of his readings, I highly recommend channeling the voices and energy, to hold the audiences attention if using the book at story time.  If reading at bedtime, or if handing to an independent reader, take the opportunity to discuss the points, check understanding, and reflect upon what Duck is learning.  As always the banter between Duck and Ilyas keeps the kids laughing, the story moving, and the information flowing, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with two verses from the Quran and the hashtag #freepalestine, before entering the world of Ilyas and Duck one summer afternoon,.  An alarm goes off and Ilyas heads off to make wudu and pray.  Duck couldn’t get up though, he prayed earlier, so he thought he was done.  Ilyas explains that there are five prayers in the day, and Duck is seriously worried that Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha are going to cut in to his game time, snack time, and movie time.

When Ilyas tells Duck that prayers don’t take long and it is when you speak to Allah swt, Duck in his enthusiastic way is determined to make each and every prayer spectacular. He drafts a plan, learns the steps and what to say, finds the direction, makes his intention, says Allahu Akbar and starts training. 

He is praying all over the Earth whenever the time comes, but then he learns he can do more and goes to visit the Professor.  He learns about connection and closeness to Allah.  He also learns about using his heart and staying focused, before rushing back to tell Ilyas all that he has learned.

The book covers a lot of ground, and gets kids excited to pray.  I like that the information is a mix of highly detailed specifics, general knowledge, and humor.  The way the salah times are described and the emphasis on connecting with Allah swt and making your prayers heartfelt is not often seen in books for this age group, and I think it gives the book a wider lasting appeal.  My 8 year old did point out after reading it independently and laughing, that if Duck prayed Fajr didn’t he know a little bit about prayer already?  Also, given the length of the book, a line clarifying that infact not all places on Earth are ok to pray upon, would have been nice. 

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I hope this book signals more books in the series are heading our way.  I notice that the illustrator is not the same, but the pictures are similar enough I doubt most kids will notice. The book is widely available and can be purchased from Amazon here or from Crescent Moon here. 

Mar16

Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy

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Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy

Woah baby, that was a wildly fantastic ride of a read.  The very first page grabs you and makes you sit up and pay attention.  I have never been so happy to sit in a waiting room so that I could read in peace.  This 387 page book is mature YA, I was gifted the knowledge prior to reading that there is a line that is toed, possibly stepped on, but not carelessly crossed, so I will gift that knowledge on to you, so that you might enjoy the story without that anxiety. Told from numerous perspectives, a group of Muslim teens find themselves arrested for an act of terror.  Strangers from different schools, different backgrounds, and different dreams for their future, are fiction, but their stories, their secrets, the broken system that they find themselves in, all feels very real.  The plausibility and commentary from an OWN Muslim author is incredible, I do wish their was more spiritual centering, Islamic framing, or even a more Muslim conscience present. Some of the characters do discuss hijab and one does find solace in prayer, but none of them really pour their heart out to Allah swt in the isolation of their cells, and in the predicament they are placed in, and it seems like they would.  Ultimately though the writing is remarkable, it has been a long time since I was truly tempted to skip ahead and read the last few pages because my heart was racing.  There is just one storyline thread that is so overly emphasized that comes close to a haram line, that I wish was a little down played so that I, as an Islamic school librarian, could encourage younger teens to pick up the book and dive in.

SYNOPSIS:
It is the fourth of July, and the MSA kids from the local different high schools are gathering at the beach for bonfires, fireworks, and socializing.  Everyone present will witness a crime, six teens though will be accused of committing it.  Qays, the Palestinian golden soccer boy who can charm everyone and anyone.  Nasreen, the outcast from a private Catholic school there to meet someone.  Samia the hijab wearing social media star. Muzhda the Afghan refugee with undocumented parents.  Zamzam the girl with a singular dream to be a doctor, and Abdullahi, the quiet EMT in training.  Six strangers whose histories and alibies link them to the outside world, but leave them skeptical of one another as they face charges in a world not concerned with the truth.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that the characters are Muslim and feel so real and developed. The characters are not tropes or their families stereotypical.  They know what Islamophobia faces them from others, they know what internalized issues they are dealing with, and they are not having a religious identity crises amidst everything else they are experiencing.  The writing allows each voice to be unique and clear, which is quite impressive as there are a lot of perspectives that move the plot along.  It is really hard to write a review that doesn’t spoil the book, so yes I’m being vague, and you are welcome.

