This 32 page picture book for 3-6 year olds takes readers and listeners on a car ride with Granny as questions are asked, sights are seen, and love is spread.  The rhyme is actually pretty decent, the explanation of Allah swt being on a throne above us wherever we are adhered to, and the… Read more: “Granny, Where Does Allah Live?” by Yasmin Kamal illustrated by Citra Lani

On the surface this 32 page inspired re-imagining of the classic Christmas poem might not seem that impressive, but it is really quite effective in highlighting general key points of Ramadan, the mix of sadness that Ramadan has gone too quickly with the excitement of Eid, and showing the diversity of Muslim families and communities.… Read more: ‘Tis The Night Before Eid by Yasmin Rashidi illustrated by Mariam Aldacher

After a while a lot of Ramadan books seem repetitive with the information being more or less the same, this 24 page kindergarten and up book however, manages to present the information in a numbered format that allows for the information to flow without being constrained by an overly forced story.  The result is a… Read more: 10 Things I Love about Ramadan by Firhana Imam illustrated by Ali Gator

This 40 page picture book for preschool and up does a decent job of highlighting how many of us have immigrants in our family history who have relocated much like the immigrants today. The story focuses on Evie and her family welcoming a Muslim family to the neighborhood.  Some are excited to help, including a… Read more: A Bear for Bimi by Jane Breskin Zalben illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg

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… Read more: A Boy Named Ibrahim by Sitti Aminah “Flexi” Sarte illustrated by Aaron Asis

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… Read more: A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale by Emma Halim illustrated by Aissa Mutiara

This is not a typical review from me, more of my thoughts on Ms. Marvel books inclusion of Islam.  Kamala Khan as Ms. Marvel has been around for a while now, and while I cannot comment on the show, I never watched it, I do appreciate that her faith is still a major part of… Read more: A Little Golden Book: Ms. Marvel by Nadia Shammas illustrated by Janelle Anderson & DK SUPER Readers Meet Ms. Marvel by Pamela Afram

As a child I had a stack of Little Golden Books, my libraries always have a good part of a shelf with Little Golden Books, my own kids have a few dozen of them, but honestly I don’t know that I love any of them, aside from the Monster at the End of the Book. … Read more: A Little Golden Book: Ramadan: A Holy Month by Malik Amin illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

I honestly don’t know how I feel about this book.  I have read it and reread it and thought about it and read it again, and ignored it and read it again, and alas I have no idea.  I really am having a hard time articulating my thoughts on this 40 page children’s book.  I… Read more: A Mermaid Girl by Sana Rafi illustrated by Olivia Aserr

Based on the release date of this book (August), I preordered it in the Spring with the Peg+Cat book thinking they were both about Eid al-Adha.  Oops.  As someone who reads a lot, I really need to learn how to read.  This book is not about Eid al-Adha, it actually mentions Ramadan, but just as… Read more: A Moon for Moe and Mo by Jane Breskin Zalben Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

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… Read more: A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Najwa Awatiff

This book combines knowledge with a sweet story and a spunky narrator.  Over 32 brightly illustrated pages the reader learns about the art of dyeing yarn, weaving, and the tradition of weaving saris in India moving from Mysore to Kaithoon in Kota.  The little girl loves it all, helping her father dye the threads, and… Read more: A Sari for Ammi by Mamta Nainy illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

As a story time host for littles, you always need books about the five senses.  Additionally as a story reader at an Islamic school, thanking Allah swt while talking about your senses and the world around us is a staple year after year.  So purchasing this book with large adorable pictures and claims of rhyme… Read more: A Sense of Gratitude: Exploring the Five Senses by Halimah Bashir illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

I know many of you are thinking, another book about school for girls in Afghanistan, and given the reception by most to the author’s first book, The Library Bus,  I can sense the rolling eyes.  I was in the minority on that one, as I enjoyed it, but, this one is simpler, sweeter, more universal… Read more: A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman illustrated by Peggy Collins

I’ve seen this book on Amazon countless times, and not really been interested in a Prophet story written in rhyme.  It seemed like it would be overly forced and  there’s enough slightly creepy songs out there trying to be clever in their retellings, that I never added it to my cart.  But, when Noura over… Read more: A Whale of A Wish by Razana Noor illustrated by Rahima Begum

