Category Archives: Story Time

The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

Standard
The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

img_7123

This 40 page early elementary picture book is set the night before Eid and radiates with love from a boy to his Teita, traditional ka’ak, and the family’s Egyptian culture.  The robust and personal backmatter shares a glimpse into the threads from the author’s real life that the story touches upon, and makes the book extend beyond the pages.  It is worth noting that this book does not articulate if it is for Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha and thus works for both.   There is nothing religious in the book except a reference to something happening after Eid prayer in a memory, and the shape of the cookie being round like the Ramadan moon, Eid day is not mentioned, it is simply the catalyst for this warm family story about a boy and his grandma making a special treat for the first time and sharing it at school.  The large hardback book with fun illustrations is ideal for both story time and bedtime readings alike.

img_7124

It is the night before Eid and Teita has arrived from Egypt.  Zain can’t wait to make ka’ak to take to school and share with his friends.  The beloved powdered sugar cookies are steeped in tradition, both in Zain’s family and in Egyptian history.  Once the suitcases is unpacked and the special ingredients found, Teita and Mama share memories of baking with cousins, painting henna designs on hands and putting eidiya in envelopes.  The family recalls singing together on the balcony while Geddo played the tabla and lights and lanterns filled the streets below, after Eid prayer they would hand out the ka’ak.

img_7125

Zain wants the ka’ak to turn out perfectly so his teacher and friends will like them.  Teita tells him that ka’ak is as old as the ancient pharaohs, and that recipes were found in the pyramids.  At one time rulers would even put gold coins in the cookies.  Zain and his Teita mix and add the required ingredients, and drink iced apricot juice as they wait for the dough to be just right.  Getting the cookies pressed with the molds though is harder than it looks, and Zain gets frustrated. Teita’s love and patience and Zain’s clever thinking get the treat making back on track.  The ka’ak doesn’t have a gold coin filling, but they are filled with tradition.

img_7126

The timeline is a bit off for me with the grandma coming before Eid and then the cookies going to school on Monday, and then Monday evening when Zain is writing down the recipe with Teita he is telling her Eid Mubarak and that it is the best Eid ever.  So, it seems that he went to school on Eid, not to Eid prayers, which is fine, just a little sad that there was no Eid celebration or prayers.  I don’t know that kids will be bothered by it, but the lack of mirroring and stressing how joyous Eid is does somehow get lost and mitigated, in my opinion, by skipping acknowledgement of the religious holiday.   In the backmatter the author remarks that she has “outgrown the magic of Eid,” so perhaps it is intentional that the day is not included in the text.

img_7127

The last six pages of the book are filled with informative and engaging information about What is Eid, Ka’ak Time Line, A Note from the Author with photographs of her and her family celebrating Eid, a Simple Ka’ak Recipe and Additional Resources.

I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon Store where if you put my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) in at checkout you will save 10% or is available here on Amazon where the book currently has a coupon for $3.80 off.

The Ramadan Shield by Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

Standard
The Ramadan Shield by Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

img_7028

This new 32 page rhyming book focuses on a boy who gets frustrated and often loses his temper and how the onset of Ramadan has his father imparting the lesson that fasting isn’t just staying away from food and drink, but also about behavior and controlling your anger.  He shares the hadith of saying “…I’m fasting, I’m fasting,” which is shared in its entirety and sourced at the end.  The book has a lot of text and scenarios in its moral framed telling that creates a bit of a disconnect between the presentation and the target audience.  The characters are fasting, there is no discussion about why they are fasting or that it is a first time fasting (thank you). the child’s art assignment is pretty advanced, and friends are seen independently out and about, but the rhyming lines and illustrations at the end of the kids on the rug seems aimed at a much younger reader/listener.  For my purpose of story times to children 4-9 it is a great choice, because it can appeal to the large range of relatability and attention spans, but for repeated readings in a home, it might need some shortening or additional explaining to connect as intended.

img_7029

The story starts with Nuh working on an assignment to draw and paint a picture of the Kaba, but it keeps coming out tilted and he crumples and throws page after page.  His dad snuggles him close and explains that Shabaan is over and Ramadan is about to start which means that he needs to go without food and water, but also work on his behavior.  He explains, how to use the advice of saying, “Fasting is my shield; I will not be defeated! I am fasting, I am fasting.”

