Category Archives: preschool

Nov5

Allah Hears You and Me byZaheer Khatri and Yasmin Mussa illustrated by Fatima Zahur

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Allah Hears You and Me byZaheer Khatri and Yasmin Mussa illustrated by Fatima Zahur

With 24 thick pages, this 6 x 7.5 inch board sound book follows a young boy on his search for his missing bird. Audio buttons compliment the rhyming lines, with some giving Islamic phrases, In-sh-Allah, Subhan-Allah, and Al-hamdu-lillah, and others animal sounds, as the young boy asks various animals if they have seen his beloved Birdie.  The active searching while trusting Allah swt and knowing that Allah swt hears us, the book, spoiler, has a happy ending, as more duas are made.   I like that the structure is intentional, so our littlest Muslims can appreciate the pattern, repetition, and anticipate when to push the button for the sound. With solid messaging, fun illustrations, and mercifully an on/off switch for the book’s audio, this book will quickly be a favorite for little Toddlers and their big people alike.

 

 

Oct23

The Kaabah Cat by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrated by Nabila Adani

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The Kaabah Cat by Shifa Saltagi Safadi illustrated by Nabila Adani

If you only pre-order one book this year, it should be this one. If you have never pre-ordered a book, this book should be your first. If you regularly pre-order, don’t miss out on this one, even if you do not have young children, but especially if you do. Am I biased? Absolutely, but the story, the illustrations, the theme, the heart…40 pages fly by and leave readers of ALL ages wanting to dive back in, to be close to the Kaabah, to be searching for cats, and to journey for Umrah in real life.  This is why I love Islamic fiction. This is the power of stories, to entertain and educate, but also bring us closer to our creator. SubhanAllah, this book is truly a gift to us all, and that it is traditionally published and widely available just another example of Allah swt being the writer or our rizq and that no dua is too big of an ask, Alhumdulillah.

Zayd and his parents are heading to Mecca for Umrah, and with the knowledge that duas are answered, he cannot wait to ask for a cat.  When one appears before the words are even out of his mouth, Zayd is delighted to chase his new Kaabah cat down to take home and play with.  Dad has to deflate the dream with a dose of reality though, and as the steps of Umrah carry the story along, we see him work through his emotions and have his duas answered in a way better than he ever imagined.


I love that Muslim kids will see themselves so clearly and unapologetically in this book, and non Muslims will relate to wanting something with their whole heart and realizing that there might be something better than they ever even considered waiting for them.  Additionally, with a solid three page backmatter opening the book up to educational avenues, author connection, and insight, sweeping illustrations complete with Palestine, Syria and Sudan flag rep in the crowds, and Shaykh Abdul Rahman Chao named at the start as verifying the Islamic accuracy, this book is a must have to share and enjoy over and over again.

Oct21

That Counts! A Wudu Story by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Ava Haghighi

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I love funny books for our little Muslims and this one manages to take the kid giggling topic of passing gas and combine it with the educational element of making wudu and what breaks it, in an adorably illustrated way.  Mercifully it does not get too “gross” with discussing fluctuance and I absolutely adore that the imam is so patient and kind.  Over 32 pages we see Hamza and his friends make wudu, Hamza break his wudu and have to make it again and Imam Mustafa field questions about what counts as breaking wudu and what doesn’t.  Perfect for toddlers and early elementary kids learning the basics and reviewing the infractions, my only criticism is the wasting of paper towels.  The book is not a manual, and feels like a story, not a fictionalized how-to, but part of wudu is not wasting water, and the amount of paper towels Hamza appears to use in the illustrations is wasteful.  The book works great on its own, but I hope if discussion about wudu and manners and bodily functions does take place around the sharing of this story, that not wasting will also be part of the discussion.  Perhaps if the author sees this, she might even consider adding a line to balance the Imam telling Hamza to use a paper towel after the first making of wudu, and reminding him not to waste paper, and water, after the second trip to the wudu station.  And while I’m making imaginary requests, a pullout wudu poster like the one in Hamza’s masjid would also be a great addition in the future.