I absolutely love this ABC book, it truly does Pakistan proud and I’m thrilled that I could obtain it, it wasn’t easy, sorry not sure where you can get it in the USA, and it isn’t available even at Liberty Books in Karachi, but if you can find it, grab a copy, or two because… Read more: ABC’s of Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Michile Khan

I love the idea behind this 28 page book, and the illustrations are pretty great too, but I felt like the story needed a little more depth to convey meaningful emotion, appreciation, and connection.  It starts with an Eid gift, but there is nothing tying it to the holiday after the first spread.  And while… Read more: Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name by Yasmin Hanif illustrated by Sophie Benmouyal

Book two in the Adam Series was the first Zanib Mian book I ever read, and for the last three years I’ve been looking for the first book.  So, while thrilled to finally find it secondhand in the US, I realize my review of it is a bit selfish.  I’m hoping that if it appeals… Read more: Adam & the Tummy Monsters by Zanib Mian illustrated by Maria M. Goncalves

This book’s beautiful dark blue cover with sparkly stars feels good in your hands and looks lovely on the shelf.  It is a collection of 10 short stories presumably to be read by an adult to a child or children during Ramadan and has its highs and lows.  As often is the case in anthologies,… Read more: After Iftar Tales arranged by Bismillah Buddies

This 36 page early elementary book is packed full of choices and lessons packaged in a sweet story that kids and adults will enjoy reading and discussing over and over. My only real critique is the title. I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for nearly a year thinking it was just a silly… Read more: Ahmed and the Very Stuck Teapot by Sarah Musa illustrated by Rania Hassan

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

On first glance it seems this 32 page picture book is going to focus on colors from the perspective of a little Muslim girl in Indonesia, but it isn’t a basic color book, in fact only three colors are even explored.  The book is also not religious, aside from the hijab wearing mother and grandmother… Read more: Aisha’s Colors by Nabila Adani

I originally bought this book in Ramadan and had hoped to review it so that those looking for Ramadan books could benefit. But it isn’t Ramadan specific, just moon themed, and I really was so disappointed with the binding quality for the amount I paid for it, I didn’t think it was fair to review… Read more: Ali and the Moon by M.I. Kafray illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

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

This is the perfect book for back to school.  It can set a beautiful tone of letting all children know that they are welcome, that they are accepted, that they are safe, that they are wanted and that they have value in your classroom.  It could also work to allay children’s fears heading in to… Read more: All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

This 47 page book of feelings and reassurances shows Muslim kids that they are not alone and that Allah swt is always there for them providing love.  The book is not a story, and at times it might sit unopened on a shelf, but when it comes out as a needed tool, I think the… Read more: Allah and My Heart by Humera Malik illustrated by Basmah Syadza

The version I have is called Allah Created Everything, but it seems that the more common edition is God Created Everything, regardless the book is beautiful, timeless, and a perfect book for story time with the little ones.  The simple words and beautiful illustrations are the perfect level for Daycare through Kindergarten students.  They can gaze… Read more: Allah Created Everything by C. Alta

This series (Allah Gave me Two Hands and Feet, Allah Gave Me a Nose to Smell, Allah Gave Me a Tongue to Taste, Allah Gave Me Two Ears to Hear) has been around for over 15 years and is a staple in most Islamic School libraries, and Islamic preschool classes.  They aren’t really fiction in… Read more: Allah Gave Me Two Eyes to See. . . by Fatia M. D’Oyen illustrated by Stevan Stratford

This adorable 24 page board book by Learning Roots has been adapted (with permission) from a book by Kate Toms called “God Knows All About Me.”  The 7.5 x 7 book is perfect for little toddler hands, and the repetition will help convey even to little ones that Allah is ever-present and all-knowing. The illustrations… Read more: Allah Knows All About Me by Yasmin Mussa

I’ve reviewed a few song books over the years and often don’t love them, this one however, is awesome!  This 30 page hardbound 9×9 book is a great size for toddlers and up, the only thing hard about the book is reading the words and not singing them. The text is large and easy to… Read more: Allah Made Everything: The Song Book by Zain Bhikha illustrated by Azra Momin

