Category Archives: Story Time

Jul24

Omar & Oliver: The Super Eidilicious Recipe By Maria Dadouch illustrated by Aly ElZiny

Posted on July 24, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

This super cute Eid book works great for ages 5 and up. Written in both Arabic and English, not just translated in to both languages, the book features a Muslim celebrating Eid and a Christian boy working together to try and get Omar’s sister’s cookie recipe so they can be the best cookie cooks ever! The book would work for either Eid and with the adorable illustrations, and included recipe, the book will get lots of requests all year round.

Omar is excited that his friend and neighbor, Oliver, is sleeping over the night before Eid. They boys are playing when Omar’s sister Judy brags that her friend has given her the best cookie recipe in the entire world.

Naturally, Omar and Oliver want to be the best too and offer to help Judy. She refuses, and the quest to get the recipe is on, so that Omar can make them for Eid and Oliver for Christmas.

The boys try to steal it through the kitchen window. But Judy catches them and slams the window shut. They then try binoculars from the stairs, but the boys can’t write fast enough and Judy grabs an umbrella to shield the recipe. Undeterred the boys pull out a drone, but the zoom on the camera isn’t quite good enough.

The boys then see Judy rushing out of the kitchen and run in to see if she left the recipe. They don’t find it, but they peek at the cookies and see that they are golden brown and if left in any longer might burn.

Tempted to let them burn, a sign on the fridge saying, “Eid: a time to share and show we care,” makes the boys realize saving them is the right thing to do. Judy says she too saw the sign and rushed out to copy the recipe for the boys. They then all work together to make lots of Eidilicious cookies and share them with everyone on Eid.

The book starts with some tips for parents on how to present the bilingual book and ends with a cookie recipe, as well as some information about what Muslims and Christians celebrate. I love the illustrations and that they are two page spreads, but the page with the note is the whole resolution and the note is split on the folded binding and honestly I missed it when I read the book myself and when I read it at bedtime to my kids. When I opened the book wide to take pictures it was crystal clear, and if you were reading it to a group you might not have an issue.

I also didn’t love the word, Mashallamazing, I obviously get what it is trying to do, and I feel like it works with Eidilicious, but that Mashallamazing is a stretch. Additionally, if it is claiming to be an interfaith book, a word like that might need some explaining. I got a bit hung up on it, so I had my 13, 11, and 9 year olds read it and they did as well. I also didn’t think the pulling out of the story to ask the reader if the boys were successful in getting the recipe was necessary after each attempt.

Disclaimer: I don’t speak Arabic and cannot comment on that, sorry!

Jul13

The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gómez Redondo illustrated by Sonja Wimmer translated by Lawrence Schimel

Posted on July 13, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gómez Redondo illustrated by Sonja Wimmer translated by Lawrence Schimel

This absolutely gorgeous lyrical book will sweep you up and hold you tight as you imagine a world where more people take the time to get to know one another through the power and beauty of language. Over 32 pages that are exquisitely and whimsically illustrated the words dance and come to life in English and Arabic as a friendship is formed. Perfect for preschool through 3rd graders, older children and adults alike will be softened by the kindness and example shown between two little girls.

Told from the perspective of a little girl that meets a new girl in school named Saida and decides right away that they are going to be friends. Unfortunately Saida speaks only Arabic, and the little girl only English.

But it is no problem, because the little girl is going to help Saida find her words. She is going to look everywhere to let her get rid of her tears and throw away her silence. So that she doesn’t see questions and sadness locked up in her.

That night at home, the little girl’s parents tell her about Morocco and find it on the globe. They explain that Saida’s words don’t work here and that her words wouldn’t work in Morocco.

Undeterred the two girls start teaching each other words in their languages. Some stick, some float away, but the two learn and communicate and connect. They find friendship in learning each other’s words.

They recite a poem by Jacqueline Woodson and tells stories about Marrakesh. The two girls plan to travel the world together. The book concludes with both alphabets shared and the reader wishing to join the little girls on their adventures.

I was blown away by the presentation of the book and the feeling of compassion and cultural appreciation depicted. Such a beautiful approach to welcoming someone different in to your life.

