Category Archives: preschool

Jan22

A Ramadan Night by Nadine Presley illustrated by Asma Enayeh

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A Ramadan Night by Nadine Presley illustrated by Asma Enayeh

 

This 40 page picture book balances prose and lyrical language with touchpoints that young children will recognize and relate to.  Using the senses of sound, sight, and smell, a young boy, Sami, seeks to understand what his father means by his remark, that it “feels like a Ramadan night,” as they head off for Taraweeh at the masjid.  The silliness of the little boy asking the moon, the sidewalk, the echoes, the carpet, and more personified inanimate objects, unearths a deeper more resonate layer of faith, community, and connection. The joy felt in Ramadan through acts of fasting all day, praying all night, giving charity, and being with others, is not easy to articulate. And this book not only takes you on a journey through Sami finding his answers, but with a little prodding, will urge Muslim children, and adults, to try and describe their own emotional attachment to the blessed month, while at the same time, also being a wonderful choice to share with non Muslims who often cannot understand that even children are genuinely excited for the worship in Ramadan, that is not yet required of them.  The bright engaging illustrations and the culminating universal climax of sweets, brings the occasionally overly flowery language back to a child’s level and grounds it.  Sami finds his answer as the night unfolds moving the story along and with the unapologetic Islamic centering of the religious month, I can’t wait for my physical preorder to arrive, so that I can share it with my community this Ramadan.  The book releases in a few days and I hope you too will preorder, or request from your library, to signal to the publisher that we want unapologetic Islamic representation, and will support the books that are well crafted, appealing, and Islam centered. 


Set in Syria, the book starts with Sami and his father sitting outside eating together, when Sami’s father says that it “feels like a Ramadan night.” Sami isn’t so sure, but his father isn’t about to offer a simple reply, and instead urges him as they head out the door to Taraweeh, to find his own answer.  So Sami asks the crescent moon, who tells him that, “Ramadan nights are lights.” Sami isn’t so sure, but but he sees the golden lanterns glittering, and faithful hearts shining and eyes twinkling as his foot steps make noise on the sidewalk. This has him ask the sidewalk next.  Where he is made aware of the eager steps, and celebrating streets full of hope. His own feet bring him closer to the masjid where echoes of laughter are heard.  The echoes, when asked, speak of peace, and so Sami’s journey continues through salat, playing outside, and delighting in sweets, before returning to his “hug of a home” and knowing in his heart what a Ramadan night feels like to him.



The heartfelt warmth, contentment, and love of Ramadan radiates through the book’s language and illustrations. The melding of story, with Islamic centering, and a little boys journey makes the book authentic and delightful, alhumdulillah. 

Jan17

Together on Eid by Sana Rafi illustrated by Mariam Quraishi

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Together on Eid by Sana Rafi illustrated by Mariam Quraishi

I know it has become increasingly commonplace to have Eid and Ramadan books completely devoid of religion, but I will continually point it out, as it breaks my heart to see books about our beloved religious holidays lacking any spirituality, religious framing, or Islamic references. This book would work for either Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha as it focuses, as the title suggests, being together on Eid and all the food, clothes, and feels that being together entails. The book is organized with headings: “Eid is a gathering,” and “Eid is a party we dress up for,” and “Eid is a home.”  There are six in all, that are then fleshed out with supporting details and examples that reinforce the topic sentence so to speak.  Food is detailed, clothes are highlighted, togetherness is celebrated and, memories are shared, and made on this day, that is ultimately “a gift.” The setting is a Pakistani home with cultural identifies sprinkled in, but still very vague in any specific traditions outside of a few instances of vocabulary.  The illustrations define the clothes and foods mentioned and while I don’t love the flowing illustrations, there is nothing wrong them, they just are not my style.  The book could work for a non Muslim gathering, but I would hope that if you are sharing a story and introducing a group to Eid, that one would pick a story that will at least articulate that Eid is an Islamic holiday.

The book shows a family: mom and dad, a little girl and little boy and paternal grandma. It starts with warm hugs, and getting dressed up for the holiday, then when the feast portion starts, extended family joins the pages. Dadi Amma is then joined by all of her grown sons, who she recalls being little just a short wile ago.  The focus of the book becomes a little preachy at this point, as it turns to the grandma reminding the little boy never to forget the day as she hands him his Eidi.  Throughout the dad is taking pictures of the family, and the book ends with the little boy asleep cradling a picture.