May9

Super Nani and Captain Yaz by Saira Shah illustrated by Maria Gabriela Gama

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Super Nani and Captain Yaz by Saira Shah illustrated by Maria Gabriela Gama

This 40 page picture book shows a grandma and grand daughter, not really overcoming, but make progress by putting in effort to connect despite language limitations through doll making and imaginative play. The dupatta wearing Nani comes to visit Yazmin for the first time, and once the excitement settles, Yaz comes to understand that Nani only speaks Punjabi and not English like Yaz. A bit of a stretch that Yaz wouldn’t know this about her grandma, but the overall sweetness of the story overcomes some of the weaker plot elements. And bolstered by the engaging and bright illustrations, the book does make for an enjoyable read and springboard for modeling thinking outside the box to make connections. I do appreciate the cultural rep, and the mention in passing that “Captain Yaz fights battles to save the world…even at the mosque.” I additionally like that there are directions in the backmatter for “How to make your own Superhero Rag Doll,” as well as a map of Punjab, a glossary, and “A Note from the
Author.”

Yaz wakes up to the news that her Nani is coming to visit for three months as dad stirs the curry and mom hangs bunting. In preparation Yaz puts on a shelwar kameez, has her hair braided, and mehndi applied. Once Nani arrives and doesn’t understand Yaz’s superhero explanations, it becomes clear to Yaz, that there is a problem. The two, meeting for the first time, do not share a common language. As the days pass, the excitement drains and quietness takes over.

Then Nani is sewing one day, and together the two of them make a rag doll, “Captain Yaz.” The doll becomes the catalyst for adventure and exchanging words in Punjabi, even when Nani has to go back to her home. The two find a way to keep in touch, and Super Nani joins the mix.

This book reminds me of so many Ramadan books that have the protagonist wake up wondering why the house is decorated and the family is up eating when it is dark outside. Similarly, I find it a bit odd that Yaz knew no Panjabi and didn’t know her Nani didn’t speak any English, that the family is cooking and decorating for her sudden (?) visit. The family doesn’t even make a trip to the airport, Nani just knocks on the door. I also wish there was some Islam or cultural grounding, I was very surprised they went to the mosque, it honestly felt a bit out of place. I’m probably overthinking, but by the same token I do like that the two of them, Nani and Yaz, just needed to find a way to engage with one another, the love was never in question, and distance and language were ultimately just minor obstacles.

May8

Let’s Visit The Three Sacred Mosques: Pop-up Collection Masjid al-Haram Masjid, al-Nabawi Masjid, al-Aqsa by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

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Let’s Visit The Three Sacred Mosques: Pop-up Collection Masjid al-Haram Masjid, al-Nabawi Masjid, al-Aqsa by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

This gorgeous boxed set is sold as a unit, so I will review all three of these 20 page, thick 8 x 8 board books with two pop up spreads in each, in one post.  Each book features Huraira,  a little gray cat, taking our littlest Muslims in to Masjid al-Haram, Masjid al-Nabawi, and Masjid al-Aqsa. The factual beautifully illustrated books share basic details and information about each location, often breaking the fourth wall to keep the reader engaged. The backmatter of all three features a spread with key facts, a “Check your knowledge” quiz, with answers, and finally a spread featuring activities.  Much like the author’s first series, this collection is both informative, easy to engage with, and spans a wider age than the typical board book. Adults and children alike will enjoy spending time in the pages learning about and reflecting on these three important masajids.

The series does a good job picking and choosing key facts to share without overwhelming the pages, and readers.  The illustrations also complement the text and make it easy to understand and remember the details such as the al-Aqsa complex being more than one structure, the Rawdah being between the minbar and the Prophet’s house, and showing the Haram without it feeling like a Hajj book.

