Category Archives: preschool

Apr22

The City of Jasmine by Nadine Presley illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee

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The City of Jasmine by Nadine Presley illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee

With a release date of May 6, I really wanted to wait to post a review because the images are gorgeous in the electronic version, and I can only imagine how moving and captive they will be presented in a physical format, but alas I know the importance of presales and am sharing to hopefully encourage you to preorder and/or request from your library, this gorgeous 40 page OWN voice book.  A love letter to Damascus, and the sights, sounds, smells, taste, and feelings that the author remembers despite the mountains and oceans that now separate her, are lyrically shared with readers on a journey through the city. The ethereal lilting of words draw readers of all backgrounds in, and the complimentary gorgeous illustrations convey a palpable sense of beauty, love, and memories of home.  Even on a screen, they force you to get lost in their beauty. The cadence of the words allow natural pauses that tug on your eyes and draw them toward something in the images not seen before, forcing the readers and listeners alike to hesitate before turning the page.

The book starts with a little girl telling where she comes from, “the City of Jasmine,” “the Umayyad Mosque,” “Ghouta,” “Damascus,” “Qasioun,” “Qala’at Dimashq,” headers for spreads rich with poetry, wonder, and longing.

Neighborhoods of diverse families gathering, and sharing the foods that bring people together, and quiet bookshops that facilitate travel through time. Family memories built around orchards and fountains and laughter and love.  So far away from the author now, the memories are not lost, they can be touched when the scent of jasmine is “breathed in, and breathed out.”

The book concludes with an author’s note and a glossary.  Those of us who are not Syrian, and who have never been, after spending time with this book will undoubtedly be tempted to add Damascus to our bucket list of travel plans, and inshaAllah as the country rebuilds such trips will come to fruition.

Apr15

Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden by Jenan A. Matari illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

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Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden by Jenan A. Matari illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

This sweetly illustrated 32 page rhyming book starts off introducing a little girl living in one place, and having a home in Palestine that she has never been to, but loves.  The book then becomes pretty universal with her and her grandfather talking about what grows, his “green thumb superpowers,” and the magic of planting small trees that change and produce. The pages then add in more Arabic words of what is grown, and then when Jiddo is drying his eyes recounting why he had to flee his home and his roots, I too, found I was emotionally invested in light of everything current and past, and the simple words weaving a heartfelt story of family, connection, and home. I do wish that there was some Islam in the text or illustrations: a dua, a plea to Allah swt, a hijab on a main character not just on background memories, but there is not. There is also nothing overtly political or named in the text. The backmatter does discuss the Nakba without naming names and highlights the author’s inspiration, but inshaAllah nothing that will get the book banned or kept off shelves. The rhyme and cadence are pretty good, it doesn’t feel overly forced, but when reading aloud in a group, as always, I suggest practicing a few times to make the flow consistent.

The book starts with a beautiful spread of a mother and daughter looking through a photo album, and imaging going to Palestine one day, the subsequent pages show how Jiddo’s garden helps bring Palestine to them. The “sour green janarek plums,” “crunchy green khiyar,” and “plump red bandora.” Mama makes warak enab and Teta sings for more.

One day the little girl wonders how her Jiddo learned to grow everything and he shares that he learned from his father how to care for the land.  She then wants to know why they left Palestine, and he says, “our land was taken from us…and our family had to flee.” The hope is to return, the illustrations show the key to their occupied home being held on to, and reinforces the symbolism that Palestinians are like seeds that will flourish wherever they are, reaching toward the light.

The book contains a glossary with words written in English and in Arabic script, and an author’s note in the backmatter with presumably personal photographs of the author and her family.  I read a digital ARC and look forward to release day for my preorder to arrive.

Apr12

Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story by Natasha Khan Kazi

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Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story by Natasha Khan Kazi

This adorable 40 page culture focused picture book explores a Desi tradition with layers of competition, frustration, mystery, problem solving, kindness, and joy woven in.  Lulu likes the groom and his family, but at her cousin Amirah’s wedding, the games are about to begin, and she has a plan to win the money for team bride, and prove she is old enough to share in the spotlight. Each of the traditional teasing games though find Lulu pushed aside, until the joota chupai, where the shoes go missing.  With Nani’s encouragement to stay true to herself, Lulu gets a chance to shine by doing it her way, and bringing the families together. There are a few visible hijabis in the illustrations of this Muslim author/illustrated book and the backmatter really makes the traditional references accessible to all readers.  As a Pakistani American, my children haven’t attended cultural weddings with all the traditions, fun, and games, and this book is already a favorite in discussing what this family does, where our families might do it a bit different, and how they can twist it to fit an upcoming wedding we have this summer.  The bright large pages, add to the text and illustrations truly conveying the excitement, emotions, and colors of South Asian weddings.  By focusing on one tradition, and not trying to include everything about the multiday affairs, the book stays on message and maintains an in the moment tone, keeping the readers engaged, well done.