I don’t hate the premise of the book.  It is nice to see that it isn’t all presents and big Eid extravagances that mark the day as memorable, but rather it is the family and being together.  Even the feast is not over bearing on the day, as they don’t spend the whole day in the kitchen. The roti comes from a store, not hand-made and the Eidi is enveloped in love, not accompanied with a wish list of what the money will be spent on.  I just wish there was some Islam.  Something to give little Muslim kids a traditionally published book that didn’t erase the very point of the holiday.  And yes I know some people will like that it is completely secular, but I am reviewing as an Islamic School Librarian, and find it either a missed opportunity by the author, or token rep by the publisher.

Perhaps also worth mentioning is, the book info online states the book is 32 pages, but it is only 20 pages of story, which isn’t me being picky, I point it out because it reads and feels short.  The backmatter is only the author’s and illustrator’s notes, which begs the question, why not add informational pages about Eid, the vocabulary, the faith, or even more of what makes the holiday so memorable and picture worthy?  I don’t know that this book really makes the case that Eid is a memorable holiday, seems like most any weekend in a big family home, which is unfortunate.

Jan10

Upside-Down Iftar by Maysa Odeh illustated by Nadina Issa

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Upside-Down Iftar by Maysa Odeh illustated by Nadina Issa

This 32 page picture book is beautifully illustrated and set in Ramadan with the premise being Teta can’t fast because of a new medication she is on, so Malak, who is also not fasting, and her are going to make makloubeh for iftar.  From there the story follows most food centered books with everyone adding their favorites until the iftar meal is one of a kind and brings the family together.  The Palestinian rep in the illustrations, and the mention of asr and maghrib salat, along with the refrain of “inshallah” and Arabic phrases threaded throughout make for a joyful read any time of the year. Unfortunately the first page was hard for me to get past.  Why is Mama staying “up late singing prayers in her closet” a sign for the little girl that it is Ramadan? Why is she singing prayers? Why is she in a closet? Alhumdulillah, the rest of the story was less awkward and I love that it highlights that sometimes ailments and medications make fasting not possible.  The messaging that every family is unique, just like makloubeh is relatable and easy for kids to grasp as well.  The backmatter contains a recipe, the dust jacket slips off to show a vertical filling of the pot with “everything Makloubeh” and the detailed illustrations will both introduce some kids to the popular dish, and celebrate a favorite familiar meal for others.

The book starts with the moon smiling her Cheshire cat smile and Ramadan beginning.  This is the first year that Teta is not fasting, and Malak decides she will have Teta teach her how to make iftar, but not just any iftar, upside down Makloubeh!

It starts out with Teta explaining the process and getting started, but then Jido comes in and wants eggplant added. Then khalo sneaks in to let them know that he likes potatoes in his. When Mama gets home from work with cauliflower, she is swept off to pray asr, and Malak decides she wants to add her favorite to the mix.

When Maghrib athan time comes, the big reveal, the flip, and then the first bites take place, revealing a “makloubeh with a little bit of everything.” A dish so yummy that Teta and Malak might be making iftar every night.

Jan4

Ramadan Rain by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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Ramadan Rain by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

This 40 page book is all the feels as little Haneen’s Ramadan duas change from the material to the heartfelt while the rain pours down, taraweeh prayers are made, fun is had, and hearts are touched.  In true Thompkins-Bigelow fashion the book presents in layers that pull the emotional threads without turning didactic and preachy. The adorable illustrations complement the text and by the page when the characters are crying, I too, found tears in my eyes. I love that praying, duas, and practicing Islam is not sidelined, as current Ramadan and Eid books seem to do, but rather centered and celebrated as a source of comfort and joy. For the most part the external catalyst moving Haneen’s internal change were seamless, but the page with the little boy pointing and calling the drawings on her card naked, seemed a little jarring to the tone, even though I can see the function it served. I also acknowledge that a physical version might not make it as abrupt. Additionally it is worth noting the very nature of reviewing is to over think, so to be completely honest, by about the fifth reading I began to wonder, did her perspective change? There was no pivotal moment that set it in motion, it seemed she just got carried away in making the Eid card and never got to articulate what she really wanted to her mom. The initial dua is for the shoes that the family can’t afford, which I already felt was inconsistent because when asking Allah swt nothing is impossible, and the whole premise is that it is Ramadan and on top of that raining, but that aside, even when she first draws them, she states that it isn’t what “she really wants.”  So now, I’m wondering if anything really changed at all, or she just never clarified and thus the reader as well  her mom are taken along from Ramadan night to Eid day.  Also in the arc I read, it seemed a word was missing on page three that will hopefully be fixed in the final version. I love the tone and the warmth, and I know most won’t read it as deep as me, but the publication is not until March and I wonder, and hope, a few tweaks might still take place.  When my pre order arrives, I will revisit the review if need be, and yes, even with my critiques, I think this is a book that will delight all ages this Ramadan and give plenty to reflect on throughout the year.