There is nothing Islamic or religious in the book, or really even cultural, aside from language.

Jun29

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Posted on June 29, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Inspired by the early life story of astronaut Mae Jemison this 36 page AR 3.0 children’s picture book is inspiring and encouraging. It is not a biography of the first African American woman in space for children, infact with the exception of the note at the end, there really are very few specifics about how she went from being discouraged by a teacher to flying in outer space. That isn’t to say the book isn’t beautiful and impressive, because it is, and it shows how no one should limit your dreams or your success. The book radiates warmth and determination and for children, preschool to third grade, if desired, offers a way to start a discussion about racism and sexism all while celebrating the amazing accomplishments of Mae Jemison.

Mae is a dreamer and her homework one day asks her what she wants to be when she grows up, she tells her family she wants to see the Earth from up there, pointing to the sky. Her mom tells her that she will have to be an astronaut to do that. Nervous that it might be too lofty of a goal, her family reassures her that if she can dream it and believe it and work hard for it, that anything is possible.

From then on, Mae reads books about space from the library, plays pretend, and makes herself a space suit from old curtains and a cardboard box. She dreams about being in space and looking back at Earth, and she tells everyone she can about her dream to be an astronaut.

At school when the teacher asks what everyone wants to do and be in the future, Mae’s answer gets her laughed at. Ms. Bell tries to encourage her to be a nurse instead. Once home, Mae breaks in to tears that her teacher didn’t believe in her. Mae’s mom tells her that her teacher was wrong and that she hoped Mae didn’t believe her. She told Mae that no one could stop her from pursuing her dreams.

With her family’s unwavering support and a lot of hard work, Mae goes to space. The book ends with her keeping her promise of waving to her parents and looking down on Earth.

The book touches on a lot of powerful issues that I really hope adults will point out and discuss with their children. Why her teacher didn’t think she could be an astronaut, not as a belittling of the nursing profession, but as a woman of color what would make her teacher think that was her best option. When and how should we handle when teachers, or people in authority, do or say something that we disagree with. I also hope that the note at the end that tells more about Dr. Jemison’s accomplishments is poured over again and again and again and appreciated. Truly she is a hero!

There is nothing Islamic in the book, I’m assuming the author is Muslim, but honestly I didn’t find anything in my Google searches that would indicate that she is or isn’t. It is really just my assumption about the name and my wanting to share this inspiring story with beautiful illustrations with the people who frequent my blog. Enjoy!

Jun15

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Trisha Springstubb illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

Posted on June 15, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Trisha Springstubb illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

This 32 page book for ages 5-8 is a perfectly presented story about inter-generational and intercultural friendships. Big on sentiment and heart while keeping the text short allows the compassion the two friends have for each other and their actions of showing how they feel toward one another speak volumes. The illustrations appear to be cut paper and add to the thoughtfulness that the story presents.

Khalil and his family live upstairs and are noisy. Mr. Hagerty is quiet and lives downstairs. The two bond over their love of the back yard. While Mr. Hagerty works in his garden, Khalil hunts for bugs and rocks and treasure.

When Khalil doesn’t know a word, Mr. Hagerty teaches him. When Mr. Hagerty can’t remember a word, Khalil helps him.

That summer it is hot, really hot. The carrots are all shriveled, and Khalil can’t dig the hard earth for treasures either. So the two decide to have “refreshments,” which means chocolate cake and milk.

That night, the two friends separately plot to cheer the other up. They put their plan in to action and, no I’m not going to spoil the sweet acts the two do for each other. But it is clever and sweet and all the things that make a feel good story stick with you and remind you that age and culture and color are nothing when two people open their hearts to learn and grow.

There is no reason anyone casually reading the book would think that Khalil is a Muslim, and who knows maybe he isn’t, but the name Khalil caught my attention and the author’s dedication is to a Khalil, Muhammad, Fatima, and Adam. So yes, I totally am claiming it. Even if it isn’t, the old white man, and the young boy of color bonding is a great message in-and-of itself that we need to see more of in literature and real life.

