Tag Archives: 2023

Apr24

Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska illustrated by Hatem Aly

Posted on April 24, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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 “The Masjid that Kamal Loves” which is structed similarly, I can confidently say forget Cinderella, I’m loving this new trend, of a repetitive layered story conveying love and excitement and joy to little readers in such an engaging way. This book has more of a story than the original and shows relationships and longing, even though it is primarily a love letter to Cairo. The swapping out in some verses for Arabic words and English translations, the sound affects and the connections really elevate the OWN voice details in the text and make the book an absolute treat to read and share even for those of us who are not Egyptian and have never visited. The Auntie who visits wears hijab, the muezzin calling Allah u Akbar is a repeated refrain, their are numerous illustrations of women in hijab and a masjid is shown repeatedly throughout allowing Muslims everywhere to feel seen with this culturally specific story. The Glossary with the Arabic script and pronunciation guides and Notes from the Author and Illustrator really radiate with love and invite the reader to participate in the celebration on the pages. I have no doubt children (and their parents) three and up everywhere will fall in love with the 40 page story and delightful illustrations.

Auntie Fatma comes to visit a little girl’s family from Egypt and brings sahlab and changes for two weeks to the home. Arabic is spoken, and a nightly lullaby of the sounds of Cairo are among the beloved additions to connect the little girl to her Auntie and her culture.

The lullaby begins with the sound of the Nile, the boats floating through the city, the athan calling to prayer, the carts on the streets, the traffic. The halawa ya battekh, swish, swoosh, swish, Allah u Akbar, beep honk toot, all add layers to the bustle of the city as the little girls memories of the sights and sounds of Egypt soothe her to sleep. When it is time for Auntie to return the little girl’s sadness is palpable, but Auntie finds a way to reassure her and all those that have drunk from the Nile and long to return.

It is hard to say if the text adds to the illustrations or the illustrations to the story, both combine to make this book impossible to read without smiling. I love that the mosque is shown in the daytime and at night implying that the call to prayer is not a one time thing without articulating that Muslims pray five times a day. I don’t know if the author identifies as Muslim or if the inclusion of the athan and Allah u Akbar is just an environmental reality of Egyptian daily life and thus featured. The illustrator could have very well added the hijabs on his own as there is nothing religious or explanatory in the text. Perhaps it is worth noting that there is a dog in the family’s home that seems to sleep with the little girl. The book is a cultural heartfelt portrayal, and that Islam is prominently featured so beautifully made for a lovely surprise.

I hope you will consider preordering the book here, requesting it at your library, and sharing it on classroom and home bookshelves. Happy Reading!

Apr19

Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray My Salah? Bite Size Journal by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

Posted on April 19, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray My Salah? Bite Size Journal by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

I love the Eliyas Explains books, but was a little curious what a “Bite-Size Journal” version would be, and Alhumdulillah, the silly relatable voice is the same, there just isn’t as much fictional story weaving together as the Angels and Miracles books had. Instead it has activities and guided prompts for the reader to engage with and space for them to write. The first 15 pages or so are Eliyas explaining about salah and what he has learned and how he has improved, and some parables through his point of view. Then the journal pages begin, and while the first few are truly “journalistic” as it progresses to the last of the 60 pages you realize along the way there was a lot of “story” included on the activity pages as well. The book isn’t blank pages and bound together as a book, it has text, it has hadith, it has games, it has questions, and trackers, and a lot of information. I love that it states that it has been checked and the Shaykh’s name is included, the positive child framing, and the reasonable price point. For first through third graders learning about salah, wudu, athan, and inshaAllah becoming more mindful of their actions and behavior, this book will be relatable, funny, and informative.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with Eliyas remembering when he was too lazy to make wudu and pray his salah, he then offers a story of an orphan and a muffin and a lady who makes the muffin to try and show readers that salah benefits and nourishes us and the maker of the muffin truly loves us. It is a little random, but it somehow all works and kids will go along with the allegory, it isn’t drawn out. He then moves to talking about how Allah swt loves him and what his parents told him that helped him to love praying. There are hadith and Eliyas’s explanation attempts, drawings, and some really powerful points about angels and being accountable on the day of judgement to Allah swt. The journal pages involve decoding, timing your prayers, writing down all the places you’ve prayed, latitude and longitude decoding and a lot more. The book also discusses the athan and Surah Fatiha.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the voice of Eliyas. It isn’t fear driven, or punishment framed, it stays positive and motivates from a place of love, but the conscience and priorities are highlighted too. It is such a crucial part of raising young Muslims, to lead with Allah’s love, but as kids get older you want to introduce consequences, and choices, and being accountable, and this book does it seamlessly with out it being overwhelming.