The book opens at the mehndi ceremony of Lulu’s cousin, and while the dances are taking place, Lulu is scheming.  She knows the next day there will be chances to make some prize money from blocking the groom and stealing his shoes, and she is determined to capitalize. Normally it is just the bride’s side against the groom’s side, but Lulu has to battle her own cousins for a role in the games.  Tarek says she is too little.  Zara is clever at negotiating, and Farah is athletic and gets places fast.  In the past, Lulu hasn’t been included, but this time, this wedding, she is ready.

On the groom’s side it is Kamal, Sameer’s little brother that serves as Lulu’s biggest competition, and who trips her as she heads for the shoes. Frustration and sadness have damped the festivities for Lulu, yet she still is helpful and kind.  With the games wrapping up, a dejected Lulu finds solace in her grandmother’s lap.  When Nani shares why the shoe stealing tradition still is carried out, Lulu knows just what to do to find the spotlight her way.

 

 

Mar26

Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name by Yasmin Hanif illustrated by Sophie Benmouyal

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Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name by Yasmin Hanif illustrated by Sophie Benmouyal

I love the idea behind this 28 page book, and the illustrations are pretty great too, but I felt like the story needed a little more depth to convey meaningful emotion, appreciation, and connection.  It starts with an Eid gift, but there is nothing tying it to the holiday after the first spread.  And while it shows both Islam and Desi culture in action, I wanted to hear the stories of his family, and the connection to his culture that helps him name his bear.  I also feel like the premise was a little rocky, did everyone get family heirlooms for gifts? Did they get other gifts? Why was he gifted this special stuffed toy and not his older or younger siblings? Would a kid really be that excited to get a hand me down stuffed bear? Once you read the author’s intent, and the inspiration for the story, an adult could connect the dots and help a reader recognize the internalized othering being overcome, and discuss it, but I don’t know if all kids would not pick a cultural name for a toy, or see that Abdullah didn’t consider reflective names either.

The book starts with the reader dropped into an Eid day celebration.  Abdullah is handed a gift by his parents and when he unwraps it he finds himself the new owner of an old well-loved teddy bear.  His father was the previous owner, but refuses to tell Abdullah the bear’s name, urging him to discover it on his own.

Abdullah loves the bear, and takes it with him to the store, to school, to cricket, to madrasa Everywhere he goes he tries out names: old names at the museum, classmates names, but nothing seems to fit.  When his Abba tells him a story about his grandfather, he finally finds the perfect name for his bear.

I really like the details in the illustrations, they bring the story to life and feel authentic: the store names, the Eid spread, the activities.  I feel like this book is so close to being a standout, but I don’t know that kids who don’t find themselves exactly in Abdullah’s mindset, would be able to relate and connect to what transpires.  Unfortunately, it is unclear if he grows and learns from the experience, or if it was contained to this one incident. 

 

 

Mar20

Amar’s Fajr Reward by Amire Hoxha illustrated by Hilmy An Nabhany

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Amar’s Fajr Reward by Amire Hoxha illustrated by Hilmy An Nabhany

As Muslim authored stories are increasingly more available, certain cultural Muslim stories continue to be limited or none existent. Since 2021, when four of us reviewers created the Muslim Book Reviewers and Muslim Book Awards space, we have constantly been encouraging Amire to work on her dream of being an author, and write a joyful Muslim Kosavar book. Through Ruqaya’s Bookshelf, her dream has become a reality, Alhumdulillah, in the form of this 32 page, 8.5 by 11, full color books for early elementary readers. In all my years of reviewing I have not ready many Kosavar books, and of those few, none have been OWN voice, and all have focused on the war.  Enter Amar’s Fajr Reward, a simple story of a boy and his Gjyshi, going for fajr at the masjid, finding the door locked, and the obstacles, determination, and results that transpire, not just for Amar but his grandfather as well.

The book starts with Gyjishi splashing water on Amar to wake him up for Fajr, while reminding him that “Prayer is better than sleep.”  Grandpa’s quick steps and a sleepy little boy, keep Amar hustling after his Gyjishi only to arrive at the masjid and find the door locked.  

Gyshi cannot be deterred by his grandson wanting to go home and pray, or a locked door and decides to jump the fence, something he has done in the past.  Calamity strikes, when he falls and hurts his foot and it is up to Amar to help.  But he can neither scale the wall or find anyone to help.  When the muadhin finally runs up the street Fajr can be made, Gjyshi can be assisted, and changes can be made so that hopefully getting locked out doesn’t happen again.