img_7030

Empowered by the words, Nuh starts his next morning remembering his father’s advice.  When he spills water on his painting he remembers the advice. When a grocery cart collision at the store with his nemesis gets his fist clenching, he remembers his father’s advice.  He even gets a chance to share his knowledge with his friends.

img_7031

When the day is over he is eating iftar with his family and determined to keep his temper at bay throughout he whole month and beyond, inshaAllah, starting with him trying his drawing of the Kaba again.

img_7032

I like that the focus is on behavior, I think that is a good reminder for older kids, and something younger kids that may or may not be fasting need to implement in Ramadan.  I also like that the parents are encouraging and invested, but not controlling the individual situations.  The book is preachy, and when the kid takes the lesson and starts preaching it to him, it is a little heavy handed, but I think it fits with the nature of the book.  I appreciate that the kid knows what Ramadan and fasting is, so that the lesson can go a bit deeper in this Islamic fiction story.

I got my copy from Crescent Moon store, and you can get yours there as well by clicking this link here.  If you use code ISL (Islamic School Librain initials) at checkout you will save 10%,

The Adventures of Adam and Anisah: The Golden Trail by Zahra Patel illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

Standard
The Adventures of Adam and Anisah: The Golden Trail by Zahra Patel illustrated by Reyhana Ismail

img_6818

This third book in the Adam and Zahra series, also available with a workbook, focuses on zakat and can be read alone.  Aimed at toddlers to early preschoolers, this rhyming story can also work at story time with slightly older kids as a reminder of zakat and giving to those in needs.  The book has very minimal text and as a result if you overthink it, it could be slightly problematic: there is magic, they are taking and giving something that doesn’t belong to them, Zakat is a portion of your wealth not sharing something you found-even if a note says otherwise.  I think the book is sweet though, and the discussions to have with little ones outweigh the adult concerns I’ve mentioned. It touches on giving to others, on people in need, of people in need living very close to you, that everything being a gift from Allah (swt), it shows siblings working together, sharing, generosity, a lemonade stand for Yemen, giving of food and money, and befriending others.  I think if you liked the other books in the series regarding a “magic” pray rug and a fasting shield, both mentioned in this, you will like the presentation of sharing and the term zakat presented in a similar fantasy laced manner; if those books felt uncomfortable for you and your family, this one probably will as well.

Adam and Anisa start the story in Ramadan, a week before Eid, digging in the sand at the beach.  Adam finds a treasure box and a message in a bottle.  The treasure box is locked and the message says that “My name is Zakat and I’m for someone in need…”  Once the kids get the box home and the lock off, a beam of light shines a path for them to follow.

img_6821

They follow the light out the door and through the field, and past the mosque and their friends, along the way they purchase a pie from the bakery for when they break their fast and keep following the light to the field as the sun starts to set.  They find a house in the forest with a mom, a baby, and a little boy, to whom they give the money and the pie. They learn that they had moved to this country and were all alone, but Allah swt provided for them, and He is never far. They all break their fast together and learn that “Whenever you give, Allah will give you more.”

img_6822

The backmatter of the book contains Context to the Story, Developing Character Strengths, Learning through Practice and a map of their adventure.  I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon Store here and if you use my initials (Islamic School Librarian) ISL at checkout you will save 10%.

img_6823

Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi

Standard
Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi

moon

This beautiful lyrical book has a simple premise of the moon looking down on people celebrating Ramadan as it circles the Earth, but stands out as being unique thanks to the poetic language and engaging illustrations.  Each spread shows moon in a different phase over a different country, and the joy, activities and worship that Muslims are partaking in during the blessed month.  I’m embarrassed to say, I didn’t realize that the author is also the illustrator until I sat down to write this review, and honestly it makes sense, as the story text and illustrations work seamlessly together.  The tone of the book, the details in the pictures, and the rich language make this a good read for a large audience.  Little ones probably won’t fully understand the poetry, but they will be mesmerized none-the-less and feel the excitement.  My three year old calls the moon all year round, the “Ramadan Moon” and he understood that the Moon in the story is excited seeing us celebrate and worship.  He consistently would still be peeking in windows or searching the scenes, not quite ready for me to turn the page long after the text was done being read.  Older kids will appreciate the shared global bonds of Muslims and the cultural specifics too.  They will grasp the information shared and beliefs touched upon in the flowing words that do not preach.  My only criticism is that the book starts with Moon saying, “Hello.”  In an Islamic centered book I would have expected to see Assalamualaikum, especially since it appears on the page where moon is above Egypt, so I’m not sure why the English greetings is used.  The book has a glossary and notes at the end making it a great addition to Muslim and non Muslim spaces alike.  I plan to read the book for a Masjid story time as the large hardback book will work just as well for a group of kids as it does at bed time.