I honestly don’t know if I like the journal format or the other Eliya’s Explains books more, I do like the storytelling of Miracles and Angels and the way the facts are woven in, but I think for the topic of Salah this format works. I am happy with mine, and you can purchase yours here from Crescent Moon Store.

FLAGS:
None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don’t think the book would work for a book club, but in small groups at an Islamic School or Weekend School the teacher could very easily and affordably have a book for each student, or read aloud the story parts and engage the students in the activities without any difficulty at all.

Apr17

The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Fraklin illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

Posted on April 17, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Fraklin illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

I don’t normally post about upcoming releases this far in advance (2.5 months), but I am hoping that if I share the link for preorders, I just might help in signaling to the traditional publishing world that books like this are so so so important and that we will support unapologetic, well written, Muslim centered, Muslim and Black joy featured books with our purchasing power. This book is incredible for toddlers to early elementary in its “This is the House that Jack Built” format. Muslim kids will giggle with excitement as they see themselves happy to see their friends at Jumu’ah, flinging shoes a little too hard before entering the musallah, splashing a bit when making wudu, playing while helping put out the prayer rugs, and getting a little wiggly or tired during the khutbah. The happiness and love radiates off the pictures and through the text that even non Muslim readers will feel our connection to our Masjids and the prayers that occur within. Muslim authored, Muslim illustrated, masjid not mosque, and a beautiful Author’s Note, makes this book a must have on every shelf where young children need books that mirror their experiences and provide windows into the beauty of Islam.

The book starts out describing Kamal’s smile and offering the reason for such joy as being Jumu’ah at the masjid. It then starts with describing the masjid and all that is contained with the lines adding on the refrain of “the masjid Kamal loves.” The friends, the shoes, the feet, the rugs, etc.. Terms such as imam, ummah, salaam are in the text and the illustrations show wudu, salat, khutbah, conveying a Jumu’ah experience.

Each page is brightly illustrated across horizontal orientated scenes. The expressions on the kids faces, are engaging and smile inducing and the lyrical text has a rhythm and strength that makes you feel proud to also have a masjid to love like Kamal.

I have an arc, but have preordered a copy for myself here and hope you will do the same. Please also request your public libraries to order it, and if they have already you can place the book on hold, inshaAllah little steps to show support.

Apr14

Grounded: A Novel by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow and S.K. Ali

Posted on April 14, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Grounded: A Novel by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow and S.K. Ali

Over the years I’ve read to a lot of kids, with a lot of kids, discussed books in classrooms, and in book clubs, so when reviewing I often share what kids think or what I imagine kids will think, and I usually acknowledge when I’m being overly critical as a reviewer, but this book I will tell you, I did not read through the intended middle grade lens, I read it as a 42 year old seasoned reader. I know this because I cried during the entire second half, and the book is not sad. It is fast paced, joyful and adventure filled. I cried at the ownership of identity, the pureness of friendship, the acceptance of the flaws and strengths of those closest to us, the love of family and that this book is written by four incredible Muslim women authors for Muslim kids to be seen and for non Muslims to see Muslim kids in action in a fantastic, non preachy, authentic, powerful engaging story. In short I loved it. I love that the voices are different, but polished and seamless in conveying a fictional story with universal themes through a variety of Muslim characters without talking down or over explaining anything. From the maps to the crossover character Hanna from S.K. Ali books, the poetry from they young lyricist to the representation and discussions of Muslims not being a monolith, and the sprinkling of a Hadith or Quranic ayat here and there (I wish there was more), the book tugged at my heart strings. For kids third grade and up, some of those themes might resonate, or it might just be a book about a lost cat in an airport and a hodgepodge group of strangers, turning friends, stranded in an airport searching for her while dodging security and exasperated parents.