There is nothing revolutionary about this 24 page picture book, but it answers a basic question that children always ask from an Islamic perspective in an engaging and adorable way.  Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the rhyming lines, thick pages, and playful illustrations as they learn why they might look different then others. The book… Read more: Allah Made Me Different by Maryam Abbas

This 28 page, thick glossy full-color book for 3-8 year olds, introduces and describes the five pillars of Islam in an age appropriate manner. The book is fact based and informative, but the illustrations and voice of the text reads in a gentle inviting tone that will appeal to small children.  There is no story,… Read more: Allah Tells Me… by Ali Gator (Firhana & Ahmed Imam)

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… Read more: Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hachimi Alaoui illustrated by Maya Fidawi

As Muslim authored stories are increasingly more available, certain cultural Muslim stories continue to be limited or none existent. Since 2021, when four of us reviewers created the Muslim Book Reviewers and Muslim Book Awards space, we have constantly been encouraging Amire to work on her dream of being an author, and write a joyful… Read more: Amar’s Fajr Reward by Amire Hoxha illustrated by Hilmy An Nabhany

This book is the mirror so many kids are desperate to find in literature. A young Muslim girl is excited to celebrate Eid, while at the same time is sad knowing she is missing school picture day with her class. Not knowing what day Eid will be, not having it a scheduled day off in… Read more: Amira’s Picture Day by Reem Faruqi illustrated by Fahmida Azim

Amira’s Totally Chocolate World is a sweet story based on the idea of a young girl’s wish for the world to turn into chocolate.  As she imagines all the wonderful things that would be made better by being chocolate: flowers, grass, rain, the ocean, etc., she asks Allah swt to make a totally chocolate world.  The night… Read more: Amira’s Totally Chocolate World by J. Samia Mair

This 24 page, AR 1.5 book, is part of a series for emergent readers about different families.  The other books in the series focus on diverse family models, some that include a single parent, or lots of siblings, one in the series has foster kids, another adoption, one has two moms, so I’m not entirely… Read more: Amira’s Family by Elliot Riley illustrated by Srimalie Bassani

A story about Hajar (saa), about Zamzam, about Hajj, and how we are all connected through our faith in Allah.  In 32 water color adorned pages, the rhyming couplets tell a well-known historical story for children of all ages, with Hajar front and center. The book is framed with a young girl, Jamila sitting with… Read more: An Ocean in One Drop: The Tale of Hajar in Hajj by Mariam Hakim illustrated by Layla Abdubaisi & Hameedah Hamadah

This book is targeted to preschoolers, but with the minor details the book sends readers looking for, I think children up to third grade will enjoy the mix of fun and learning that this book offers.  The book uses animals in the Qur’an as the theme for each two page spread, tells what surah the… Read more: Animals in the Qur’an Search & Find by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Guliz Gerdan

I was really enjoying this book about a determined young girl and her dad making samosas for friends, missing Dadijan, adapting and problem solving, an encouraging Urdu speaking parrot, a reference to Ramadan, and incredible illustrations… and then I froze.  On page 32 of the 40 page book it says the word “pepperoni” clearly affirming… Read more: Awe-Samosas! by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Bhagya Madanasighe

This picture book celebrating brown skin, particularly in girls, and specifically from a Desi culture point of view, takes on the notion of dark brown skin not being as ideal as compared to lighter skin.  If this is not a concept you are familiar with, I don’t think that the book will hit home, but… Read more: Basking in My Brown by Fatima Faisal illustrated by Anain Shaikh

I usually post chapter books on Fridays, but on this one week anniversary of the horrific Mosque attacks in New Zealand, my fragile heart is being kept together by the pictures and notes shared on social media about the kindness people are bestowing on one another.  Company’s setting up prayer spaces for Muslim employees, communities… Read more: Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller illustrated by Jen Hill

This 40 page glowing OWN voice book bursts with body size positivity, Bangladeshi culture, Islamic terminology, diversity, and a beautiful message.  The illustrations and theme alone make the book worth your time and reveal how few body positive books are out there for our early elementary aged children.  That being said, the book might require… Read more: Beautifully Me by Nabela Noor illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