The book starts with a grumpy Haneen sitting on a bus, walking in the rain, and arriving at the masjid a little wet and muddy recalling when they had a car and things were easier.  She starts to complain but catches herself knowing that they can’t afford things, and Momma tells her that, “rain brings blessings.”  She also reminds Haneen that duas said on a rainy day get answered, especially during Ramadan.

Once in the masjid, Momma reads Quran and Haneen starts to make duas for the shoes she wants but knows they can’t afford when she is distracted by friends, and they start making Eid cards. They children work together, and when it is pointed out that Haneen’s stick figure has shoes, but no cloths, she marvels at the different dressed women around her, before adding her favorite to the picture, wondering if she can get new clothes for Eid.  The pattern continues, she sees the twins with plush toys, and thus plushies are added to her wants, and filled in on her Eid card, as the congregation moves from athan, to iftar, to salat, to taraweeh.

When Eid comes, SPOILER gifts come from unexpected places, and a new card, showing what Haneen really wanted and prayed for that rainy Ramadan night are revealed, alhumdulillah.

Oct20

Sameer and Snazzy: Kindness Counts by Emma L. Halim illustrated by Herry Prihamdni

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Sameer and Snazzy: Kindness Counts by Emma L. Halim illustrated by Herry Prihamdni

The 32 page faceless picture book for toddlers and up, is set in Australia and follows Sameer and his cat Snazzy on a bushwalk.  At first I felt like it might be a little bit like the classic, “And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street,” but the structured story with a repetitive refrain adds in Islamic phrases, silly encounters, and examples of kindness that make it unique.  Add in a fun surprise at the end, and like many other books by the author, be prepared to have it memorized as your little ones ask for it over and over again.

The book starts with Sameer look forward to his grandpa coming to visit, but wishing he had something exciting to share with him.  Snazzy suggests he shares that he can talk to animals, but Sameer knows no one would ever believe that, so the two set off on a bushwalk to find something exciting.

When they hear an “A-choooooo!” in the trees, the fun is just getting started with Miss Koala sneezing and making eucalyptus leaves fall. The duo finds a way to help, but the fallen leaves mean ants are stuck in their home and can’t get out.  Once again, Sameer and Snazzy, find a way to help.  After each episode the refrain of, “‘Imagine if I told Grandpa this!”‘ I say to Snazzy.  ‘He’d never believe you! he smiles.  ‘NO-ONE WOULD!’ We laugh together and continue along the path, when suddenly…”

The book ends with a surprise, that I won’t spoil. The backmatter has a reference to Surah An-Naml and explains that Prophet Sulayman peace be upon him, really could speak to animals.  There is also a glossary of the Islamic phrases and a QR code to continue to the fun after the story ends.

The book is a bit more text heavy than some of her others, but the illustrations are fun, and will keep kid’s attention.  It does not rhyme, but has a cadence that makes reading it aloud easy. The small size makes the book better suited to bed time, but could work in a story time, and would be wonderful tuned into a story board/felt board read aloud.  The book is a universal story, but at some point in Islamic fiction self published and small published books, I think we will need to have open dialogue and discussions if having characters that are not the same race as the author or illustrator is appropriate and beneficial, or is misleading and better to avoid.

***EDIT: The author reached out to me asking me to remove this generalized opinion of me calling upon the need to have discussion, I opted to amend, as I think we need to have conversation and believe intention and purpose in whatever one decides is a benefit.  So, to avoid errors in interpreting her ask, I will simply post the screen shots, and my response.  Please note I did not tag the author in my Instagram post, she reached out to me.  I purchased the book, it was not gifted.

Oct18

Home Away from Home by Nazneen Akbari illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh 

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Home Away from Home by Nazneen Akbari illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh 

Set in Oman, this 32 page picture book shows family, connections, trying new things, and similarities as the concept of home is expanded. The illustrations bring the text to life as Nuha travels to Oman with her mother without the reassuring presence of her belove doll Mary, and into the souk with her grandma who slowly nudges her into finding joy and fun and her home away from home.  The illustrations show Jadda and other characters in hijab, and greeting of Assalamu Alaikum being shared, the call to prayer is heard and a blue mosque is marveled at. I am not sure if the author is Muslim, she is not Omani but lived there according to the Author’s Note. The backmatter, also highlights the culture and Christian and Muslim respect for the names Mary and Maryam.  The beautiful book is heartfelt in showing the relationship between a young girl and her grandmother, as well as her culture.  With few books focusing on Oman, I’m excited to add this to my collection when it releases in February, and share it at story times and bed times with children ages four and up.