SYNOPSIS:

The end of the MONA (Muslims of North America) Conference has lots of families at the fictional Zora Neale Hurston heading home. Tired parents and restless kids lead Feek’s little sister Ruqi to go missing and Feek to blame. As he searches for his little sister he meets Hanna, a girl looking for a lost cat, not her lost cat, just one she has heard about from her animal activist group that is missing at the airport. As they search for Ruqi, Sami gets dragged along even though he’d rather be mentally keeping his anxiety in check as he prepares for the Karate competition he is heading to. Luckily Nora, Congresswoman Najjar’s daughter, finds Ruqi and the five strangers are brought together. When all flights are grounded because of weather, the group goes in search of the missing cat, Snickerdoodle, finding leads, security, secret corridors, self confidence, friendship, and skills along the way.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I knew the book would be good with the authors’ names on the cover and their ability to tell a good story, but I was still blown away by how real the characters were fleshed out and their “problems” articulated. The emotional connection to each character facing their insecurities and supporting one another’s’ vulnerabilities was reflective and insightful. I love the diverse inclusion of showing Muslims that don’t speak Arabic or don’t know if they are Muslim enough, of Black Muslims and Black culture, of being an only children and struggling with siblings, understanding parental expectation and finding your voice to speak up to those you love. The surface story is paced well and entertaining and sufficient, but the details and the story beneath the surface, really is powerful.

Again with the reviewer lens- I did wish in the middle there was a tiny bit more inclusion of a Bismillah when following a lead or an AstugfirAllah when breaking a rule or a quick prayer when running from authorities, the beginning and end was Islamically rooted, but as an Islamic School Librarian, I must admit I’d like a few more mentions during the “adventure” parts.

FLAGS:

The kids are dishonest, they break rules (possibly laws), they lie, and do some damage, they sneak and kind of talk back to their parents, nothing is normalized or accepted though and they are called to account. There is a birthday that is celebrated with everyone singing, and possible triggers of talking about a deceased parent. The kids are 12/13 and younger, and brought together by circumstance, but by the end the girls and boys have developed close friendships.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Even though the book is meant for middle grades, I think younger middle school readers would enjoy the book and find plenty to discuss as they see themselves and others in the characters, imagine what they would do in such a situation, and get swept up in the ride.

Apr5

Not Now Noor! by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

Posted on April 5, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Not Now Noor! by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

This 32 page book is incredibly adorable and silly, and yet so vague in the answer that is the whole premise of the book, that it really has me wondering why we are so afraid (in children’s books and possibly in our daily lives) to say that we wear hijab because Allah swt commands it? The book articulates that we are Muslim and that hijab defines us, which I love, it just seems that while the rest of the book is incredibly direct and funny, the answer is fuzzy and lyrical. It is by no means wrong, it just at the end presents what hijab means, the benefits of wearing it, and one’s personal feelings toward it, while skirting the answer the girl keeps asking of why? It seems to be a common approach lately, and I wish that more picture books about hijab would clearly articulate that the commandment to cover is in the Quran. It isn’t for any other reasons. It may have perks of keeping your ears warm, fashion, or hiding your earbuds, but that isn’t why Muslim women wear hijab. Perhaps the trend has me more frustrated than this book on its own warrants, it really is sweet and I don’t regret purchasing it and having it sent from the UK. It allows for a serious conversation about hijab to occur after, and it intentionally pushes the humor, which I definitely think we need more of in Muslim centered books.

The book starts with Noor identifying what her Ammu’s hijab is and isn’t, how she wears it and how she doesn’t. The next page shows Noor’s bustling family and she compares how her Ammu’s hijab is not the same as her Nanu’s or Dadu’s or Aunt’s or even her sister’s, but she doesn’t know why any of them wear it. Yes, I’m sure there is some pointed criticism I should make about how can a child her age not know, but I think for the sake of it being a book and being comically done, I am willing to let it slide. I do wish that the spread had the women and their style of wearing a scarf shown. I appreciate that they are in the dining room at home and thus not wearing a scarf, Nanu is because Dada is in the picture, authenticity which I love seeing, but children need a little more hand holding to see which person the text is talking about. Yes I know there is a family tree on the inside cover, but at story time, it is cumbersome to flip back and forth.

Back to the story, Noor starts by asking her sister, the coolest hijabi she knows, if she wears it to hide her snacks in, or hide her big ears, but Affa brushes her off with a, “not now, Noor” and she is off to the next family member to ask. Each time the rationale gets more outrageous: hide the eyes on the back of your head, prevent you from getting nits, etc.. And each time the person she asks sends her on her way with a “not now, Noor.”