A beautiful rhyming 11 page story for toddlers and up to learn parts of the Prophetic routine for bedtime.  Yes, 11 pages, the book in total is 28 pages, six are Appendixes, one is about the author, one is a dedication, and the rest are blank or title pages.  For a $15 book, I’m a… Read more: Bedtime Sunnahs Emaulating the Prophet one night at a time by Alia G. Dada illustrated by Robin Boyer

This 24 page book written in rhyme explains with love and Islamic oversight the circle of life.  From before birth and what happens after death, the tone and images of the book really are very beautiful and dream like.  The author suggests the book for ages 6-9, but I think even toddlers will enjoy the… Read more: Before Birth, Beyond Life: A Muslim Mother’s Ode by Zenubia Arsalan illustrated by Heshan Gunasekara

  A wonderful lesson packaged in a sweet story about a girl learning to thank God for blessings, especially ones that don’t seem like blessings at all.  The 36 page book is meant for children age 4 and up and with its large 8.5 x 11 glossy full color pages it works well at bedtime… Read more: Bibi’s Blessing by Lela Usama Goldsmith illustrated by Samantha Morazzani

Aside from me desperately wanting to get Bilal’s family a pressure cooker this 40 page book does a good job, and follows a reliable tradition of using food to introduce a “foreign” culture while simultaneously showing universal themes that show how similar we all are when it comes to family, meals, friends and feeling loved.  … Read more: Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed illustrated Anoosha Syed

I like the concept and presentation of this picture book that involves spinning a spinner at the midway point to determine what page you should “jump” to, to continue the story. I can see this being a great tool to introduce and practice different calming strategies to use when times are tough.  I love that… Read more: Bilal’s Bad Day by Neelum Khan illustrated by Alice Larsson

This 50 page wordless picture book allows readers to make up their own words to describe the progression of what is shown in the illustrations. With no right or wrong, the backmatter helps give context and points out key images that allow the story to resonate on multiple levels.  On the surface it is a… Read more: Birthday Kunafa by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

I thought this book might be leveled- reader type based on the binding and page numbers (26), but it reads more like a picture book with its repetitive refrain, and honestly the awkward small size (5×8) makes it feel like a pamphlet.  So, I’m not sure who it is trying to appeal to, and unfortunately… Read more: Bismillah Little Leyla by Qura Abid illustrated by Mona Ismail

This 32 page, 9×12 story book, for ages five and up, focuses on character education and is meant to be a relatable story with clear lessons about how to behave and deal with situations in life.  The opening page bullets all the lessons readers should learn from the story and the end of the book… Read more: Burcu: No One Wants to Play with Me! by Nursen Sirin illustrated by Nese Inan

If you are going to put out a book that has been done hundreds of times before; think numbers, alphabets, Islamic phrases- then be sure and make your book stands out.  And while yes there are numerous English and Arabic books of all sizes about the beautiful names of Allah, this book does in fact… Read more: Call Me By My Name: 99 Names of Allah by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Azra Momin

This brightly illustrated Eid book has cute illustrations, but is very basic.  There is very little about Eid, in fact I have no idea if it is supposed to be Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha. The girl is outside when it gets dark and no mention of iftar is made, but there is… Read more: Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

This 48 page, informational based book is told through a little girl explaining her Ramadan and Eid days in a fictionalized story format. The information is not new, nor is the framing, and it has my pet peeve  line of “Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar,” but aside from that, the book… Read more: Celebrations and Festivals: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Sara Khan illustrated by Nadiyah Suyatna

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… Read more: Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan

Framed around the five fard prayers, the rhyming 26 pages take readers all around the world with the refrain of “come to prayer, some to salah, come to success, come to falah” appearing after each two page spread.  Reykjavik, Honolulu, Rio, Timbuktu, Kuala Lumpur, and Makkah are shown as families gather to pray in each… Read more: Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim

A lot of story is conveyed in this 13 word book for preschoolers about diversity, similarities, and love.  In 32 picture rich pages you meet a little family at an outdoor market, see Adam lose track of his parents as he follows a bird, and meet a lot of kind people as he mistakes them… Read more: Common Threads: Adam’s Day at the Market by Huda Essa illustrated by Merce’ Tous

