Category Archives: Story Time

Mar8

Noura’s Crescent Moon by Zainab Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Noura’s Crescent Moon by Zainab Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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I know, I know, another Ramadan book about the moon and a little girl’s first fast, but this one is slightly different.  The moon they are searching for is the Eid moon and the focus is on whether they will see it and Eid will begin, or if there is one more day of fasting.  The story itself would not make sense if it wasn’t Ramadan and the characters Muslim, but the story only subtly sprinkles in bits of Islam, the backmatter though, is where the Islam really shines.  The tone of the book with the lyrical text and full color illustrations is very relatable to Muslims that both want to see the moon and celebrate, while at the same time being sad the the blessed month of Ramadan is over.  It comes from a Desi centric approach to the foods, and traditions, but their aren’t a lot of Urdu words used either, and those that are, are defined at the end.  The book works for Muslims and non Muslims, and would benefit both groups with a bit of discussion. Overall, not a particularly memorable book, but one that stands out for focusing on the tradition of looking for the moon and being together as a family.

I love that the notes at the end do mention that Muslims fast to “show love and obedience for the Creator,” under the Ramadan header.  The other backmatter headings are Eid ul-Fitr, Suhoor, Iftar, Chaand Raath, Pakora, Gulab Jamun, Sheer Khurma, and The Islamic Calendar and the New Moon.  A lot of space is dedicated to food, explaining those mentioned in the story.  It gets it right that Muslims begin fasting at dawn, it shows mom not wearing hijab at home, but wearing it when they go out, yet, it doesn’t just say the maghrib athan it refers to it as the “call for the twilight prayer.”  And it doesn’t mention or show them praying, which would have been a nice inclusion.

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The book starts with Noura playing outside and her tummy rumbling on this 29th day of Ramadan, and her first fast.  Mama, Papa and Noura all help make and pack up iftar, as they get ready to go look for the Eid moon.

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Before they go, Mama shows Noura her new dress, and they add some henna cones to the items they are taking, they then set out to the countryside.  All along, Noura is hoping to see the moon and her parents are reminding her how rare it is to see it.

When they get to the hill there are other families already there, and Noura has done it, completed her first fast.  Unfortunately the moon is not there as hoped, or is it?

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I wish some duaas or Islamic expressions, and salat would have made it into the book, but the large hardback size makes this a good book to read at story times, and a nice way to explain why we don’t know when we will miss school to celebrate Eid, or how many days we will fast.

Mar6

Made from the Same Dough by Laura El Alam illustrated by Passant Ablal

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Made from the Same Dough by Laura El Alam illustrated by Passant Ablal

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Not all books about Ramadan have to be lists of facts. It is ok to show Ramadan and Islamic elements in stories that have their own plots, character arcs, conflicts and resolutions that are not just about abstaining from food and water, or losing your temper.  This book set in Ramadan is a story about a  Muslim boy and his Christian grandfather, and a whole lot of heart.  As a child of a convert, this book spoke to me, and I saw myself in that relationship, not only as a child, but even as an adult bringing my grandparents to my kids Islamic schools, friends’ lunches, and asking them to wait on the side while we pray.  I absolutely love the perspective of the protagonist, that he is worried about what Muslims will think of his grandfather not fasting or praying, as opposed to the often shown character worrying about what non Muslims think about us. The paradigm shift is subtle, but empowering to Muslim readers to see that they are not “other” in any environment.  The authenticity and how it all comes together in the clear text of the book is beautiful, but I must say, I really struggle with the illustrations.  I know art is subjective, and I am no artist, but yikes, I feel like the pictures actually distract from the story unfortunately.

The book starts with Papa coming over to his daughter’s family home and smelling something cinnamon-y delicious.  He dives in to the harira soup and recalls the cinnamon Christmas cookies they used to make.  Rayan wonders if Papa even remembers that the rest of them are all fasting.

Mama invites him to join the family at Auntie Hana’s for iftar the next night, and Rayan worries what Papa will do when they all pray, or if his friends will wonder why he came to iftaar if he is not fasting.

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Papa agrees and offers to make cinnamon cookies to share.  Rayan doesn’t like the idea of Christmas cookies at iftar and tells grandpa that Santa won’t be there.  The next day when Grandpa comes over to bake, Rayan refuses to help. Part scared, part frustrated, part anxious, Rayan hears everyone having fun, but stays in his room.

When they arrive at the iftaar potluck, Rayan reminds Papa to take of his shoes and then devises a plan to keep the Christmas cookies from causing any embarrassment. Only his sister Aliya foils his plan and Rayan will have to face his own feelings and make things right.

I’ve read this book easily close to twenty times, since ordering it, evaluating it for the Muslim Book Awards 2023, (it won the Holiday category), writing this review, and reading it to my littles at bed time, and it still hits close to the heart every time.  It reminds me of my own grandpa, who has been gone almost exactly a year, who may not have always understood our actions as Muslims no matter how often we tried to explain them to him, but never loved us any less.

