Category Archives: Picture book

Sep11

A Boy Named Ibrahim by Sitti Aminah “Flexi” Sarte illustrated by Aaron Asis

Posted on September 11, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

This 24 page Filipino book originally published in 2014 was republished with a new traditional publisher earlier this month and reads and feels like solid Islamic fiction. The book focuses on the five daily prayers throughout the day of a young boy’s life, with the repetitive refrain being the steps of wudu. Ibrahim leaves his activities to pray, wakes up early to join his parents in salat, loves his mother, and listens to her reminder about prayer being an important way to remember Allah swt. The book is preachy, religious, and unapologetic. The timing of fajr is a bit questionable, but roosters do crow at all hours, and the light outside the window might be a street lamp and not the rising sun. Islamic phrases are used, but it does say “Alaikum Salam” in response to “Assalamu Alaikum” which is a variation of the norm. Overall, the book is a nice addition to share with young children highlighting the importance of prayer, it also works well to learn and review the steps of wudu, and the names and order of salat, alhumdulillah.

The sun is about to rise, Ibrahim says, “Bismillah,” makes wudu and joins his father for prayer. It is the first day of school and Ibrahim is excited. He spends half his day at school, then prays Dhuhr. He makes wudu and prays. While playing soccer in the afternoon, he leaves the game to pray his Asr, but first he makes wudu.

Once home he chats with his mother about prayer, and coming closer to Allah swt, while he enjoys a snack and then makes wudu and prays maghrib. Baba then comes home, they eat and pray isha all together.

I enjoyed the illustrations and the simple story. The book is straightforward, and the contentment and unapologetic portrayal of prayer in a person’s day is sweet and important to highlight. For preschool to early elementary this book would be a great addition to shelves, story time, and bedtime as well.

The book can be ordered on Amazon here

Sep4

From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani

Posted on September 4, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani

This sweet rhyming picture books discusses, focuses, and celebrates being a multicultural child. Not the often seen child of an immigrant living in a society that is different than their parents, this story doesn’t even discuss where the child in the story resides, it just joyfully explores having a Brazilian mom and a Saudi father, while centering Allah swt in bringing them together. The book highlights each culture, notes some differences, and acknowledges compromise, making this a reflective book for kids with parents from different cultures, but also a window of coming together that all readers can enjoy. Toddlers to early elementary will enjoy the 31 pages with bright engaging pictures and introduction to cultures and a topic not often seen in Islamic fiction, or any books for that matter.

The book is told from the child’s perspective as he breaks down his appearance and him being half his mom and half his dad. He discuss the different sounds of Arabic and Portuguese, how meals are eaten, time is spent, people dress, and handwriting looks, without belittling or othering either culture.

The little boy circles back numerous times that this is all Allah’s decree, that brought his parents from different parts of the world together. It shows challenges and compromise at time, and ultimately love and smiles. The book concludes with helping readers like him to feel seen and articulates Prophet Muhammad (saw) saying that no person is better than another based on where they are from.

The book concludes with an ayat from the Quran and a hadith, and is based on the author’s life. I can really see this book being used in a class as an introduction to a lesson asking kids to write their own family traditions coming together. It also works well at bedtime, or anytime.

You can order the book here

Aug28

The Big Yard Sale: David Learns How to Treat Customers by Tariq Touré illustrated by Anika Sabree

Posted on August 28, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Big Yard Sale: David Learns How to Treat Customers by Tariq Touré illustrated by Anika Sabree

David Kareem is back and learning how to treat customers at his neighborhood yard sale. The 26 page rhyming poem, turned children’s book (note there is little punctuation) is brightly illustrated as it follows David on his selling journey. With Mommy’s baking and guidance on how to treat customers, his Saturday morning offers lots of lessons, mistakes, learning, and entrepreneurship for David and the reader alike. There is a hint about a smile being charity, an Imam stops by, and David puts on a kufi. It has good lessons and the same community vibe as the first book David’s Dollar, with visible Muslims in the illustrations and with Muslim names in the text throughout. But there was a page with two typos which disappointed me, a changing number of cinnamon rolls, and when the copy arrived it was pretty damaged and bent (probably/possibly not the fault of the author, but it cost $25 through the preorder Launchgood, so disappointing none-the-less, alhumdulillah you can now purchase it here from Amazon for $12).

