Category Archives: preschool

Feb28

Aliya’s Secret: A Story of Ramadan by Farida Zaman

Posted on February 28, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

Books like this are honestly a disservice to Muslims. I know the industry means well by having a token holiday book, by an OWN voice writer, ensuring it is joyful and illustrated in a warm way, but when the information is erroneous, it really just perpetuates misinformation. This book will be on shelves everywhere and shared at story times in classrooms and libraries and non Muslims will think they are being inclusive, and Muslim kids will also learn erroneously or doubt if they are in the wrong, or best case scenario (?) have even more to explain to those around them. The book is adorable, yet the information about when we fast and why we fast is wrong, repeated throughout, even in the backmatter. The book is for young children and pivots around lying, the character lies repeatedly with no consequences…in Ramadan no less. Sigh, our kids deserve better.

The book states multiple times, four in fact, that Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset, this is incorrect, Muslim fast from dawn to sunset. Sahoor is not eaten at sunrise, it is eaten before dawn. This is not me being picky, this is wrong. The dad perhaps has his own reasons for fasting, but Islamically we do not fast to feel what those who are hungry feel or to be grateful, those hopefully are results of fasting, but in fact we fast as commanded by Allah swt. Children are required to fast when they hit puberty, not at the age of 13 specific. Many kids fast full and partial days before puberty, and I don’t agree that their growth is stunted as suggested by the book.

The set up of the story is nice, albeit another first fast book, in that at least the character and her classmates and friends know what Ramadan is and thus there is no othering. It talks about charity and praying and shows the Muslim family living their life unapologetically which on the one hand is great, but then makes the lying seem weird. Why would Aliya keep fasting a secret from her friends at school even if she is keeping it from her parents? Why would she lie about it, why would she lie and have it articulated as lying and there be no repercussions for it, in a picture book? She doesn’t even just do it once, she lies THREE TIMES. When you do good things from a place of faith and worship, it seems off to me to have it framed in deceit with no other commentary.

Sure to some the time when fasting starts might be a small thing, but seriously is it that hard to get correct? I wish the editorial/publishing/marketing team would have hired beta/sensitivity readers, not all Muslims know Islam, and not checking the facts really is just sloppy.

Feb23

Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So by Rhonda Roumani, Nadia Roumani illustrated by Olivia Aserr

Posted on February 23, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So by Rhonda Roumani, Nadia Roumani illustrated by Olivia Aserr

Not every funny thing a child says can be copied and pasted into a children’s book. And while I have no doubt that this book was edited and revised numerous times, it sure feels like a conversation or 20 that I’ve had as a mom, a teacher and a librarian over the years. Well, I take that back, the mom in this book, is very articulate, and not nearly as exasperated as I’m sure I always am. It is so on point that it makes me truly wonder, are you even a Muslim parent if you haven’t been asked what Insha’Allah means? The backmatter articulates that Muslims and Arabs of all faiths use Insha’Allah. The text and illustrations themselves are not Islam specific, but the authors are Muslim, and the term always on the tip of our tongues. It is very relatable and impossible to read without smiling, I can’t wait to share it, insha’Allah. (See what I did there? ya.)

The book starts simple enough, a little girl asks her mom if they can go to the park as they walk near one, and mom says, “Insha’Allah,” and keeps on walking. Ranya gets upset asking why she said no, and the mom explains that insha’Allah doesn’t mean no, it means God willing.

Ranya doesn’t just accept the answer and move on, she tells her mom it always feels like no, until her mother explains that we can want something to happen, but sometimes Allah has other plans. Ranya presses her mother a little more trying to understand if insha’Allah means, maybe. A few more examples are shared, and the definition is expanded to also mean, hopes and dreams.

Ranya wants to pin down her mom on some of the insha’Allahs, making cookies, a sleepover, a trip to Disneyland. Mom does her best, but Ranya is spunky and makes sure she gets the last word in.

I love the note at the end that ties it all together and shows the universal appeal of the word.

You can preorder your copy here

Jan31

Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

Posted on January 31, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

The flow, poignancy, and lyrical verses force you to slow down, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in the concepts and ideas so beautifully presented in the text, and illustrated on the pages. Whether you are reading it alone, snuggled up with a little one, or in a boisterous story time, this book pulls you in as it speak directly to the reader (or listener), burrowing inside and inspiring reassurance and confidence. The tone of the text melds with the illustrations making the book appeal to those looking to understand, be seen, or to be empowered. The short stanzas with the opening refrain of, “Dear Muslim child,” are a delight to read and share again and again, alhumdulillah.