I love little picture books for toddlers and early elementary kids that introduce children to Akhlaaq, good manners and characters.  The book’s tone, however, seemed a bit off to me, so I put it away a month ago and pulled it out again today to read it, knowing I would have forgotten most of my… Read more: Controlling Your Anger by Saaliha & Ali

We can always use more Eid al Fitr stories, but to stand out in an increasingly crowded field, really requires something special, impeccable story telling, and repeatability.  Unfortunately for me, this book just comes up short.  Food centered books are already so over done, toss in small font that nearly bleeds into the binding where… Read more: Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story by Nada Shawish Dutka illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

So glad to see another Zain Bhika song hit the mark and bring the beloved lyrics to life in book form. Ages 2 and up will enjoy the 28 page book even if they haven’t heard the song, and parents will enjoy watching the kids sing-read the pages independently if they have. The illustrations are… Read more: Cotton Candy Sky by Zain Bhikha illustrated by Amir Al-Zubi

This is not normally a book I would review because it will read like paid endorsement, which it is not.  It is a 32 page personalizable book, that I’m highlighting because it exemplifies a concept of Islamic literature, that is often lacking.  We have numerous books teaching Islamic concepts to toddlers and preschoolers, but forget… Read more: Could Be Anything! by Eman Mouneimne El Ayoubi illustrated by Victoria Romanenkova

This 32 page non fiction children’s book uses colors to introduce the very basics of Ramadan and Eid from a non Muslim point of view to a non Muslim audience.  The book is done decently and shows diverse Muslims and bright colors interwoven with facts about the month, but by-and-large it is forgetable and just… Read more: Crayola Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Colors by Mari Schuh

Its probably a good thing I didn’t know that this book was coming out or I would have been waiting very restlessly for its release date.  I love Hena Khan’s Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and buy it frequently through Scholastic to give as gifts, and this book will definitely follow in its footsteps. The… Read more: Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Every few years, for the last 13 or so, we get a new title in this series, and each one warms my cynical heart with its unapologetic Islamic representation and vibrancy.  The heartfelt rhyming lines, the Islam centering, and the enveloping illustration make these books timeless, sought after, and beloved.  This installment covers opposites, previous… Read more: Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of Opposites by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

This beautiful 32-page picture book by Muslim author Rahma Rodaah radiates joy through the text and illustrations.  The powerful and lyrical words on the page inspire confidence to take up space and encourage celebration through their messaging and tone.  My three-year-old enjoyed me reading it aloud, it kept his focus and his interest, and my… Read more: Dear Black Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Lydia Mba

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… Read more: Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

This 32 page large 10 x 10 hardback book explores how we are all different and unique, while also being the same too.  The illustrations and text present a nice way for children to learn that Allah swt created us all to be different in our appearances, what foods we like, how we dress, how… Read more: Different Together by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Rizkia Gita

Sometimes you just need a sweet little story about a traveling (sorry one l I’m not British) dentist going under the sea to help a hammer head shark with a toothache.  This rhyming story for toddlers is perfect for the demographic as duas are said to get through the pain and fear and the reliance… Read more: Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny: The Travelling Dentist by Emma L. Halim & Her Mum Mary Tucker illustrated by Alissa Mutiara

This sweet board book is part of a series, the other two books are Japan and France, releasing in October.  All are brightly illustrated, 20 page books for ages zero to four and take the littlest of readers into a country, through sights, experiences, foods and language.  This particular book does not feature any visible… Read more: Egypt by Aya Khalil illustrated by Magda Azab

There was a time in college when my friends and I would gift each other Cinderella retellings and versions from all over the world, that was nearly 20 years ago, and I haven’t thought much of it, until this book reminded again of “This is the House that Jack Built.” Having just read and reviewed… Read more: Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska illustrated by Hatem Aly

This book is the first in a series (hopefully) called Trilingual Sofia, where English is the predominant language, and Spanish and Arabic are interwoven to tell the story.  Focusing on Eid and spending the holiday in Mexico with her non Muslim grandmother, the story with bright illustrations is a celebration of diversity, acceptance, family, and… Read more: Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s by Mariam Saad illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy

This linear story works great for toddlers that might not remember what a typical eid day is like, or those that do well to know what to expect.  There isn’t a ton of detail, but each page has a sentence or two that move the story from spotting the moon, to putting on new clothes,… Read more: Eid by Maria Migo

I have read this book dozens of times and I honestly don’t know how I feel about it. If you remove the title and second to last page and just READ the words, the book could be about any holiday that you might clean and decorate for, that would involve giving gifts, putting on henna,… Read more: Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

It has been a long time since I took Arabic in college, so I read the book, then read it again, then wrote down all the Arabic words and realized that there are 11 words in addition to “al Hob” the word for love, and that al Hob is mentioned three times in the manner… Read more: Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love by Randa Abdel-Fatteh illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke

This fun and silly picture book takes place in a Moroccan shopping center, where a visiting Esma Farouk, suddenly can’t find her mother.  Lost and tearful, the community comes together to help her out: from water carriers, to a man with a monkey, the acrobats, the fortune teller, the musicians, and even the snake charmer.… Read more: Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk by Lisa Boersenand Hasna Elbaamrani illustrated by Annelies Vandenbosch

This sweetly illustrated 32 page rhyming book starts off introducing a little girl living in one place, and having a home in Palestine that she has never been to, but loves.  The book then becomes pretty universal with her and her grandfather talking about what grows, his “green thumb superpowers,” and the magic of planting… Read more: Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden by Jenan A. Matari illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

This adorable simple nonfiction highlight of the founder of the world’s first university still existing, The University of Al-Qarawiyyin, is perfect for preschool/kindergarteners and up.  The brightly illustrated, large minimal text passages spread out over 16 glossy pages breathes life in to a remarkable character and celebrates an accomplishment that every one should be familiar… Read more: Fatima Al-Fihri by Aaliyah Tar Mahomed illustrated by Winda Lee

I was pleasantly surprised by the cuteness of this little (7.5 x 7.5) 12 page lift the flap Ramadan board book I got at the library. Written by committee (Ladybird Books) and part of a series, I didn’t really expect much, but the illustrations are adorable, and the salat flap made me smile. The text… Read more: First Festivals: Ramadan: A Lift the Flap Book illustrated by Junissa Bianda

This large, LARGE (10 x 13.5), 16 page board book is joyful and informative for our little Muslims to look through.  Each two page spread starts with a topic that is followed by an ayat from the Quran and then adorable illustrations are splattered around with comments, questions, facts, or definitions.  In some ways it… Read more: First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan

This dual language book, is structured and feels like a leveled reader, but is more geared for fluent reading five to seven year olds.  It definitely has more complex diction and vocabulary than an emerging reader would be able to handle in English, I have no idea about the Arabic.   SYNOPSIS: The concept in 26… Read more: Forgiveness by Isa Beaumont

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,… Read more: From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani

This basic 10 page board book, is simple, and age appropriate to teach toddlers the order, name, number of rakats each of the five prayers are, and the time of day that they should be offered.  The gift on each of the two page spreads lifts to reveal the name of the prayer and the… Read more: Gift of Salah by Yusra Khan illustrated by Aisha Aamir

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

This 32 page book for preschool to second graders, 3-7, is very formulaic and reads like an episode of Handy Manny, or Dora the Explorer, or Paw Patrol.  Each of the six characters has a skill and represents a different culture, when they work together magic happens and they learn something in the process.  There… Read more: Gokul Village and the Magic Fountain by Jeni Chapman and Bal Das illustrated by Charlene Chua

As a librarian I do a few story time sessions a week, so I will include the Islamic themed books that the students and I particularly love. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan, is currently at the top of the list.  The pictures are beautiful and engaging, the… Read more: Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns By Hena Khan

I have way too many conflicting thoughts for this 32 page AR 2.1 Muslim authored picture book.  The good little wolf, with a cast of familiar story book characters getting cameos, is choppy in its simple story telling to the point I thought pages had been skipped more than once, funny in asking the three… Read more: Good Little Wolf by Nadia Shireen