Jun8

Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Posted on June 8, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Ebony Glenn

This 32 page picture book meant for preschool to 3rd grade really should be required reading for EVERYONE. So many lessons, so beautifully conveyed in the simple text and beautiful illustrations that I made each of my kids read or listen to it and then discuss: self confidence, nay sayers, self esteem, race, passion, body image, kindness, and perseverance to name a few. Accelerated Reader Level is 3.2 as older kids will understand a bit more than the younger ones, but I truly believe all will benefit. Written by a Muslim woman of color, featuring a girl of color and illustrated by a woman of color, this OWN voice book has it all for girls and boys alike.

Tameika loves to sing and dance and be on stage in front of an audience (stuffed and unstuffed). She feels like she can be anything she wants and when her school puts on a production of Snow White she can’t wait to audition to be a princess.

She arrives early the first day of auditions and helps her friends with their lines and nerves. But then she hears them whispering that she can’t be Snow White. “She’s too tall, too chubby, too brown.”

Their words deflate her as she internalizes their thoughts about her. She doesn’t feel like singing or dancing and she questions her appearance. Her mom tries to build her back up. Her father reinforces her qualities, and slowly she starts to think maybe her parents are on to something.

The next day she has to face her fears and when she steps out on to the audition stage. She knows what she loves, she knows the joy it brings her and she has to dig deep to push the negative away and shine.

Yes, I’m going to spoil the ending, she gets the part and she rocks it, ok I’m projecting based on her smile. But it truly isn’t about getting the part and excelling at it, it is trusting that you are perfect as you are and confidently owning it.

The book is available everywhere, even the library, so please go get it, read it with your kids and get discussing! Fiction is a great start to talk about racism and fat shaming and all the other things that you think are hard, but kids need to hear and see and talk about from a very early age.

Jun1

Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hachimi Alaoui illustrated by Maya Fidawi

Posted on June 1, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hachimi Alaoui illustrated by Maya Fidawi

This sweet 32 page book is the purr-fect way to introduce the arrival of a new baby to toddlers and preschoolers. Instead of siblings preparing for a new arrival, it is three very different cats that need reassurance that there is enough love to go around.

Minouche, Pasha, and Amir live with their humans Myriam and Sami, and life is good. Minouche likes to hide, Pasha is regal, and Amir the Siamese is very curious. One thing they all have in common though, is they like to curl up on Myriam’s belly.

And her belly is growing! They are finding it harder to fit, and it even moves. Then one day Myriam and Sami leave early in the morning without even saying good-bye.

Finally she comes home. She is carrying a basket and disappears in the room without even acknowledging the cats. The cats sneak in and see a funny little creature that squeaks.

Grandma steps in to assure the curious little cats that there is enough love for the new baby, Ayla, and them. Feeling confident, the proud cats take on protecting their little human and the family full of love.

There isn’t anything Islamic in the book, but it definitely is culturally rich in the names, illustrations and the author is Moroccan.

The sweet book would be a great way to get siblings comfortable with a new one on the way and let them talk about how the cats thought, felt, and handled the change. Even children not about to have a new addition will find the silliness and sweetness entertaining and enjoyable. The pictures are gorgeous and fun and the text and presentation perfect for bedtime, story time, and anytime.

May25

My First Muslim Potty Book by Yousfa Janjua illustrated by Golnar Servatian

Posted on May 25, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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My First Muslim Potty Book by Yousfa Janjua illustrated by Golnar Servatian

I’m not sure why this book is just coming out now and why I never realized how important it is. It sounds silly, but we as Muslims are very precise about our bathroom habits and cleanliness and the fact that this is the first book to address it for children is actually, kind of surprising. But Alhumdulillah, you only need one if it is done well, and over 16 pages of cute illustrated rhyme filled pages, istinja is explained and normalized. The book is a great tool to use, not only, when potty training toddlers, but also for reviewing with your preschooler when they might be leaving home for the first time and/or seeing other people’s bathroom habits.