David wakes up and hears commotion outside, he thinks he left a toy on, but soon realizes the neighbors have their stuff on tables and are selling things. David wants in on the action, but can’t figure out what to sell. He seems to gather up some toys and household items in the early illustrations, but ultimately it is about him selling his mother’s cinnamon rolls. She is a baker, and is testing them out, but he says he only needs five and is off to peddle his wares.

The first costumer comes, and leaves, he asks his mom what he did wrong, and she advises him to adjust his attitude by smiling. They look at Brother Naeem as an example. The next costumer comes, but asks if he can warm up the now six cinnamon rolls in the illustrations. David says no, and once again he turns to his mom to find out why. She tells him that “the customer is always right” heads off to get a heat lamp, and uses Sister Khadijah selling beads for reference. When Imam Musa comes, David completes the sale, but Mommy says he needs to learn gratitude.

One page has “He’s” when it should be “He,” and “sleep” when it should be “asleep.” I get the lack of punctuation is stylistic, but I don’t feel like these two on the same page are intentional, they just seem erroneous, and being that they are on the same page, makes it seem like the page was just missed perhaps in editing.

Overall I enjoyed the presentation, representation and content of this book and am glad I preordered it months ago. I wish it had a smidgen more Islam in it, but I think this book would be great in an early elementary story time with recently traditionally published books about business for a similar demographic, including the author’s earlier book, David’s Dollar. Teaching kids about entrepreneurship, ethics, gratitude and doing it with Muslim characters is incredible to see and important to share.

Aug11

Zain’s Super Friday by Hena Khan illustrated by Nez Riaz

Posted on August 11, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Zain’s Super Friday by Hena Khan illustrated by Nez Riaz

I love the joy and normalizing of mainstream titles celebrating salat, Jummah, and the masjid becoming increasingly available for us to read and share. This particular book is great for preschool to early elementary aged children that enjoy going to the masjid, but sometimes want to put on a cape and be the hero battling aliens, that know how to behave during salat, but sometimes have a hard time sitting still, and parents that want to play with their kids, but sometimes have to get some work done first. With threads of patience, kindness, and determination woven in to masjid activities, the book is both a mirror for Muslim kids and a window for those that wonder what a Friday prayer service looks like. The 32 page book is unapologetic, joyful, and a great addition to book shelves.

Zain wakes up early Friday morning and is ready to save the world. Dad greets Zain with a “Jum’uah Mubarak,” but has to pass on battling the aliens taking over the kitchen. At lunchtime, when dad takes a break from work, Zain tries again to engage him in heroic play, but it is time for Jum’uah. Zain slips on his cape and vows to protect everyone.

When they get to the mosque, aka command central, Zain tries again, but dad redirects him to make wudu before salat. Heat action dries his feet, but the adhan starts and giant shoes and aliens will have to wait, yet again. During the khutbah, wiggly Zain sits by his dad, but when the Imam encourages them to stand for salat and fill any gaps, Zain takes it as a call to duty and races to the front announcing, “Here I come, Commander Imam, reporting for duty.”

The kind Imam knows just what to do, and as Zain controls his focus, even dad finds time to be a hero and battle the aliens on this super Friday at the mosque.

I love that wudu, athan, khutbah, Imam, are all used without a glossary and that the Author’s Note is informative and unapologetic in tying it all together and making the terms clear. I wish masjid was used instead of mosque, but I know that is just my personal preference. I love that the Imam is kind and the dad is gentle and playful. Even when Zain is not getting to do what he wants, he is not unhappy with being at Jumuah, or making salat, or being redirected, he just wants to indulge his imagination. The warmth and joy of the illustrations reinforces the tone of the book, and with the inclusion of charity, and the happy ending, I can’t wait to have a physical copy of this book in my hands.

The book releases on October 10, 2023 and can be preordered/ordered here on Amazon and I’m sure will be available once released at Crescent Moon Store, where my initials ISL at checkout will always save you 10%.