I love that there are pronunciation tips on the cover page of Gjyshi, grandfather, and Axhi, uncle, but I do wish there was some backmatter showcasing Muslims in Kosovo.  Are Muslim communities spread out in large diverse areas, or do they tend to have neighborhoods that are tied together by faith? As a place not often seen or heard about, a little layering of details would have deepened the story.  Especially, if the reasons are cultural or societal explaining why people don’t wake up until the athan is called, but were annoyed that Amar was knocking on the doors at that time, or maybe why the didn’t just pray outside the masjid, calling the athan and waking up the regulars that attend. Also about why the key to the masjid is “special.” Are places of worship regulated or only allowed to be open at certain times?  I also wish it would have given a little build up about Amar and this particular day. At the start he wants to pray at home as it seems like that is his norm, and Gjyshi going to the masjid seems to be the grandfather’s norm, so was this something special, a right of passage, are kids not typically seen in masjids is he visiting his grandfather? 

The book is sweet and warm, with a lot of heart and I love that it takes place in a masjid and threads in that salah is better than sleep, and that praying in congregation is 27 times the reward.  I also love that the author fulfilled her dream inspired by her own grandfather, and inshaAllah she will continue to write and bring Kosovar stories to our bookshelves, ameen.

Mar10

My First Book about Charity: teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

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My First Book about Charity: teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

The newest board book in the My First Book series is a gentle and wonderful introduction to charity, both sadaqah and zakat. Sourced with ayats from the Quran, there is also backmatter that has Facts about Charity and Questions and Answers. I’m always amazed at how much information the series consistently contains in the 26 pages for our littlest Muslims.  With soft illustrations and smiling joyful faces, each page radiates warmth, information and simplicity in a way that grows with toddlers, to preschoolers, to early elementary aged readers, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with affirming that Allah has given us more blessings than we can count, and some of us have more than others.  To help those that have less, Allah wants us to give charity.  The book briefly explains that Zakat is one of the pillars that is required, and sadaqah is an extra reward that is not just money.

It talks about the sunnah of giving charity, and numerous ways that kindness can be carried out.  It shows respect and helping and concludes with Allah’s names of All-Knowing and All-Hearing before the final supplemental spread.

I don’t know how many books are planned for the series, but I love looking at them all lined up.  I share them with my own children and now that there are accompanying puzzles and a boxed set, I’m positive I’ll continue gifting them, not just to new parents as I’ve done in the past, but to toddler and preschoolers as well.

Mar9

The Best Eid Ever by Sufiya Ahmed illustrated by Hazem Asif

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The Best Eid Ever by Sufiya Ahmed illustrated by Hazem Asif

This book blends some facts about Ramadan and Eid with cultural practices, showing a day in the life of a family celebrating, and a sprinkling of a story line to keep elementary aged kids invested. The back of the book labels it as an introduction to Ramadan and Eid and I think that is a pretty solid summary.  Aisha is eight, and apparently too young to fast from sunrise to sunset.  I wonder if she is old enough to fast from dawn to sunset as Islamically prescribed? Yes, I’m petty, but it is wrong to say sunrise to sunset, and I’m not backing down. This year her aunt, Chachi Amal has made a scavenger hunt for her and her brother to find their Eid presents, but first there is henna to apply, decorations to hang up, Eid prayers to attend, desserts to be shared with neighbors, and lunch to be had, before the three question scavenger hunt can commence, and presents can be located.  The backmatter has information about Ramadan, Muslims, Eid, and a glossary.  The book would work well for a generic class or library story time. I don’t imagine Muslim kids will find it particularly memorable and ask for it more than once.  It is a Desi family, with the Chachi being Libyan and sharing desserts. hinting at the diversity of Muslims, and I can see kids wanting parents to hide their gifts and make a scavenger hunt, which is sweet and a nice idea to build on.

The book starts with Aisha looking outside to see if the moon can be spotted and Eid determined.  Samir and Dad come in and say that the mosque has declared Eid tomorrow.  Eid is Aisha’s favorite festival, she loves Ramadan, eating iftar with her fasting family, and she loves dates. This year her Chachi has hidden their gifts and made a scavenger hunt for the kids to follow.

Aisha can’t wait, but her Mom says they have other traditions first, and Aisha has henna painted on her hands.  They have to dry for at least two hours, so she watches a show while Dad and Samir decorate.  Then it is time for bed, and the scavenger hunt will have to wait.

Early in the morning is no time for a scavenger hunt, Mom is in the kitchen and they have to get to Eid prayers. After salat, and wishing everyone Eid Mubarak, Aisha is ready for the clues, but her and Samir are sent to deliver sweets to the neighbors.  When they return home, they can’t get to presents because it is lunch time. Finally, the scavenger hunt begins, the clues are solved, the presents found, and the day “the Best Eid Ever.”