Told from a personified Moon’s perspective, the book begins with Moon smiling at Earth as people all over the world excitedly point and look up at her, but once they see her, they rush off to prepare for the month. Over Turkey, the Ramadan Drummer awakens sleepy people for suhoor and over Indonesia he sees families gathering for iftar. As each day passes Moon grows fuller watching the children do good deeds and people sharing their wealth.

Nights of Taraweeh and listening to the Quran over Somalia, sharing treats in the United Kingdom, and  interfaith among neighbors in the United States bring joy to Moon.  And as the waning crescent sees henna being put on hands in Dubai the month is coming to an end.  People once again look to the sky, but they cannot see Moon in Argentina, Moon is new.  It is Chaand Raat and then it is Eid.  Moon is back in Egypt watching people celebrate and then the world returns to looking up at Moon and she beams with love and gratitude.

There are diverse characters of a variety of skin tones, mobilities, ages, body size and abilities featured all throughout the book in a positive and inclusive normalizing manner.  The backmatter makes the concepts more accessible and the book work on different layers.  I really enjoyed the book and am excited to share it.  I purchased mine at Crescent Moon Store where using my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian)  will save you 10% it is also available here at Amazon Even my local public library has it on the shelves already! Happy Ramadan!

Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Halime Nur Sevim

Standard
Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Halime Nur Sevim

img_6768

This rhyming softcover picture book sets the tone of the month with its large heartfelt images on cardstock thick pages.  The book mentions tarawih, reading Quran, suhoor, iftar, compassion, Laylatul Qadr, eid, but does so in a way that reflects what Muslim kids know and love about the month.  It is not overly descriptive, nor does it define the terms. It shows Muslim kids in Ramadan living their lives and draws out the emotional joy felt in acts of ibadah, not in the gifts and parties alone.  The rhyme works and isn’t terribly forced and the 8.5 by 11 size and the introductory framing of major Ramadan activities makes the book a good addition for toddlers and up. I plan to use this for a masjid story time for Muslim kids ages 4-9, but it can be used in non Muslim settings easily as well.

img_6770

The book starts out with decorating the home for Ramadan, as the city decorates outside too.  Ramadan has arrived, the moon has been seen with binoculars, and Tarawih at the mosque is where everyone is praying, and kids are playing.  Mornings start with the Ramadan drummer waking people up for suhoor, but mom is already up cooking.  The first few days of fasting are hard waiting for iftar, implying it gets easier.

img_6771

The kids and their parents make duas and thank Allah for their blessings as well as share their blessings with neighbors as they learn compassion.  The kids practice reading Qur’an every day with Grandma and before you know it, it is the last ten nights and Laylatul Qadr and then eid, alhumdulillah.  The 32 page book ends with prayers of gratitude and hope that Ramadan will be seen again.

img_6773

The book really is well done, there is no plot or story, but it introduces the month to little ones, reminds older ones what to expect and does so with accuracy and mirroring.  The book will lend itself to spark discussions about what a readers’ family can look forward to in the month, how one should behave in a masjid, perhaps some Quran goals and some appreciation for parents.  The poor mom helps decorate, stays up early to cook suhoor, cooks yummy iftar, and lays out Eid clothes all while wearing hijab.  InshaAllah a point to mention when reading how amazing moms (and dads) are in making Ramadan memories while fasting themselves.

img_6772

I purchased mine from https://crescentmoonstore.com/ if you use my initials at checkout ISL (Islamic School Librarian) you can save 10% or click this link directly to go to the book.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Babajoon’s Treasure by Farnaz Esnaashari illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