The book does not have a story or a plot, but has an organization that keeps the pace moving in a poetic way. It starts by mentioning that we were meant to be, even “before Allah spoke the universe into existence.” It then tells us about Islam, nur, names, the power of words, purifying our hearts (with wudu), listening to the adhan, and praying. It talks of the beauty of hijab, and community, and purpose and mattering.

The centering of Allah (swt) is not shied away from, yet the book is not preachy or overly religious. For example wudu is shown, but not named; adhan is named but not defined. If you wish to discuss each page, there is a lot to unfold, but if you want to just read the surface it is beautiful just the same. The book is traditionally published, and a true accomplishment of the author, and the authors that have come before that this book, this type of book, is widely available for us all to enjoy.

Jan6

Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

Posted on January 6, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

I have not posted a review since the latest genocidal escalation in Gaza, my heart just cannot carry on as before, but I keep being asked about Palestinian books that I have featured in videos, but not reviewed, so here we are. This rhyming book is not OWN voice, but I think these days we are all Palestinian, and the tone of this book is accurately love, and beauty, and strength. It is based around colors with beautiful illustrations for each two page spread focusing on one color. Meant for toddlers and preschoolers this book works well in small groups and story times alike.

The book starts with an introduction to the narrator, Iman, from the land of Falasteen. The first page spread talks about olive trees and the color green, then the blue of Dome of the Rock, orange of Quds Ka’ak and brown dates. Over 32 pates, it also presents the keffiyeh, Masjid al Aqsa, knafeh, kaftan, keys, and Masjid al Qibly. The picture glossary at the end focuses on the Palestinian points, not the colors, keeping the focus on Al Quds.

Oct2

We Know What to Say: Phrases Commonly Used by Muslims by Sabria Chao

Posted on October 2, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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We Know What to Say: Phrases Commonly Used by Muslims by Sabria Chao

The concept behind this 42 book is really nothing new, but the presentation is wonderful. The large hardback size, the clear inviting illustrations, and the repetition allow the book to be a delight at story time and bedtime alike. Each Islamic term is introduced by a diverse character with a common Muslim name being asked if they know what to say in a situation. The child gives the word, the following two-page spread restates the term and when to use it. All the terms are shown at the end in a two page spread along with a glossary and a Note to Parents.

I love the relatable scenarios: zoom calls, rain, getting sick, etc.. I also like the rhythm of the book, it reminds me a little bit of Brown Bear, Brown Bear. The bright colors, the simple engaging illustrations and the big size make me ecstatic to share this at story time. So many of the books that focus on Islamic terms for toddler to preschool level are small board books. They serve a purpose, but we have long needed a large clear book for groups of children to learn, practice, and review together.

This book was nominated for the 2023 Muslim Bookstagram Awards, but you can purchase a copy here

Sep25

Raisah and the Boat Trip by Nadia Ali illustrated by Fatma Zehra Köprülü

Posted on September 25, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Raisah and the Boat Trip by Nadia Ali illustrated by Fatma Zehra Köprülü

I’ve seen this book reviewed and promoted on social media. I’ve even read the reviews. Yet for some reason I thought the book was a refugee story. It is not. It is a family’s trip out on a boat interwoven with what they see and ayats from the Quran. It can be read as a simple straight forward story, or the interspersed ayats can be paused for and discussed. Honestly the book probably will not be asked for multiple times by young children, but as a teacher, librarian, parent, you are going to reach for this book quite often. It is a book that can be used in story times about Allah’s creation, the ocean, science, experiences, and the signs that help us know Allah swt. And for that reason I wish the book was larger. It is great for bedtime, but the 9 x 9 size makes it cumbersome for story times, even for small groups. Technology can help, but I really just wish it was a bit bigger to enjoy the simple illustrations and increase the sense of wonder Raisah feels upon the vast ocean.

The book starts with Raisah, Mama, and Papa getting on a boat and heading out on the ocean. They observe the water getting darker the further they go out, the saltiness of sea water compared to river and lake water, and then they turn off the engine and pull out their fishing rods.

They joke about what they will catch while dropping the fact for readers about the blue whale being the biggest creature in the ocean, before a cargo ship catches their attention and they marvel at transportation opportunities on the sea.

There are seven ayats from the Quran included in the 28 page book and the surah number and ayat are sourced. The book can be ordered here from Crescent Moon where code ISL saves you 10% at checkout or here from Amazon.

Sep11

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

Posted on September 11, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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

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

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%.

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.