The latest batch of Ruqaya’s Bookshelf books have arrived at my house, and this was the first book my youngest picked to have read to him.  The book is silly, over the top and an easy read. The little boy shows initiative and creativity in trying to surprise his grandfather by sneakily applying hair regrowing… Read more: Growing Giddo’s Hair by Sumayyah Hussein illustrated by Milton Bazerque

I’m not sure what I expected this book to be, I just knew I wanted to get my hands on it, but I’m fairly certain, that even if I would have had some expectations, they would have been no where near how well done this 40 page book for four to eight year olds is… Read more: Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz illustrated by Parwinder Singh

For years it has been noted how few children’s Islamic books about grief and loss are available, and while numerous titles have come out in the last few years, it wasn’t until I saw this new book, did I realize how desperately we were in need of a book on janaza.  I love that the… Read more: Hamza Attends a Janaza by Shabana Hussain illustrated by Atefeh Mohammadzadeh

I love the idea of this book and I can see me reading it at story time to KG-2nd graders with great success. The illustrations are rich and detailed, the over the top bedazzling is fun and extra, the plot however, is non existent, surface level at best, the Islamic representation incredibly shallow, and the… Read more: Hana’s Hundreds of Hijabs by Razeena Omar Gutta illustrated by Manal Mirza 

You may have seen this new 40 page Ramadan book that came out yesterday and thought, “another book about what Ramadan, is and a girl being told she is too young to fast, I’ll pass.”  And I’m here to tell you, please reconsider.  This book is wonderful and it is not the same-old-same-old.  I know… Read more: Hannah and the Ramadan Gift by Qasim Rashid illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

This 24 page 2023 published non fiction book about Eid, is meant for babies to seven year old according to the publisher.  A large spread of comprehension abilities that is thus required to be vague, simplistic, and at times not very successful at conveying much of anything. The large font and bright colors are engaging,… Read more: Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko

So, cute, mashaAllah, I remember last year when I read about these two siblings celebrating Ramadan how pleasantly surprised I was by their relatable sweet story, and once again, I am thrilled that such a little book packs so much information in a fictionalized story to smile at.  Really its size is my only criticism,… Read more: Hassan and Aneesa Celebrate Eid by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated by Omar Burgess

I don’t often do two books in the same series, let alone three, but for as much as I enjoyed Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan and Hassan and Aneesa Celebrate Eid, I was a little disappointed in this story.  For starters, the title seems like it should read, Go to “the” Masjid, no?  The story… Read more: Hassan and Aneesa Go to Masjid by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated by Omar Burgess

How fun to find similarities between groups that on the surface might seem so very different.  This 7×7, 14 page board book, keeps it simple and perfect for toddlers starting to notice people all the way through to early elementary children making connections around them. Each page shows a portrait style illustration with a warm… Read more: Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan illustrated by Sarah Walsh

This 32 page picture book about friends learning to appreciate each other is both silly and sweet.  An AR 2.6 the book is great for preschool through third grade and gives lots of teachable moments along the way if you want to make it more than just a fun book.  There is nothing religious, but… Read more: Hey, Presto! by Nadia Shireen

I’ve read a few children’s picture books about harvesting olives, and even some about Palestine’s olives, but this one really stands out because it is just so very joyful.  There is information about picking the fruit, processing, and making soap and oil with olives, but the book’s take away is just sore cheeks from smiling,… Read more: Hilwa’s Gift by Safa Suleiman illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

Set in Oman, this 32 page picture book shows family, connections, trying new things, and similarities as the concept of home is expanded. The illustrations bring the text to life as Nuha travels to Oman with her mother without the reassuring presence of her belove doll Mary, and into the souk with her grandma who… Read more: Home Away from Home by Nazneen Akbari illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh 

This adorable 32 page book is noisy and colorful and forces you to smile.  Granted I had dreams as a child of being a rickshaw driver, and even as a teen my father tried to arrange for me to take one for a spin early one hot Karachi morning, but alas, my dreams never came… Read more: Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt! by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

I waited to review this book to see if my initial response would change, and before I got around to writing up the review, the second book in the Maymunah’s Musings has come out.   So I am admittedly a bit late and quite a bit behind, and based on other people’s review I’m in… Read more: How Much Does Allah Love Me? by Heba Subeh-Hyder illustrated by Aatena Hasan