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You can purchase your copy here at Crescent Moon

Mar4

Ramadan Kareem by M.O. Yuksel illustrated by Hatem Aly

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Ramadan Kareem by M.O. Yuksel illustrated by Hatem Aly

The lyrical text that shows joy, Muslim joy, all over the world during the most wonderful time of the year is felt, truly truly felt in this rich, beautiful book. The illustrations, the text, the sentiment, it all comes together so splendidly, that when you turn the last page you want to start over again. Hundreds of people are wondering what book to read to their children’s public schools this year, what book to start off masjid story times this Ramadan, what book to read every night leading up to the blessed month to get their children excited, what book to hand to your children to look through so they can have a few more minutes of sleep and alhumdulillah to all the above, I whole heartedly suggest, this one. Even with the errors.  The book states “the Night of Power is better than a thousand nights,” and should read, better than a thousand months.  The backmatter says “by not eating or drinking anything from just before sunrise until sunset.”  The story itself though has it correct and says “suhoor is a predawn meal” and notes the “sun is still sleeping.”

A universal story of celebrating Ramadan, with waking up for suhoor, greeting neighbors, having self control, praying, volunteering, iftar, community.  It is a singular story, but each two page spread showing a child in a new country continuing the narrative.  The worship uniting us all as Muslims even while our unique traditions add diversity and layers to the acts that we share.

It starts with gazing at the new moon in Turkey and mom saying that the narrator can fast. The drummer than beats her drum and it it time to wake up in Egypt. The call to prayer and remembering you are fasting reaches Syria, and donations are given in Indonesia. In Spain Qur’an is read in abuela’s lap and neighbors are visited in the United States.  Donations are packed in Australia,  friends and family are visited in Pakistan, and kimchi after dates for iftar in South Korea.  It is then off to Iran for prayers, Laylatul Qadr in Senegal, and getting ready for Eid in Uzbekistan.  Palestine is the final stop as Eid joy erupts for Muslims everywhere.

The book is widely available, you can order yours here at Crescent Moon or here on Amazon

Feb29

A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Najwa Awatiff

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A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Najwa Awatiff

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A problem solving kid that loves his faith, finds himself in a new neighborhood at the beginning of Ramadan without a mosque or a Muslim community.  I appreciate that this 32 page book actually has a bit of a plot, not just the overly done fictional story crafted around basic Ramadan facts of a child’s first fast.  Sure, it mentions most of the expected concepts in a similar manner, but it also centers acts of ibaada, shows more than tells, is brightly illustrated, and is unapologetic. The kid is a doer, a problem solver, and isn’t unsure about who he is, which is refreshing. That isn’t to say that it gets everything right, it still attributes fasting to feeling compassion for the poor.  Even when a side character challenges the notion, the character doubles down that it makes us more appreciative, which inshaAllah it does, but it isn’t WHY we fast.  Overall though, I think the book still is a benefit in Muslim and non Muslim spaces. The story and illustrations make it appealing at story times and bed times, and the backmatter is equally engaging.

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The book starts with Zain getting excited for his favorite time of year, Ramadan.  Only this year the decorations are still in boxes, Mama and Baba are busy with their new jobs, and there is no mosque or Muslims in the neighborhood.  Zain knows, he rides around looking for clues, has even checked the newspaper, and had his dad look on his phone.  It is a big change from the Islamic school he used to go to, and the busy mosque he used to volunteer at.

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Then Zain gets an idea, to build a mosque with all the moving boxes.  Neighbor kids come and ask questions, and Zain is happy to explain as they join in the building.  One night while praying outside under the stars in the cardboard mosque, a friend joins the family, and this Ramadan just might turn out to be pretty wonderful after all.

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I love that Zain doesn’t wait around for his parents to figure everything out, he is motivated. I also really like that he knows who he is, is comfortable sharing his faith and beliefs, and that the neighbor kids find connections to him, not the other way around.  I wish he would find a place to volunteer at, our charity isn’t restricted to helping only Muslims, though I might be the only one to pick up on that unresolved thread.  I also get that the kid that joins the salat for story purposes, is seen after prayer, but he didn’t join the prayer right and my older kids were sure to point that out.

The backmatter has a glossary, but in a more engaging format that I think kids will actually stick around for, and the Ramadan essentials and crafts make for a nice extension for those wanting to add a craft to the story time activity.

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The book is traditionally published and widely available.  You can find it here at Amazon, or here at my favorite store Crescent Moon.  It is also available in public libraries and would be a great addition to classroom and school library shelves.

Feb23

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

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

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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

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Jan31

Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

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Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

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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.

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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.

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Jan6

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

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

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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.

Oct9

The Little War Cat by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Laura Chamberlain

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The Little War Cat by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Laura Chamberlain

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Even though the book is told from the cat’s perspective, the book never overshadows the human cost of the Syrian war.  The beautiful illustrations and clear text do not shy away from the pain and destruction, but allows for young preschool children and up to see the affects of war through the cat’s eyes, as well as the kindness and hope that prevails. Over 32 pages readers are taken to the streets of Aleppo to see the marble mosques give way to boots and destruction.  The little cat observes the changes, notes the differences and when kindness is shown to her, she finds a way to pay it forward.  I had not intended to post another book by Hiba Noor Khan so close to another book of hers, but as atrocities in Idlib increase I felt it a good time to remind us all, that the war is not “over” in Syria and the destruction and loss of life still requires our awareness, help, prayers, and attention.

The book begins with a warm scene of a little grey cat playing and lounging under the sun in a masjid courtyard. When the boots come, though, it all disappears. The cat begins to notice the changes and the fear becomes real.  

But then one day the cat sees humans that are different than the ones with boots, and she follows one. He cares for her, and she starts to feel like herself again, when she sees someone that also is afraid, the cat is determined to help.

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The book concludes with a note from the author telling about the inspiration for the story, “The Cat Man of Aleppo,” and challenging readers to find ways to share kindness.

 

Oct2

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

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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

Sep11

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

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

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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

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