A few pages of the Masjid al-Haram book are a bit text heavy to look at, but the lines flow, and I don’t see them being cumbersome.  I was surprised the books sit backwards in the thick cover, but overall the quality is solid, both in structure and in content, alhumdulillah.

May6

Counting Up the Olive Tree: A Palestine Number Book by Golbarg Bashi illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

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Counting Up the Olive Tree: A Palestine Number Book by Golbarg Bashi illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

I love the idea of this book: kids saving a tree by working together, set in Palestine and calling for freedom, homage to “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” the girls’ soccer/football team providing reinforcements,  but alas the words are muddled, the rhyme painfully forced, and the counting of players in positions, a little awkward. I think the point is fun with numbers, but a little plot of why the woodcutter is called to cut the tree, or who hired him, and thus why he feels the burden of apologizing, would have really gone a long way to make the book cohesive. I also wish the backmatter was more about Palestine and the destruction of trees rather than the lengthy bios of the author and illustrator.  With a little telling of the story and not reading the words as written, editing as you go, and some practice, the book can make for a decent read aloud and provide teachable moments about Palestine, teamwork, resisting, and soccer.  If you really work to sell it,  the book and the numbered soccer players can also be a bit of silliness and fun too.

The book starts horrendously.  The first page, or rather the first two lines should have been the inscription and the third line completely removed, as the first page makes no sense.  Had the story started with the second page and the “let’s play ball” sentiment, readers wouldn’t immediately be confused and off put going in to the story.  “Someone silly once said: ‘Kids don’t have fun when their trees are gone,’ but that’s just silly,” un no that isn’t silly, it is actually the point of the book.

The remainder of the book is in fact the soccer/football team climbing up the tree to keep the woodcutter, who is sleeping, from chopping down their olive tree when he wakes. Eleven players going up to protect, and with the girls team joining that makes 22.  Two goalies, a whole slew of defenders, and forwards, and midfielders, and when the woodcutter awakes, he has a whole lot of people to apologize to.

As to why the woodcutter was there, why the change of heart, why the need to apologize, why there is only one tree in the first place, and why the kids love this tree, sigh, we will never know.  Free Palestine, though, and Save the Trees.

The book is not OWN voice for the author nor illustrator, and there is no religion in the book save a few hijabs in the illustrations and a masjid and church lingering in the background.

Mar7

Mini Muslim Minds: Heart Germs & Gems by Zanib Mian illustrated by Hilmy an Nabhany

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Mini Muslim Minds: Heart Germs & Gems by Zanib Mian illustrated by Hilmy an Nabhany

These are not books that you hand to an elementary aged child to read independently, they are meant to facilitate conversation, gently guide, and be a tool in shaping awareness and emotional intelligence for our little believers.  I love that once again the author has filled a gap in our repertoire and made the information accessible, age appropriate, and easy to engage with.  We often use words like generosity, gratitude, stinginess, and fail to properly explain what they mean, what they look like, what they feel like, and how to counter them or make them grow.  These are not fictional stories with heavy moral themes, these are non-fiction self help books for little kids, that require the adults to share and tailor to the child(ren) or situation at hand.  With Eid around the corner I have spent a few evenings going through the generosity and gratitude books with my six year old and referencing it as his Eid list continues to grow out of control. And the format and voice, even though text heavy, work great one-on-one, I can also see this series working well in small groups and classrooms as they are short and relatable in presenting emotional intelligence. InshaAllah these are just the first three installments of the series.

The first few pages of each 24 page book are the same: A reference to a Hadith regarding good character admitting people into Paradise, explaining the concept of Heart Germs and Heart Gems, and giving time to explaining that there is the heart that beats, and the one that is the “place where all our big emotions happen.” The format has the illustrations on the left and the text on the right in the small 7.5 x 8 soft bound books.