I purchased this book from Crescent Moon Store, code ISL will save you 10%.

Mar8

Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

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Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

This brightly illustrated Eid book has cute illustrations, but is very basic.  There is very little about Eid, in fact I have no idea if it is supposed to be Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha. The girl is outside when it gets dark and no mention of iftar is made, but there is no crescent moon for Eid al Adha as there is one prominently seen in the illustration, so any insight into the matter would be great.  The book is just a little girl running around looking for the missing Eid presents.  It doesn’t talk about traditions or faith, Hana is literally just moving from location to location to look under the bed, in the wardrobe, the broom cupboard, the bathroom, the garbage, outside, in the shed. So yes, yet another Eid book with no Islam, no heart, no explaining why finding presents makes this the “best Eid ever!” Sigh. Truly it could be, Can you find my birthday presents or Christmas presents, and nothing in the story would have to change.

The book starts the evening before Eid, and Mummy and Hana are laying the table, and admiring the Eid decorations.  Mummy has a lot still to do and asks Hana to help by getting the Eid presents to Nani’s house for the party.  Only problem is that Hana can’t find them.

She looks everywhere, inside and out, and when Daddy comes home he is too busy to help.  He shoos her off to Nani’s next door, where the mystery is solved and the next morning when the presents are opened everyone is happy.

I wish there was some emotion, maybe whatever was in the little blue box for her Nani had her excited, and when it goes missing she is anxious.  Even to mention that they go open presents after Eid prayers seems like a natural inclusion, but alas, there is no emotion, no Islam, and no real point of the book.

Mar5

Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

Gorgeous illustrations, joyful Islam, and a sweet story about a little boy realizing there is more to Eid than presents. The protagonists voice is really on point and a great way to counter so many of the books, and real life antics of kids equating Eid to being about gifts. This 23 page picture book for 3-6 year olds, works for both Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha, and follows little Ibraheem as he searches for his gifts throughout his sunnah and love filled Eid day at home and at the mosque.  I love that it shows him getting drawn into the khutba, doing takbir, ruku and sajood, eating dates before going, and taking a different path on the way home.  It doesn’t have any backmatter, but if reading it to a child, I would hope the little details in the text and illustrations would be discussed. It took me a few readings to be ok with how Ibraheem discusses his gift order with Allah swt, but I think for little kids and with the consistent tone of the book, it makes it relatable.  I also don’t know why his mom and rest of the family do not go for Eid prayers. Other females are shown at the mosque in the background, and people of various ages and mobility, but alas it is just Ibraheem and his Baba at salah, and a house full of love and family the rest of the day.

The book starts with an illustration of Ibraheem hanging up his “Eid Sunnahs” chart next to his “Dear Allah” swt list of gifts that he wants. The text then starts with it being Eid day and Ibraheem looking in all the usual places for his presents, but comes up empty. He wonders if his parents forgot, if Allah forgot, but he knows that would never happen. Luckily Baba and he are off to the mosque for prayers, maybe, he thinks, the presents are there.

As the father and son walk to the mosque they greet others, and then settle in for the “Eid day stories.” I don’t love that the khutbah is referred to as such, but that is probably just me. When the iqamah is called, it is time to pray and Ibraheem copies his Baba before they make their way into “the sea of smiling faces.”

Back at home it is time to enjoy food, games, fun, and cuddles with a bustling house.  Presents still haven’t been found, but the day has been perfect, and presents can always be opened tomorrow.

I love that this is a traditionally published book, that centers Islam on Eid and radiates with joy.  The large size makes it easy to share in all settings, and the illustrations beg to be explored and appreciated.

Feb28

Momo & Bronty’s First Book About Allah by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

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Momo & Bronty’s First Book About Allah by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

The short simple texts spread out over 14 thick pages talking about Allah swt is a great addition for our littlest believers.  Accompanied by engaging adorable illustrations, this book offers a great way to encourage kids to think, talk, and center Allah swt.  It isn’t just a list of all Allah swt created, it dedicates a spread to that, but then builds on it by sharing that He wasn’t born, He is one, He loves us, and that is why we worship Him and do what He has asked, so that we can one day see Allah swt in Jannah, inshaAllah.

The illustrations on every spread burst with joy and make it fun for older preschool and kindergarteners.  I love that it clearly states that “We do the things He asked us to.  And don’t do the things He said not to.”  I don’t recall ever seeing this articulated in a child’s book, and the simplicity is powerful.  Anyone that has kids, know they have a lot of questions about Allah swt and this book is a great start to cultivating the love and connection between child and creator.

I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon and if you use my initials at checkout (ISL) you will save 10%