Standard
Babajoon’s Treasure by Farnaz Esnaashari illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

This beautifully illustrated imaginative story focuses on Persian culture and a grandfather-granddaughter relationship.  I have no idea if the characters, author, or illustrator identify as Muslim, the scarf on the grandma and the salaam greetings might just be cultural, but Muslim kids will see themselves in those words and images and thus I am reviewing the book.  Young Miriam spends a week with her grandparents, Babajoon and Mamanjoon, every summer, and on this trip, she has reason to believe her grandpa is a pirate.  The progression of Babajoon sharing his culture with his granddaughter who has misread the signs is silly, but honestly also a little sad.  It seems she is very unaware of her family’s culture, not just generational details, but basics.  The story itself is for kids, but I think parents will find a deeper message in the importance of maintaining cultural ties and familiarity no matter where our children are raised.

Miriam loves her week every summer with her grandparents, it is a magical adventure spending time with them at their tea shop.  One day Miriam and her Babajoon head out for rocket pops and a mysterious gold coin falls out of her grandpa’s pocket.  As they enjoy their popsicles, Babajoon starts singing with a parrot, and he has a secret language with an old friend before crystals are revealed, the only possible connection for the young girl, is that her grandfather is a pirate.

Babajoon reveals the cultural context of all the days adventures tying them back to his childhood in Iran.  He encourages her to ask questions, and Miriam worries that she isn’t like her beloved Babajoon.  His reassures her that they are alike and that they will teach each other, leaves the book with both appreciation and hope and a whole lot of love from a little girl to her family and culture.

There is a bit of a continuity issue for me as the little girl is excited her grandfather is a pirate, and then at the end, glad he isn’t.  Also that she doesn’t know what Farsi sounds like or where her grandfather is from seems a little bit of a stretch as she herself calls them Babajoon and Mamajoon and says salaam to them.  They also own a Persian tea shop called Aziz and the sign board is written in English and Farsi.  If the little girl is aware enough and old enough to piece together the clues to discern that he is a pirate, clearly she recognizes the difference in the titles, foods, and clothing her grandparents wear to the larger society.  I know, I’m being picky, but it took me a few readings to get past all that, and appreciate the story for what it is, and how beneficial it really can be to encourage children to ask about their family heritage and traditions.

The 40 page horizontal hardback book is beautiful to share in groups or one-on-one.  The illustrations are enjoyable, and the pirate aspect will make this book a frequently requested read.  You can preorder your copy here, after March 28, 2023 you can still purchase through that link.

Amir’s Blue Jacket by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

Standard
Amir’s Blue Jacket by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hasan

This heartfelt elementary picture book does a remarkable job of drawing the reader in to the emotions of the main character, his relationship with his grandfather, and imparting a moral message without being preachy. The illustrations are lovely on their own, but the way the muted tones convey the memories and illustrate the text really ties the book together. Whether it is for a larger story time or a one-on-one bedtime read, the book will offer discussion, comfort, guidance, and a little surprise at the end for Muslim and non Muslims alike. The slightly allegorical book does conclude with a widely known hadith (it is attributed to Prophet Muhammad saw, but is not further cited/sourced) and the family is clearly Muslim with their names mentions of Eid and God, and a hijab clad woman, but the book is universal and a lovely addition to any book shelf.

The book starts with Amir finding his Grandpa’s old blue jacket and recalling wrapping himself in it the day after his beloved Grandpa died. With it smelling like mothballs, he tosses it in the washing machine, but unfortunately when it comes out it has clearly shrunk. Amir is in denial, he says it fits fine and he has no desire for a new one. It is Grandpa’s jacket, and Amir is going to wear it, no matter how tight it is. Amir storms off to sit under the apple tree and recalls picking apples and making applesauce the year before for the whole neighborhood. Grandma shares that she used to keep grandpa’s cane but when someone needed it, she let it go.

Grandma stirs another memory in Amir when she pulls the tray of ka’k out of the oven, of him trying to sneak a whole plate for himself only to have his hiding spot taken over by ants. When he is asked this time to share a plate, every step to the neighbors house reminds him even more of making the trip with his grandfather. Slowly he starts to realize that his memories are with him, not in his grandfather’s things, and Amir makes a decision that would make his grandfather proud, and (inshaAllah) give him more good deeds, even though he is gone.