Heart Germs & Gems: Generosity: The book first explains the concept of stinginess and links it to being afraid that you won’t have enough.  It shares ways to help determine if you are being stingy, and how it makes you feel. It then explores how to cure that Heart Germ with Generosity.  It provides little ways to start small and how it brings joy to others, pleases Allah swt and can lighten the heart, as you truly learn that everything comes from Allah swt.

Heart Germs & Gems: Gratitude: Alhumdulillah is not just knowing that everything is a gift from Allah swt, it is feeling happy and thankful for all of it. The book explains gratitude and then the opposite, the germ in the heart, of being ungrateful. It provides ways to be more grateful, encouraging that one notices the blessings in life.  There is an English translation of the verse in the Qur’an, Surah Ibrahim, “If you are grateful, I will give you more,” and then explains it in action and highlights how true happiness does not come from riches, but from gratitude and contentment.

Heart Germs & Gems: Anger: The book starts with how to calm your anger by first understanding why you got angry, how it feels, and how to calm it before it grows. It then takes a page explaining why controlling one’s anger is important, and what can happen when we don’t. It teaches Audhoobillhi minashaytan nirajeem as a tool to help along with taking deep breaths, changing our position, and making wudu. It then normalizes that anger is a something that everyone deals with and references that controlling it makes Allah swt happy and that Prophet Muhammad saw, said that those that can control their anger are strong. The book also shares that anger isn’t always bad and can motivate us to stand up for what’s right, and as long as we are in control of the emotion, it can be good.

Mar3

My Super Fun Niqabi Mum! by Red illustrated by Abz Hakim

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My Super Fun Niqabi Mum! by Red illustrated by Abz Hakim

This large 10 x 10 inch, 24 page rhyming normalization and celebration of niqab, is loads of fun. Seriously, the book is delightfully told by a child with full confidence and love for his amazing mom who wears niqab.  The book does not go into why she wears it, but addresses some of the stereotypes as it smashes through them.  The book is meant for toddlers, but is such a good reminder for Muslims and non Muslims that what you see on the outside, is just a tiny piece of all that a person is, feels, and is capable of.  I do wish there was some Islam in the book, or mention that she wears it outside her home, as the illustrations show her wearing it all the time, but I get that, that would overly complicate such a joyous concept book. There is a scannable QR code to hear the audiobook included, and no faces are shown in the illustrations.

The book is really just rhyming lines of a little boy proclaiming how fabulous his niqabi mom is, and what she does that makes her amazing like all moms.  It does empower that what she wears is her choice and does not limit her, and that he recognizes that she is different.  But there is no apologizing or over explaining, which keeps the tone exactly where it should be for praising of his dragon slaying, mountain climbing mom, who happens to wear niqab, and doesn’t mind when people ask her how she eats (but no, it doesn’t answer that question).

So good to see niqab being celebrated in a picture book through the lens of a mother and her child.

Mar2

The Swallows of the Cube House by Sana Kamyar illustrated by Azam Vazehi

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The Swallows of the Cube House by Sana Kamyar illustrated by Azam Vazehi

With vibes of a folktale or myth, the imaginative story of how the swallows took up residence at the Kaaba is a sweet story with beautiful illustrations.  How the story actually reads though, is a bit awkward for me.  Told from the personified perspective of a swallow, it seemed a little odd that the names of the birds: Redbreast, Skytail, Whitewing, did not start appearing until page 12, the Kaaba is never named, and there really isn’t any religion articulated. The language is lyrical, which conveys the emotions of some of the worshippers that the swallows see, but also leaves it all so very vague.  The birds giggle and laugh (yes the word giggle appears frequently), happy that they found a new home that is like the mountains, the beach, and cities, this, along with kids playing, are the main takeaways, not even hinting that the Kaaba is a place that has everything to fill one’s heart or that the acts are being done in worship to Allah swt.  The culmination of it I felt needed to be stronger, why the swallows too are circling the house of Allah, swt, but it once again is so vague, and the final page breaking the fourth wall, unfortunately just seems unnecessary, it could have been done better with informative backmatter.