When Noor finally gets to her mom it is she who answers with poetic lyricism, “We are Muslim women, my Noor, Unapologetic and true. We are believers. We are dreamers. We are thinkers. We are leaders. We can wear our hijabs on our heads like our hearts on our sleeves. Whether you choose to or not, my Noor,, we are so many things…and we are more than enough.” On the next page it continues, “My hijab is not just a scarf. It means more to me. It is a reminder of who I am, where I’m from, and where I’m going to be. And perhaps one day you’ll understand what I mean. Because, most of all without my hijab, my Noor, I don’t feel like me.”

A flowery sentiment, but little Noor and the reader never got the answer as to why Muslim women wear hijab, and I think that it is unfortunate. The book is beautifully illustrated, the size is great to be shared, the text funny, the voice playful, the joy contagious but the answer for me, just missed the mark, not by a lot, but by enough that I think an adult would need to supplement the overall takeaway message.

Apr3

Allah and My Heart by Humera Malik illustrated by Basmah Syadza

Posted on April 3, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Allah and My Heart by Humera Malik illustrated by Basmah Syadza

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 resource it provides will be much appreciated, powerful, and useful. The book offers scenarios with emotions: fear, excitement, anger, sadness, and then reassures the reader with Allah’s promises, and then with what we can do or say. There are only a few words on each page, with a simple illustration that changes with each scenario and is reflective and inclusive to skin colors and abilities. The book if rushed, will just seem like a list, it really needs to be discussed and shared with children in a way that leads to internalization, application to their own life, and appreciation that Allah swt is aware of everything. The book is not sourced, but the sentiments are familiar.

Here are a few samples of how the book is tied together: “When it is dark outside, I feel scared, Allah says don’t be scared I am with you. I can say ‘Allah is my protector,’ and read the last three surahs of the Quran.” This plays out over four pages. “When I have too much to do, I feel overwhelmed. Allah says He does not give me more than I can handle. I can say ‘Allah I am overcome, help me’ and I can do dhikr to calm my body.

I like that the book is well done for what it is. The repetitive format and Islamic centering make it is a useful tool and the guidance gentle on a child’s level. If nothing else knowing that what you are feeling is normal and common and accounted for in our deen is a tremendous reassurance in feeling big emotions. The reasonable price and the Islamic centering makes me hope this book is shared and shelved in places that little Muslims will have access to with adults to help facilitate the messaging.

The book can be purchased here from Amazon or from Crescent Moon Store here if you use my initial ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you will save 10%.

Mar31

Sajjadati and the Power of Dua by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

Posted on March 31, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Sajjadati and the Power of Dua by Ayesha N. Rahmaan illustrated by Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

This 38 page large hard back picture book is absolutely beautiful: the illustrations, the tone, the thickness of the pages, all come together to create a child’s wonderment about the power of salah and dua with grounding in the actual parts of prayer. On my first reading the imaginative “magical” aspects of the prayer rug, “Sajjadati,” was sweet and endearing, but as I thought about the story and then reread it, I had some concerns. I know the book is meant for children, I know I am a reviewer and thus am over analyzing it, so I point the following out as a “heads up” so to speak, and for you to make your own decisions if the literal text will be misleading or if the overall mood of the book will be taken as loving dua and the closeness prayer brings one to Allah swt.

The book starts with a little boy recalling when he got his green prayer rug from his grandma, that has his name on the corner (in the illustration it is centered on the top, not in the corner) and him naming the prayer rug, “Sajjadati.” The following page, same spread, then says, “When I have Sajjadati with me, I can pray anywhere. And when I pray on Sajjadati, I can go anywhere.” These lines give me pause, because even if the prayer rug is lost or not with him as he grows up, he is still going to need to pray. The importance of the prayer rug seems over elevated, albeit sweet, religiously a little unsettling. The second of the two lines, about going anywhere, is also a bit of a gateway to the rest of the book and almost encouraging one’s mind to wander during salah.

The next page gets back on track saying that starting to pray and saying “Allahu Akbar” leaves this world behind, the little boy says surahs he has memorized, and knows Allah swt is watching him. He asks Allah for what he wants, and his imagination takes him on adventures after each salah. He imagines flying, and being a superhero.

The story then returns to being in prayer, not after, and going in to ruku. The text has him imagining he is in the “biggest candy store in the universe” wondering if Jannah has rivers of chocolate before standing up straight again saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah,” and contemplating if there is a place where his prayers would be worth more and Sajjadati taking him to al-Aqsa.

In sujud Sajjadati tickles his nose, but he doesn’t mind because he is closest to Allah swt in this position, and while he won’t let his “annoying little sister,” bother him, his mind does drift to being on a boat in the sea with seagulls squawking, “salaam.”