The idea of sadaqah jariyah is understood through the story, and present in the hadith at the back, but it is never mentioned outright. Just as God is used, not the term Allah (swt). As Amir feels denial, frustration, and eventually peace, nothing is really told, it is shown, which really opens the book up to be a tremendous tool in sharing it with children and asking them to discuss what they understand, what they feel, and what they took away from Amir and his Grandpa’s blue jacket story.

The book is available through the publisher Ruqaya’s Bookshelf as well as HERE at Crescent Moon Bookstore where code ISL will save you 10%.

A Dupatta Is…by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Anu Chouhan

Standard
A Dupatta Is…by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Anu Chouhan

img_6073

I read this 30 page early elementary book a few times before writing this review and honestly my cheeks hurt because I cannot stop smiling.  The lyrical writing radiates warmth and pride, culture and tradition, legacy and identity, while acknowledging both the playfulness and solemnness of a piece of fabric.  My heart breathed with the clarity and articulation that is felt and contained within the fabric that perhaps all Pakistanis feel, but cannot convey so poetically.  The book may be meant for children four to eight years old, but all readers will appreciate the text and illustrations that seamlessly flow like a favorite dupatta grabbed while running out the door. I struggled with picking only a few images to share, as every page became my new favorite as the book progressed.  Admittedly though, one page did give me pause as it conflated incense burning with getting rid of evil spirits which comes across as a religious belief, but is a cultural practice.

img_6074

The book starts out with the actual physical description of what a dupatta is and how it is adorned.  It then moves on to describing the color, the sound, the smell, the place, the function, the art, the beauty, the fun, the faith, the legacy, and the identity.  Each spread ends with the words, “but a dupatta is so much more…” seamlessly weaving so many facets of what a dupatta is together to create a true understanding of it from a tangible, to cultural, to practical perspective.

img_6076

I love that there is a page about faith, and praying five times a day with a dupatta being worn, it is a little odd that there is a portrait decorating the wall behind the two characters making dua, but at least it is clearly behind them.  I absolutely loved that so often the wearer of the dupatta was also wearing a hijab, particularly the bride picture- which is absolutely gorgeous.  It signals without words that a dupatta can be worn to cover a Muslim woman’s head, but it is also often not.  The backmatter further details that it was once worn as part of the national dress and as a form of modesty, but now is often worn as an accessory.

img_6077

One summer in Pakistan, a friend and some cousins and I started trying to formulate 101 Things to do with a dupatta (wipe noses, pull things out of the oven, catch fish), it was the year of net dupattas so clearly covering your head was not one of them.  Sure we were being silly, but to see the book also highlight wiping sticky hands, and wrapping it up like a sari, and using it as a cradle to rock a baby was very, very accurate and heartwarming.

img_6079

Please pre order this book, it signals to publishers that these books are in demand and is a way to show what type of books we want to see.  I preordered  mine here.

The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali illustrated by Hatem Aly

Standard
The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali illustrated by Hatem Aly

This heartwarming book centers kindness, family, and friendship in an inclusive way; and while the tagline says “A Story of Hijab and Friendship” I think the hijab angle is a bit of a stretch.  The authors are Muslims that wear hijab, the older sister and older females in the family wear hijab, but there is nothing in the story or text that connect hijab to Islam or to something Muslim women wear as part of religion.  I don’t want to compare the first book in the series, The Proudest Blue, to this book, but hijab really was centered in that book and the Author’s Note mentioned that hijab is an Islamic act.  This book does not make those same connections, which is fine, I just want consumers to be aware.  This book is beautiful and the messaging endearing, and the tone and heart over 40 pages ideal for preschool to early elementary children.  It works as a standalone, but with the same characters and sisterly love, I think most people will enjoy keeping them together.

The book starts with Mama passing on Asiya’s dress to Faizah, that had been Mama’s even before that.  It is picture day, and the girls are helping each other get ready. At school Faizah and her friend Sophie twirl in their pretty dresses before heading in to class to discuss what kind of world they want.