The book starts with a swallow telling the reader that, “One day it finally happened.”  Not sure what it is, the story then tells how the swallows fly from location to location liking certain aspects of the mountains and coast and forest and cities, and how being in one place though, makes them miss the other places.  They come to the “cube house” and all there needs are met by the sounds, the tears, the giggles, the playing of children, etc. and so they stay.

I could see the book being a decent starting point for discussion if it crossed in to talking about how animals worship the creator, or if it gave any backmatter about swallows and their environmental or migratory tendencies, so that readers could appreciate them settling in Makkah, or even if it talked about the parts of hajj or umrah, but as just a story imaging why they settled where they did, to me feels a little short.  That it is based on a real flock of birds is amazing and I just don’t think the text gets readers to truly appreciate it, and the illustrations, while wonderful, can’t do it all on their own.

 

Feb28

A Good Morning for Giddo by Dahlia Hamza Constantine and Irene Latham illustrated by Basma Hosam

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A Good Morning for Giddo by Dahlia Hamza Constantine and Irene Latham illustrated by Basma Hosam

Hold on, it is Friday morning, not super early, the sun is up, Giddo and Somaya stop in to visit a friend and when the athan is called from multiple minarets, the men pause to pray in his shop? At the end of the book, it is still morning, the parents are in their pajamas, so um, WHAT SALAT WAS THAT? Why mention that it is Friday if they are not going to salatul Jummah? Yeah, I review from an Islamic perspective, I know this is not the point or plot or theme of the book, but it is an early detail in a 32 page picture book, and I’m having a hard time getting past it, clearly. The book is beautifully illustrated by a Muslim, and the cultural story is by one Egyptian and one author who has visited Egypt, so I have no reason to question the OWN voice accuracy, but none-the-less, it doesn’t make sense and makes me wonder why we can’t get basic Islamic rep correct in a picture book.  The story itself is a shout out to Egyptian culture showing calligraphy, tourism, mosaic handicrafts, tentmaking, friendships amongst people of different religions, a sweet grandfather and grand daughter relationship, all in their morning quest to get to the tentmakers at the market. The plot unravels though at the end for me, I think it sounds good to have SPOILER Somaya need a little help with her surprise birthday gift for her Giddo, but it seemed rushed in its conclusion for as flowy as the build up was. And that she needed help with a final knot, seemed a little weak of a premise for the urgency to get to the tentmakers at all. I know I’m being picky, but sensitivity readers exist precisely for these details, and it should not go unchecked.  The end has a “Glossary” and a “More About Ancient Egyptian Arts” section, but I really was hoping for something about the one upping thread of greeting that is present throughout the book, “good morning,” “good morning with roses,” good morning with roses and jasmine,” etc. as I think that is a tidbit of Arab culture that readers will wonder about while reading, but maybe not quite fully grasp.

The book starts with Somaya rushing into the kitchen to great her Giddo and get to the tentmakers with him.  Her grandfather though is not in any real hurry.  They head in to the old market, taking in the sights an sounds and then head in to Hajj Mohammed’s shop.  He has been sad since his son moved, and after he encourages her to write, and he and Giddo pray (not sure why Somaya does not join them), they are back in the market heading toward the tentmakers.  But first they wave to Ismail on his bike, and then stop in “for only one minute” to have tea with Ostaz Gergis and Mariam and see their abalone inlays.

When they finally reach the tentmakers in the market, it is revealed that Giddo is a most respected tentmaker, and when someone asks him a question, Somaya uses the distraction to get help with a final knot on a piece she has been working on.  The pair head home and are greeted with Mama and Baba holding a cake and wishing Giddo a happy birthday. Somaya gifts her piece to her grandfather and proclaims that she too is now a tentmaker.

The story is sweet, the illustrations adorable, it just needed a lit more polishing, some tweaking to get the Islam right, and more fleshing out of the ending, so that it felt satisfying and not rushed.