Jun26

A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

Posted on June 26, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

A journey to and through Medina with a focus on the five senses is a lovely concept for a book and the book is an enjoyable read for young children with the internal map, details about he Rawdah, the inclusion of Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatian, Mount Uhud, Archers Hill, and ajwa dates. The book is a little text heavy, as a decent amount of information is shared, but the illustrations are enjoyable and will help hold the attention of early elementary children. The use of sight, smell, taste, feel and sound are woven into the story, they are not highlighted or the organizing format of the book. Bonus material includes a QR code to listen to “Tala ‘al Badru ‘Alayna,” a glossary, and follow up activities.

The book starts with a little boy headed from Mecca to Medina, “the city of Prophet Muhammed’s (saw) mosque and grave, and a hope to find out why “everyone says Medina feels ‘special.'” As he sees Bedouins in the desert he wonders what they eat and how they survive. He then sees a gas station lit up like an amusement part.

As they get closer to Medina they listen to “Tala’al Badru ‘Alayna.” When they arrive at the hotel they smell oud and fall asleep. The next morning he wakes up to the sound of the athan and they walk the streets taking in the sights and smells. The color of the green dome is noted and the rose smell of the carpet when they make sujood included.

The Rawdah and the umbrellas each get their own two page spread, and then a tour guide takes them to Masjid Quba, Masjid Al-Qiblatayn, and Mount Uhud. The tour finishes with a visit to the date orchards and playing and napping in the mosque.

I wish it used the word Masjid every time, it uses both, and I’m not sure why it doesn’t just say Fajr instead of the morning prayer. I appreciate framing it as a story, but the beginning with the Bedouins and the gas station seemed to slow the story down and my littles wanted answers as to why there were so many lights and how the people in the desert survived. I also would have liked if the backmatter detailed more about Masjid al Quba and Qiblatayn, and Uhud, ultimately I wish there was more showing the little boy feeling why Medina is special and not just saying he now understands.

I’m not sure why I only ordered the Medina book and not the Mecca one as well, they are stand alone reads, but the Medina one references that that they have come after being in Mecca so consider if you are getting one to get both. I ordered mine here. Use code ISL (Islamic School Librarian initials) at checkout to save 10%.

Jun19

A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale by Emma Halim illustrated by Aissa Mutiara

Posted on June 19, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale by Emma Halim illustrated by Aissa Mutiara

A rhyming cat centered book about hajj that has been checked by a Shaykh! Over 46 pages, preschool aged children and up will be able to see the steps of hajj in a fun, engaging and accurate way. This book is great for bedtime and small group story time and the reasonable price makes it perfect for sharing too. The illustrations do not have faces with eyes, but the joy comes through and Bissa the cat makes sure you know how special hajj is.

I love that the book identifies what type of hajj is going to be shown and thus signals that there are different ways. I also love that the book is sourced and the Shaykh is named and qualifications listed. For so long erroneous information in children’s books has gone unchecked and it really is such an important verification for something critical in our faith to be sourced and checked. Plus it is reassuring for the reader to feel confident in sharing the information with others.

The book radiates with excitement and information and the rhymes and illustrations keep kids engaged. The book is 8.5 x 8.5 so it might not work in big groups. I purchased mine from if you use code https://crescentmoonstore.com if you use my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you will save 10% it is also available here on Amazon.

Jun5

The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

Posted on June 5, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

This follow-up picture book to The Arabic Quilt, takes readers back to Kanzi’s school, but also works as a standalone for ages 7-10. Addressing the hot topic of book banning, the fictional story brings the discussion down to an elementary level and shows kids speaking up and pushing back against something they don’t agree with. The main character finds a connecting thread to events in Egypt, and with her class and family behind her, she finds her voice and takes the lead. The story bounces around a bit and feels a little rough and underdeveloped at times, but the subject matter is important and can be used to help guide discussions, encourage peaceful protesting, and taking action. There is nothing Islamic specific in the text, the main character’s mom and teita wear hijab and are in the illustrations (#muslimsintheillustrations), in a memory of Egypt there is a man holding a cross. The author is Muslim and mentions it in the Author’s Note at the end.