FLAGS:

There are a lot of profanities not just when the stakes are high, but normalized as well throughout.  There are close relationships between boys and girls.  They take about dating.  There is weed, and the legalities of using, being in possession, and being high.  There is lying, death, incarceration, Islamophobia, some physical abuse mentioned.  There is a story line of a girl that doesn’t know if she is attracted to girls, she doesn’t act on it, but it is something that has tangled up her alibi and she choses not to explore it, but it keeps coming back up.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This would be an awesome mature YA book club, just like some of the characters are being held in juvie and some being tried as adults, I think for Muslim readers a little older will benefit and be able to process, discuss, and see themselves in the book.  The book mentions that it could happen to anyone, and for a Muslim audience, to recognize and discuss that concept would be beneficial and engaging.

Mar12

Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment by Farah Qaiser and Hajer Nakua illustrated by Natalya Tariq

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Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment by Farah Qaiser and Hajer Nakua illustrated by Natalya Tariq

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This 26 page book is set on Eid, it does not specify Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, but it isn’t overly impactful on the story outside of the framing, so really it is a non issue.  The book shows a Muslim family and is a benefit for appealing to women and girls in science, unfortunately it has some plot holes though.  A big point of the book is the girl, Khadija, wondering if she can be a scientist who wears hijab because she doesn’t see any scientists at the fair wearing one. When she voices this concern to her parents, her father reassures her saying, “Anyone can be a scientist.  Scientists can wear a hijab like Amma, or glasses like me.”  First of all, I don’t like it equating hijab to glasses, hijab is a religious practice, not a tool to help you see or an accessory.  I’m well aware not every book has to have Islam centered, but I do worry that if hijab is relegated to an article of clothing, and Khadija doesn’t wear hijab, that readers might just be confused and not be able to connect the dots.  With weak writing, a confusing premise, and a climax of doing an experiment, that is not included for the readers to do at home, included in the book; I am struggling to recommend this for every bookshelf.  It isn’t a bad read, it just should be better.  I love the joyful engaging illustrations, I like the female Muslim science representation even. I just ultimately think the weak writing drags the book down and will have some kids confused why she is worried about a scarf she doesn’t wear impeding on a career she doesn’t have, and be unable to see that as a Muslima she will want to wear hijab as an act of worship when she grows up.

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The book starts with Khadija and her family heading to her school for the science fair after Eid salah.  She sees lots of scientists, but notices none wearing hijab.  She gets a science kit to do at home and then the family starts to prepare for guests coming over for dinner.

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Khadija can’t wait to do her experiment so she quietly gathers up supplies, and heads to the bathroom to make elephant toothpaste. It works, a little too well, but then it is everywhere and mom and dad show up to help her clean.  Khadija wonders if she is not cut out to be a scientist.  Mom and dad console her, the people arrive for an Eid party, and her parents and her do the experiment for all to see.

The story is pretty straightforward, but I sure have a lot of questions: why is the “big day” the science fair and not Eid.  It is at her school but the science fair is not students sharing projects, but professional scientists? And does she purchase a science kit, why does her mom give it to her at the fair, but then she asks the scientist is she can do it at home? What else did she see or learn at the science fair, she just went saw scientists in lab coats, got the kit and left?  How was it still morning when she got home after the fair, after Eid salah?  There is a whole page of her getting an Eid gift and squealing with delight, but never shares what the gift is.  I also really, really wish it had the experiment in the book. I want to know what it is and why it is called, “elephant toothpaste.” I truly do not know why this book has no backmatter.  Information about women in science, how to do the experiment, maybe something about hijab or Eid. A link or scannable QR code to see the experiment would have even added something to increase knowledge and excitement for science, representation, and dreaming big.