The book starts with Nuha not looking forward to an upcoming trip to Oman.  She doesn’t really know her Jadda, and is going to miss Baba and her home for the summer.  She finds reassurance in her doll, Mary, that at least she will have something familiar to hold on to.  When Mary gets left in the car, Nuha arrives in Oman grumpy and sad.

Grandma knows just what to do and scoots Nuha off to the souk to look for a new doll and where the sights, sounds, and smells, eventually win Nuha over.  From the nibbles turning into bites of shawarma, to henna being applied to their hands, to drums being played and danced with, Jadda and Nuha spend the day hand-in-hand.  When an Omani doll is finally chosen as they head home from the market, Nuha settles on the name Maryam, so that Mary and Maryam can represent ALL of Nuha.

Oct9

Steet Puppy, Masjid Cat by Moniza Hossain illustrated by Wastana Haikal

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Steet Puppy, Masjid Cat by Moniza Hossain illustrated by Wastana Haikal

I was a little nervous opening the book, I didn’t know if it was going to be a “Lady and the Tramp” type retelling, and I was unsure how dogs would be presented, but I sure was not prepared for the absolute adorableness that unfolded.  The simple rhyming lines contrasting the street puppy’s life to that of the pampered cat in the masjid, to their meeting, and the sweet imam leading with kindness warmed my heart.  The real chef’s kiss is the backmatter that doesn’t source, but references the sunnah of “acts of charity to every beast alive,” and notes that dogs, unlike cats, are not allowed in the mosque for religious reasons.  I love that “masjid” is in the title, that the author’s note and glossary explain adhan, imam, and the Quran, and ultimately that friendship amongst differences is the takeaway for all readers.  I don’t love that the adhan in the text is described as ringing and the imam as singing, but I acknowledge my pickiness.  And while I love that Prophet Muhammad saw is mentioned in the author’s note, I do wish salutations were given afterward.  The illustrations on every one of the 32 pages are delightful, and I love that the image on the jacket is different than the one on the book itself.  For ages 3 and up, and even emerging readers, this book has a lot of heart, and my 6 year old has read it aloud so many times, I just might have it memorized.

The book starts with simple rhyming lines showing the contrasting life of the cat and the dog, from their daily activities, to how other’s treat them.  When they meet, the cat is not too welcoming, but the imam shows the puppy kindness and the cat follows suit.  As simple as sharing and giving each other a chance, creates a friendship between the two animals, and a beautiful conclusion even the littlest children will understand.

The book is not didactic, and the role of the imam and setting of the masjid, for Muslim kids will be such a spark of joy, but in no way will it limit non Muslim children from connecting with the story.  The benefit for all is seeing a masjid environment and a Muslim in action, normalizing both, and inshaAllah reminding us all to be a little kinder to our animal friends.

Oct7

Zamzam for Everyone: Sharing Water at Hajj by Razeena Omar Gutta illustrated by Bassent Dawoud

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Zamzam for Everyone: Sharing Water at Hajj by Razeena Omar Gutta illustrated by Bassent Dawoud

This joyful 32 page picture book is both adorable and educational. Layers of Hajj and Zamzam threaded through with the global reach of Islam, generosity, food, language, and a little girl with a big smile brightening every encounter, is heartfelt and tender. Each reading has me smiling and marveling at the illustrations, amount of information simply conveyed, and the way it all comes together to offer both a window and a mirror for readers of all ages, particularly 3 and up.  The robust backmatter allows older readers to benefit, and with pronunciation guides, cultural and religious oversight noted, this book will be a favorite at bedtime and story times in Islamic and public schools, libraries, and gatherings.  SubhanAllah, the book is really well done and such a gift to us all to see Hajj and Zamzam unapologetically and proudly presented through little Mariam’s eyes.  It will leave children feeling like they just had a warm hug, and inshaAllah making dua’a that they too will be invited to Hajj soon.  

The book starts with Mariam feeling blessed to be one of the millions of people at Hajj. Her mother encourages her to be good, share, and be grateful all while staying hydrated, as it will be tiring.  She tries to come up with what she can do to get blessings, in addition to smiling, when she realizes sharing her Zamzam water will be the most beneficial. 