The book starts out with a thorough “Note to Parents” explaining istinja, tahara as well as giving parents some tips to handle potty training in general. The book starts by noting how you started out as a baby and are now growing and part of the growth has you ready for big kid underwear.

It talks about what it feels like when you need to go, and how when that feeling happens, you need to hurry to the bathroom. If you hurry and still have an accident, we (the parents) will clean it up and not to worry.

The book teaches that you enter with your left foot, and ask for help if you need it. That you sit down to do your business because poop and pee are najis, impure. You then have to do istinja, which is like a germ fighting ninja!

It teaches the toddler to call for mom or dad to wash them with the lota or bidet or pot using their right hand to pour and their left to wash. You then use toilet paper to dry. After you flush, you wash your hands for 20 seconds, leave with your right foot and be done.

The book then has a glossary, some ayats of Quran and some Hadith as well as Duas relating to the bathroom. The 8×8 hardback book is done really well and conveys the key points on a kid’s level, which is great.

I love that the book uses Islamic Arabic words and shows a diverse family being patient and encouraging. I am fine with the child illustrated as reading a book while on the toilet, but I think some parents might frown on that. The book is meant for Muslim kids, and does a good job of showing the practicing family in the illustrations and in the text.

Thank you to Crescentmoonstore.com for their great price and service!

May18

Our Superhero Edhi Baba written and illustrated by Maria Riaz

Posted on May 18, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Our Superhero Edhi Baba written and illustrated by Maria Riaz

This is a hard review to write. I have been trying to get this book in my hands since it was published and just could not. I’d ask people to bring it from Pakistan, or try and order it on Amazon to find it out of stock. And then finally I was fortunate that my cousin was able to purchase it for me, get it to my dad who was visiting Karachi, my dad then mailed it to me within the U.S. and voila a book that sells online for $15 (and is currently in stock) in my hand for RS 475 (less than $3), I mention this because if I had paid $15 for a 7×7 inch book that has only 16 pages, I’d be grumpy. Having paid less than $3 (plus shipping) and involved multiple family members in the process, if I’m honest, I’m still a little disappointed with.

The book is beautifully illustrated, the author is the illustrator so why not make the book larger, so the illustrations could be appreciated? The book is really short and very vague, even the note at the end could provide so much more about this national hero, his accomplishments, his struggles, his goals, his legacy. And I’m not sure why it doesn’t.

The book is framed with kids presenting superheroes in class: Superman, Hulk, Spiderman, etc., two kids wearing grey shirts and white pants start their presentation about Edhi.

In rhyming lines the kids talk about how Edhi’s mother would give to the needy and how he continued this giving whatever he could spare from a young age. How giving everyday made his heart grow big. He gave to everyone and didn’t discriminate based on skin. It mentions that he started an ambulance service and we should follow his plan of helping and donating.

The note at the end talks about how to donate and how superheroes have big hearts and share not just with people they like, but even people they don’t like. The author then says that she donates money and skill.

The writing is clear enough for the sparse words on the page. I don’t want to critique a Pakistani writing rhymes in British English, because I speak one language, and clearly realize the beauty in being able to speak and write and convey in more than one language, but it is a bit awkward in parts.

The idea of the book is beautiful. Edhi was a humanitarian that needs recognition both within Pakistan and abroad. But, I really wish this book had a bit more substance to it. I think it can get a conversation going with little kids, but older kids will find it very generic, and unless a nearby adult can add to the story, it sadly won’t be remembered.

A portion of the book goes to support edhi.org, but it doesn’t specify how much.

(size reference):

May11

Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess

Posted on May 11, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess

In rhyming couplets spread out over 32 pages with adorable illustrations, this book is a great introduction to the whispers of shaytan that encourage us to be naughty, and how to counter them without frightnening young listeners. Meant for preschool age children and up, this is the second book by the author discussing an important religious concept in an easy to understand manner (the first book was about Kiraman Katibin) that empowers children to make great choices and find strength in doing so, even when mistakes are made.

The “Note to Parents” at the beginning provides great framework for the takeaway message of the book. That yes, shaytan whispers to us and we will make mistakes, but the power is ours to overcome such temptations and inshaAllah do good.