Faizah wants a kind world, where there’s always a friend nearby, where everyone helps. At recess, Sophie and Faizah combine their visions, superheroes and kindness, to help other kids on the playground.  When picture time arrives the class is full of smiles, but when it is time for sibling pictures, Faiza and Asiya realize they don’t match.

Faizah is sad, and Sophie notices, can the kindness be passed along like the dress to help the sisters? To make Faizah happy too? I’m not going to give away the conclusion, but it is sweet and idyllic and shows how lovely the world can be if we all just share some kindness.

I love the illustrations and the hijab wearing super hero that presumably Sophie drew is powerful.  I think the book does wonders to normalize hijab, even if I do wish it articulated why one would wear hijab.  It seems that the industry trend is to keep hijab superficial and I recognize I am in the minority that wants religious centering for religious tenants.  So yes, I’m fully prepared for the backlash when people want to point out that it is joyful and that I’m a naysayer, but I deal with people on a daily basis that do not know that my own hijab is a reflection of me being Muslim.  With as connected as the world is through technology, I  think those in diverse environments take for granted the understanding of basic Islamic principals in the general population.  However, not everyone has those real life connections and rely on books and media to fill the gaps, so when books about hijab, don’t actually connect hijab to faith, I feel obligated to point it out.

I purchased (preordered) my copy here, but I hope you will support small business and order yours here  use code ISL for 10% off.

Ahmed Goes to Friday Prayer: Ahmed se va a la oración del viernes by Wendy Díaz illustrated by Muhammad & Mariam Suhaila Guadalupe

Standard
Ahmed Goes to Friday Prayer: Ahmed se va a la oración del viernes by Wendy Díaz illustrated by Muhammad & Mariam Suhaila Guadalupe

 

ahmed

 

This dual lingo: English and Spanish is a linear story of Ahmed going for Jummah prayers.  The rhyming text in both languages is fairly consistent and the information framed in an upbeat, fun, positive way.  From waking up early and taking ghusl to reading Surah al-Kahf, the book shows some spiritual aspects, some sunnah reminders, and social Jummah interactions with friends as well.  The 48 pages are good for preschool to early elementary aged readers and with the minimal text on the pages, even younger listeners will enjoy the book.  I wish the religious statements were sourced, and while I didn’t initially love the aesthetics of the puppets when I first saw the cover, I definitely warmed up to Ahmed and absolutely cooed at the adorable (puppet) Imam.  The book starts with a sourced hadith and ayat from the Quran and ends with questions to test your knowledge.

The story begins in a bit of an awkward fashion with Ahmed breaking down the fourth wall, and addressing the reader, and then on the next page, the “narrator” reaching out to the readers to have them pay attention to Ahmed.  Then the story starts with asking if the reader knows what the special day of the week is called.  It then tells us that it is called Friday in English, Jummah in Arabic and that I, Ahmed, is going to tell us about it.  With all the introductions and signposting it makes the book actually start 11 pages in.  I read the first few spreads numerous times trying to see what was going on, and finally just realized it has a lot of framing and set up before diving in.  Alhumdulillah, after the repetitive first few pages, the book reads smooth and clearly.  

Ahmed wakes up, does ghusl, puts on nice clothes, and then waits until midday to go to salatul Jummah.  Muslims read Surah al-Kahf, and then get to the mosque early.  It is noted that we get rewards for every step we take, we are encouraged to praise our Lord, we greet friends with Salam, and after athan we sit calmly and quietly listening to the Imam.  The khutbah talks about our faith and then we pray foot to foot closing the gaps. The last few spreads are about the importance of Jummah.

The illustrations show Ahmed the puppet in different places with other Wendy Diaz books displayed in poster form, books on side tables, and graffitied on a wall. The only other character beside Ahmed and the Imam is Ahmed’s un named friend.  The simple illustrated backgrounds with puppets in the foreground, the minimal rhyming text and the content presentation make this book a great addition to home and school libraries as well as ideal at story time or bedtime where early elementary aged children are able to understand both the excitement and protocols of the blessed day.

img_5601

Over the years I’ve done a few Jummah themed readings and this book would be a great addition at story time.  You can purchase the book here.