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Mar10

Trouble at Taraweeh by Rosalind Noor illustrated by Rania Hasan

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Trouble at Taraweeh by Rosalind Noor illustrated by Rania Hasan

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I love funny books that are Islamically accurate, Muslim filled, and informative as well.  Alhumdulliah for this outrageous Ramadan tale, that gets kids laughing and parents horrified.  A frog on the loose at Taraweeh on the 21st night, and a little girl who is a self proclaimed “trouble magnet,” focuses on Laylatul Qadr, good intentions, and Allah swt hearing our prayers.  It is text heavy, so for a read aloud, think slightly older children, seven or up, would be the ideal audience, but in a bedtime story setting the illustrations will keep younger ones engaged.

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The book starts with Umama looking forward to Laylatul Qadr.  She knows duas are answered that night when the angels come down and fill the earth, and she has a special dua to make, she really wants a little sister.  It is the first odd night of the last ten days and she has had an eventful Ramdan so far.  She accidently flooded the wudu area, she tripped on her prayer skirt and knocked people over, she even tried to organize the shoes, but then no one could find their shoes.

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Tonight she is determined will be trouble free, which naturally means, it won’t be.  Fluffy, her frog, gets loose.  She apologizes to the woman as she scoops him off her head, but then…he gets away from Umama, and the chase is on.

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With plugs getting yanked, breakers being flipped, and little Umama asking Allah swt to help her make it right. The imam, her dad, keeps his cool and somehow you find yourself, parents included, feeling bad for Umama and hoping she has a smooth remaining Ramadan.

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The expressive illustrations are  bright and complementary to the story.  Kids enjoy looking at them and they really do help hold the kid’s attention as the story unfolds.  So many of my Ramadan staples come from Ruqaya’s bookshelf, and this is a great addition to the shelf.

The book is available here at Crescent Moon Store

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Mar9

Celebrations and Festivals: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Sara Khan illustrated by Nadiyah Suyatna

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Celebrations and Festivals: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Sara Khan illustrated by Nadiyah Suyatna

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This 48 page, informational based book is told through a little girl explaining her Ramadan and Eid days in a fictionalized story format. The information is not new, nor is the framing, and it has my pet peeve  line of “Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar,” but aside from that, the book does a good job of showing the joy, the activities, the faith, and the importance without self-othering, unrealistic cluelessness, or watering down. For whatever predictability the story has, the back matter is excellent. The additional information about Islam, the crafts, and even the quiz, make this book a standout in a crowded category. The book does not talk down to readers and thus works for Muslim and non Muslims alike. It also is unapologetic and informative making it a good book to share with non Muslim classrooms wanting to learn about Ramadan without crossing into “preaching.” The illustrations are warm and joyful bringing the lengthy book to life.

The story starts with Raya introducing Ramadan and then herself to the reader. She then details her Ramadan day. From sighting the moon to doing the good deed suggestions on the countdown calendar. It explains Allah swt and that adults are required to fast but kids are not. Raya spends time exploring how hard it is to skip snacks, but remains hopeful that when she is ready to fast she will be able. Her father also reminds her about other aspects of Ramadan and being on your best behavior as Raya helps set the table, donates to charity, and reads Quran. Throughout it all, informative details about Muslims are threaded through. Focusing on Raya herself also breaks some stereotypes as she discusses the joy found in a wide variety of foods from many cultures, Eid prep, looking for the moon, having henna put on, and heading out for Eid prayers and festivities. There are numerous details universal to all Muslims presented, as well as unique highlights specifics to Raya’s family such as showing the family bowling and reflecting on mini golf last year, activities that even her grandparents can participate in.

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The robust back matter starts with Fun Facts about Islam, stats about Muslims, details about the five pillars, etc.. The next two page spread is about the lunar calendar and has a pullout bubble explaining the use of the phrase “peace be upon him.” Then there are directions for a pop-up Ramadan card, Then information about the month of Mercy, Laylat al-Qadr, paradise, a recipe for Ramadan Cookies, info about Masjids, and finally a quiz, with answers.

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I like that the book balances showing joy through Raya’s personal experience, with facts about Ramadan, Eid, and Islam. I also like that Raya knows all this, my hatred of the formulaic child waking up and wondering why her family is up so early eating breakfast or a child wanting to fast and the family not supporting them is not widely realistic, and I appreciate that this book feels very reflective of what our kids feel, experience, and know about the blessed month. I also like that it features food, but does not dwell on it, and yes there are presents for Eid, but again it doesn’t make it the central factor in the joy she is feeling of being with her family.