The book starts out a bit shakey for me as the rhyming is a bit off on one page, and the blame for the little boy with the great hair’s naughtiness is blamed solely on shaytan. As a former teacher, this is always a tricky concept when trying to teach children to take responsibility for their actions, but then knowing full well that shayateen are real too.

Once the flip side, of how to protect yourself from shaytan, starts: by saying aoudhu-billahi minashaytanir rajeem, bismillah, salam, reading Quran, calling athan, etc.. the book flows really well.

I love how much information is conveyed about the jinn and their purpose and how they cower and put their fingers in their ears to not hear the praise of Allah swt.

There is a glossary for the Arabic words and Islamic references, some kids might need some additional understanding about jin and responsibiltiy, but a solid book that I have read over 20 times to my 4 year old in the last week, alhumdulillah.

Thank you again to Crescent Moon Storefor their incredibly quick fullfillment of the order.

May4

Mikaeel and Malaika: The Power of Dua by Kazima Wajahat illustrated by Gustavo Gutierrez

Posted on May 4, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Mikaeel and Malaika: The Power of Dua by Kazima Wajahat illustrated by Gustavo Gutierrez

Mikaeel and Malaika are back in this 32 page hardback book that explores why duas sometime seem not to come true. Done in a hilarious manner that brings in riddles and problem solving elements, it is perfect for 6-8 year olds. Younger children will enjoy the beautiful illustrations and silliness, and older children (and parents) will thoroughly enjoy Big Boss’s play on words and the illustrations showing his parenting style. I’ve read the book multiple times to myself, my toddler, and even my older kids; each time surpressing a smile and enjoying the message lovingly and entertainingly conveyed: “rewards are best when the time is right.”

The book starts out with a problem to be solved, a mystery: who took the shoes from the masjid. I know such a real world problem in a picture book, but fear not, super hero siblings Mikaeel and Malaika are on it. There is just one problem, their super powers are gone.

They head to Big Boss, aka their father, to find out what happened to their powers, only to learn they were part of a “14 day free trial” and their superjet? It was sold on Spamazon. At a loss of what to do, Big Boss reminds them that they have one super power left, the power of dua.

The kids run to pray and then they wait. When they can wait no longer, they go to see if the shoes have been returned, but…they haven’t. Big Boss gives them some sage rhyming explanaition that they don’t understand, but try to unravel in an apple orchard. When that doesn’t work, he gives them more advice and they follow it up in a butterfly garden. With no answer insight, Mikaeel gets frusterated and wants to know why his dua won’t come true.

Finally understanding that Allah (swt) does things at the perfect time and only at the perfect time, the children change their dua and the shoes are found, and the lesson learned and shared.

I love Big Boss, and this book makes it much more clear than in Mikaeel and Malaika: The Quest for Love, that his advice and riddles are in rhyme, but that the rest of the text is not. I love that he is a hands on parent changing diapers, cooking, and guiding his kids. His steralizing of an infintile waste unit, and skimming a superhero manual are awesome and silly.

The book is about Muslim children, for Muslim children, but I think any child would enjoy the story to learn what Muslims believe, and any religious child who believes that there is one creator would be able to relate to the story as well.

The book ends with an ayat from the Qur’an in English promising that Allah swt answers the prayers of the supplicants. InshaAllah there will be more Mikaeel and Malaika adventures, and more of Big Boss and Super Agent M.O.M., too.

Islamic School Librarian

Reviewing Children & YA Islamic Fiction, Books by Muslim Authors, & Books Featuring Muslim Characters

Category Archives: Story Time

The Day Saida Arrived by Susana Gómez Redondo illustrated by Sonja Wimmer translated by Lawrence Schimel

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Trisha Springstubb illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hachimi Alaoui illustrated by Maya Fidawi

My First Muslim Potty Book by Yousfa Janjua illustrated by Golnar Servatian

Our Superhero Edhi Baba written and illustrated by Maria Riaz

Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess

Mikaeel and Malaika: The Power of Dua by Kazima Wajahat illustrated by Gustavo Gutierrez