The book starts with Kanzi leading the class to the library, she passes the Arabic quilt she helped bring to life and walks a little taller. She has promised her Teita she will bring home a book with Arabic words from the library, but when she walks in to the library, the “bookcase where the new diverse books were displayed has been emptied.” The librarian explains that the books have been banned. That the school district, like many others around the country, have decided certain books are not allowed. Kanzi is upset, but her classmates “gather near (her) in solidarity. They want her to know that they care, too.”

Back in class the teacher opens up the discussion, and Kanzi can’t find her words. Kareem says it is unfair and when the teacher explains that people are responding by protesting, writing letters, and buying more copies of banned books. Kanzi finds her voice and suggests a bake sale. Kareem suggests they raise money to buy books that are banned and call it “The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale and Protest.” Molly adds that they can put the books in Little Free Libraries. The class agrees that Friday will be the day, that baked foods inspired by books that are banned will be sold to raise funds to buy more banned books, and the local news station will be invited to broadcast the protest.

Kanzi helps Teita make baklawa from a book they once read, while her grandma tells her stories of protesting in Tahrir Square. Teita held a banner and demanded rights for the people of Egypt. Friday comes, and the kids are determined to be heard, as the crowd grows, Kanzi’s nerves also grow, but her strength comes from those that support her and who have also spoken up to be heard.

I enjoyed the illustrations and the backmatter. The inclusion of a baklawa recipe and insight to how this story came about with the banning of The Arabic Quilt, definitely adds to the book’s appeal. I felt a little disconnect though from the emotions of the book, and oddly enough, little connection to the characters.

I wish it would have shown her joy when she first saw the diverse book display. How it made her feel seen and valued and included to see books that reflected her and her classmates. Then we, the readers, would feel the pain too, now that they are gone.

I also was a little unsure of the scene when all the kids gather around Kanzi in solidarity, why is she the only one upset? Is it that they care about her or that they care that the books are no longer available? Sure it can be both, but again, as it is written, it isn’t particularly strong.

I’m not sure why the three characters named in the book Kanzi, Kareem, and Molly, do not have their names shown on the Arabic quilt pictured in the illustrations, and I also don’t know why it bothered me that the book banned that had baklawa/baklava was not named. I don’t care that it isn’t a real book, but I wanted a title to make the case of how ridiculous this ban is more articulate. Additionally, I love Little Free Libraries, but it seemed tossed in without much fleshing out. The book doesn’t explain what Little Free Libraries are, so I’m not sure that kids will even understand the plan.

The book is a decent read, I don’t know that the climax or characters will be memorable on their own, which is unfortunate because connection with the success or failure of this fictionalized book ban really could have radiated out of the book and deeply inspired kids. The reversal of the boards decision doesn’t directly link to the kids’ actions. I had to provide that link to my own kid when I read the book to him (he is almost 8). It is implied, but a line or two about how the kids protest encouraged other people to also speak up, or write letters, or that the school board attended the bake sale, would have shown that when voices amplify it is hard to ignore them.

The book has value on the shelf and can be preordered here https://amzn.to/3C5Baaj

May29

These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family’s Story by Aya Ghanameh

Posted on May 29, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family’s Story by Aya Ghanameh

This stunningly illustrated OWN voice Palestinian book for early elementary kids is an important story and I love that it is coming out to the world, but I do have some issues with the literary aspects and target demographic. The story bounces around from being factual about the brining and curing process of turning the bitter olives into numerous things, to Oraib’s present life in the refugee camp, to memories of the family’s life in Al Tira. When war once again drives the family from their home in the Balata refugee camp, Oraib, plants seeds and vows to return one day to harvest the fruit. The language at times is very mature and complicated for ages 5-8, I felt uncomfortable with the family moving being attributed to war and not occupation, and at one point it clearly articulates there are many olive trees located outside the camp and that they are leaving the seeds that would be later planted, so why is the climax her asking the earth permission to plant one more and for the sky to water and care for it until she can return? The backmatter allows the book to be used to spread awareness about Palestine and the process of harvesting olives, but the illustrations will appeal to younger readers, and the concepts contained seem more geared for slightly older ones. There is nothing religious in the book, there is depiction of the Dome of the Rock in an illustration and I believe the author/illustrator identify as Muslim.