Hamza is then making dua for those suffering. Since nothing is impossible when making dua, he is also asking for pets from the savanna, but knowing that Allah swt will provide what is best. He makes duas to go for hajj and concludes his salah by folding up Sajjadati and finding peace in Allah swt being al-Mujeeb.

I love the heartfelt framing of salah and the interweaving of both real and whimsical wants, as well as the sprinkling of facts about prayer into the story, but I honestly struggled a bit with the juxtaposition of the parts of prayer with the day dreaming elements. I also struggled with the tenses, and find myself constantly rewording this review to reflect the book’s timeline. Hamza is with his family, for example, hearing the current event news, while the next set of pages has him back making dua at the end of the prayer he started at the beginning of the book. And the hearing the news and the praying for people is all being conveyed in the present tense, not clear if he recalled hearing about strife in the world and then made dua, or paused heard and resumed his prayer, it all seemingly happening at once, but that doesn’t really make sense. The title also says dua, not salah, and so much of the book is about prayer, that I feel like the two get conflated erroneously, and dreaming big during dua is different than having your mind wander during your salah.

The book starts with an ayat from the Quran in Arabic text and meaning of the translation in English and concludes with a glossary and space to complete a Dua List.

If this book seems like a good fit for your young child, I ordered mine from Crescent Moon Store and you if you use my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you’ll save 10%.

Mar27

The Blessed Pomegranates by A. Helwa illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi

Posted on March 27, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Blessed Pomegranates by A. Helwa illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi

I hadn’t even heard of this new Ramadan book until @bintyounus reviewed it, so it wasn’t in my 2023 Ramadan Reads Roundup, I apologize, but I’ve bought it, read it, and am sharing it now. I even hope to include it in my local masjid story time, if it is a smaller crowd as the 8.5 x 8.5 size is a bit small for a larger group to see the illustrations well. The story itself, though, is nice. It isn’t the simple list of what Ramadan is, or a first day of fasting hardship, it focuses on giving. The plot has a predictable story line that works in a few tidbits about Ramadan, but really is more a “feeling” book about the beauty of sharing as the poetic refrain of “It is the holy time of giving” is woven in to the 32 pages that follow two siblings and their grandma as they share their pomegranates with their neighbors to have the blessings return to them. Preschool to second graders will enjoy the sounds of the pomegranates, the happy ending, and the message of sharing what you love most.

The book starts with siblings Adam and Alyah laying under the pomegranate tree when Grandma Essi challenges them to climb the tree and pick the fruit. Once gathered they realize they have more than they can eat and they brainstorm who they can share with.

Ramadan is when the Quran was revealed, it is full of love and guidance. It was shared with us, so we should share too. So they load up the wagon and head out in to the neighborhood. When they give Maryam some pomegranates, they go plunk, plunk, plop into the bucket and she knows just what she will do with them. They wish her a Ramadan Karim and are off to the next house.

Uncle Shakir is greeted with salam and also knows just what to do with the juicy fruits. Mrs. Jones is given pomegranates and the trio explain that it is Ramadan a month of sharing our blessings with others for Muslims, she too knows just what she will do with her gift.

After all the pomegranates are distributed, the sun is getting low and the kids are wishing they saved a few fruits for them. Grandma isn’t worried though, she knows “Allah always rewards kindness with more.” And Grandma is right.

The book concludes with a glossary of terms and the book is meant for Muslims, but I think non Muslims would grasp the love and messaging and enjoy the story as well. I wish the book was larger, so the illustrations could be better enjoyed, but for the price point (EDIT: it has increased since I purchased it last week)tone, I was pleasantly surprised with the overall quality and tone of the book.

I purchased my paperback version here from Amazon, but it is also available as a hardback.

Mar20

The Month that Makes the Year: A Joyful Celebration of the Spiritual Practices of Ramadan by Inda Ahmad Zahri

Posted on March 20, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Month that Makes the Year: A Joyful Celebration of the Spiritual Practices of Ramadan by Inda Ahmad Zahri

This book was definitely worth the wait, alhumdulillah. For all the complaining I do about books regurgitating facts, or Ramadan joy books leaving out the religion, and presentation feeling like it is more for non Muslims than for our own little children; this book does a great job of sharing key points about Ramadan with authenticity and heart that Muslims and non Muslims alike will benefit from the light story, engaging and adorable illustrations, and Muslim child centering. This 32 page book works well for preschool to early elementary readers and listeners at bedtime, at story time, and in settings were introductions to Ramadan are shared.