She helps an old lady find a seat and gives her some Zamzam, the Pakistani lady says, “shukria” and gives her dates in return. When she shares with some Indonesian sisters and is told “Terimah Kasih” she is handed some pandan cookies in gratitude.  This continues all throughout her Umrah with pilgrims and workers from different countries thanking her in different languages and sharing something back with her.  

It carries on through the steps of her Hajj, even when Makkah is far away. And even when she returns to her home, she shares the Zamzam to bring a part of Hajj to those that stayed at home.

The backmatter tells the story of Zamzam, information about the treats mentioned from around the world, information about Hajj with a glossary as well as the steps of Umrah and Hajj, information about the author and illustrator, and who helped insure accuracy of all the cultural and religious content included.

The book comes out in January 2026, and appears to be available in both hardback and paperback, please preorder to show support.

 

Sep4

Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of Opposites by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

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Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of Opposites by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Every few years, for the last 13 or so, we get a new title in this series, and each one warms my cynical heart with its unapologetic Islamic representation and vibrancy.  The heartfelt rhyming lines, the Islam centering, and the enveloping illustration make these books timeless, sought after, and beloved.  This installment covers opposites, previous books in the series focused on colors, shapes, and numbers. From the BIG ummah to a SMALL baby’s aqiqah, HOT oud to COLD rain bringing barakah, SLOW honey full of shifa to FAST cars heading to Jummah, the book uses two page spreads per each term in the opposite pair with rhyming couplets in large clear font to introduce/remind, describe, and highlight an Islamic tradition.  As both opposites and Islam are conveyed, the cadence and illustrations pull Muslim and non Muslim children in and make the book delightful at storytime, in small groups, at bedtime, and for kids to look through on their own, over and over again.  Alhumdulillah.

The book is 36 pages with a Glossary of Islamic words at the end with an Author’s Note.  It is available wherever books are sold and a great reminder that well done Islamic books can make it from traditional publishers.

 

Apr29

Your Friend From Palestine by Nabila Adani

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Your Friend From Palestine by Nabila Adani

This book is absolutely gorgeous, from the raised text on the cover, the sweeping illustrations with tangible details, the Islamic threads, and the heart, but…yeah you knew something critical was coming, the rhyme is not consistent, and the biggest hurdle for me, is that there is no backmatter.  I can’t say that I’m “bringing this up again,” because I don’t know that the debate ever dies down: can you write a book about something personal that you have not lived through? In this case can a non Palestinian write a book from a Palestinian perspective? As a former journalist and long time reader, I still maintain that you can, but backmatter detailing your own limitations, what efforts were made to have the book verified by those with OWN voice experience, and background information on why this is pertinent and relevant are mandatory. And this book does not offer them.  Nothing feels off about the contents, and anyone with a heart, has seen and felt everything on the pages about our brothers and sisters living under occupation and through genocide. So is it a good book, yes. Do I think it has value, yes. But, is it authentic? Is it accurate? Is it enough? Does the focus on hardship and destruction open eyes or diminish Palestinian joy? Why wasn’t a Palestinian brought in to cowrite the book with the author illustrator? Was it sensitivity read? I am not able to answer these questions, I simply bring up my concerns for you to decide for you and your children. While the book ends on hope for a free Palestine, and a safe Gaza, the oppressor is unnamed.

The book starts with children on a beach playing when they find a message in a bottle.  The message is from Khalid, a child in Gaza telling the finder about his life and asking about theirs. He likes to play football, but sometimes it isn’t safe, he likes to read stories but often can’t because there are no lights, and he dreams of swimming in a swimming pool, because they often don’t even have water to drink.

Khalid then tells the finders of the bottle, and thus the readers, to not lose hope, “to hold on to your imaan.” And it highlights what we can all do to help.  “You can pray for us! Send charity! Spread the news!” and tell people about Palestine. So that one day we can meet at the Dome of the Rock, pray at Masjid Al-Aqsa, and be together in a free Palestine, inshaAllah.

The illustrations are beautiful and the framing effective in connecting with readers, and highlighting the similarities before revealing the obstacles. Again why I wish there was backmatter, so that it didn’t feel simplistic, but rather bringing it down to a younger audience level.  With dialogue, explanation, and context, the book can be powerful, but on its own, I feel the lacking authenticity, transparency, and details about Palestine, make the book in need of an update before future reprintings.