The writing style of the book is fairly surface level with concepts not fleshed out to allow difficult concepts to reach younger readers. When describing the taste of the fresh olives, Oraib wonders if long ago people were, “pleasantly surprised by its acidity.” No insight into what that acidity tastes like, or bitterness, or what curing and brining means. Often the paragraphs seem long winded and repetitive, adding very little to advance the story.

There is little lyricism in the text, and the first time some tries to peek out, the metaphor is quickly abandoned, and it is notable that it doesn’t return. The occasional enjoying of the bitter fresh olives is juxtaposed with the surprising joy occasionally found in the camp, it seems that with the uprooting of the family once again at the end, this thread would have been a natural inclusion to reinforce the patience for something better to occur.

The dramatization of asking the earth and sky when planting a seed upon their departure, didn’t make much sense to me. It is noted there are olive trees already there, the illustrations show the ground littered with seeds that were to be planted had they stayed, so why not have the little girl pocket some of the seeds to take with her wherever they go. That is after all what the mother is doing at the beginning. Why not have the little girl invest in the cause herself and share in that ownership that they will always endure and prosper. The personification of the earth, sky and rain also doesn’t seem to fit the flow of the story, so much is internal observation and reflection of the main character, that this seems like an attempt to bring it back to a child’s level that instead just reads disjointed.

I might have missed something as I am not Palestinian, but the book to look at is incredibly beautiful, I just don’t think it will be read and remembered by young children. One of my first thoughts when reading it was that it was an early draft, but it is to be published soon and this review is based on the most recent version sent to me. I also wondered in the back of my mind if the book was allowed to be used to check a box, and wasn’t given the editing and polishing that it deserved on purpose. It depresses me to even think that, and I guess I’ll never know, but I would love to hear your thoughts, and I do hope you will request your local libraires to shelve the book as a show of support to authentic Palestinian voices.

May22

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

Posted on May 22, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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

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.

May1

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Posted on May 1, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Being the new kid, not having friends, and being teased are not new themes in literature (or life), so if you are going to write a book about them, take a lesson from Muslim author Aisha Saeed and make sure the story is heartfelt, emotional, and well-told. There is no Islam in the book, no foreign culture, or teasing because of skin color, it is a boy named Rumi who has moved from San Francisco to the other side of America and his shoes, with their drawings and colorings, that cause the kids to stare and start bullying. Rumi seeks solace under a willow tree and fellow classmate Han has to be brave to put a stop to the mistreatment by finding his voice and not simply staying silent. The text and illustrations provide a lot of opportunities for children to see themselves in the story, in the various characters, and ruminate over the actions and feelings from different points of view. The book is lyrical, it is not heavy handed or preachy, and the Author’s Note at the end is equally touching and hopeful.

Rumi is quiet, and on his first day in Ms. Garza’s class the kids stare at him as he stares out the window. At recess he wanders off to sit beneath the willow tree when Asher, Ella and Han leave the swings to see what he is up to. Asher and Ella start to make fun of Rumi, Han is uncomfortable, but stays quiet.

Rumi recalls coloring his shoes with his friends, and how different it was to where he is now, he picks up a twig to twirl as the hurt grows. In music class when the giggling starts, he tries not to cry. At recess he retreats to his refuge under the tree.

When the bullying escalates, and tears fall, Han speaks up and breaks the cycle. Others follow and see the world Rumi has created with his twig and are drawn to it and to Rumi. Forgiveness is asked for, and granted and the tree becomes a place of friendship and togetherness.

The Author’s Note shares the real life observations of the author about her son in kindergarten and how while heartbreaking, there was also hope in the concern shown by other kids that simply weren’t sure what to do. I love that even though Rumi is being teased for his shoes and being different, he doesn’t stop wearing his shoes or try and clean the drawings off.

I think this book is a must read in classrooms and homes were kids can slowly peel back the pieces and see where they can relate, how they can plan to act, and what parts they identify with. The book is deliberate and slow, and while a child could read it on their own and enjoy the story and illustrations at hand, the real power it has, is being a catalyst for discussion and empathy and speaking up.

Pre order/order here on Amazon