I was a little nervous that this book was framed as a child’s first fast, but a few pages in my concerns disappeared. Little Deenie knows what Ramadan is, her family is encouraging her to try and fast for a few hours, and she knows that she can’t hide in a cave and sleep like a hibernating bear because Ramadan is so much more than going without food and drink.

I love the shelving of tempting snacks and bad habits of unkind words, waste, impatience, and that little changes lead to big changes one at a time: kindness, love, attention, gratitude.

Deenie goes a little longer each day, and her tummy rumbles, but where she once felt lonely in the quite spaces, she is finding new things that otherwise would have been missed. She helps the coach off the pitch at soccer, the family connects without screens, the “ordinary feels extra-ordinary.”

The mosque opens its arms for tarawih, and extra prayers are “a chance to look inwards and upwards.” A chance to belong. There is sadaqah and Zakat, and being thankful, learning about traditions and connecting with others. There are non Muslim friends changing a lunch date to a gallery stroll, and realizing the kindness is not required, but appreciated none-the-less. The human body is amazing, and Deenie is growing stronger with each Ramadan day. Eid is a time of celebration, but Ramadan is missed, and we are not the same people we were before the blessed month..

The book starts with an Author’s Note and ends with a Glossary. The hardback 11 x 9 book is a great size to allow kids to truly enjoy the sweet illustrations that add to the text and bring the feelings to life. There are a variety of skin tones, mobilities, clothing styles and head coverings, or not covered characters shown. There are so many smiling faces, and relatable scenes. This book is really well done and an absolute joy to read and share.

I personally needed to see that my expectations for a Ramadan read were not unrealistic, and this book alhumdulillah, not only proved that good representation can be beautiful and heartfelt and unapologetic, but raised the bar. I can’t wait to share this for our Masjid Ramadan story time, I only wish it was easier to obtain in the USA. I preordered mine from Book Depository, but since publication the price has gone up, inshaAllah if we all show our support, local stockists will find a way (www.allenandunwin.com).

Mar13

Ramadan is Upon Us

Posted on March 13, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Just skip it sigh, I have strong reason to believe that this is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) written and illustrated book and it is just reads as a repetitive non fiction copy pasted Wikipedia page. I know there are worse books out there, but I love, love, love the little girl’s face on the cover, and it does nothing but mislead. It implies it is a children’s picture book, and the text does not read appropriate for children. The illustrations are also not uniform they are different styles and aesthetics and not on every page. There are errors in the text, and it repeats the same lines multiple times. There are better books out there and real author’s that benefit from consumer support that I hope this does not become the norm.

The book is broken into sections almost like a textbook. What is Ramadan?, The origins of Ramadan? (yes, there is a question mark), When is Ramadan?, How is Ramadan observed & practiced?, Rules of fasting in Ramadan, Prayers during Ramadan, Benefits of Ramadan, Where is Ramadan celebrated (no question mark), Laylat al-Qadr, Eid al-Fitr. I am terrible at grammar, but with the question marks and the random capitalization throughout the body of the text needs to be corrected “Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam,” salawat after the Prophet’s name also needs to be added.

The wording on occasion feels awkward, for example it says that “Ramadan’s origin can be traced back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (saw),” which isn’t technically wrong, but it sure seems a weird way to say that Ramadan was prescribed to RasulAllah (saw) from Allah (swt), through Angel Jibra’eel. It notes that the starting of the month depends on the moon and thus can vary from country to country, but it then says that it falls between late May and late June on the Gregorian calendar. By the third page of text it has mentioned twice that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic/lunar calendar. It also erroneously says that the sighting of the moon is done by religious authorities, taraweeh is 20 rakats, and that “children fasting in Ramadan isn’t common practice.” Clearly we all look for the moon and have protocols to have it verified, there are some varying thoughts on the number of rakats to be prayed for taraweeh, and many children of a variety of ages fast and are encouraged to do so.

I didn’t like the repeated statement that during the daylight hours food, drink, and other physical needs are abstained from. On one page it even says “refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in intimate relationships.” This book presents as a children’s book, but it reads for more older readers and is dry and disconnected from the format of the book.

Perhaps the book has a lot of good information, but with the errors and format I have no idea how you would gleam what is accurate and who should know what. I really couldn’t get through it as the repetition was intense, the essay feel with numbered lists and bolded sub points off putting, and the pictures terrible.