Tag Archives: adorable

Oct9

Steet Puppy, Masjid Cat by Moniza Hossain illustrated by Wastana Haikal

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Steet Puppy, Masjid Cat by Moniza Hossain illustrated by Wastana Haikal

I was a little nervous opening the book, I didn’t know if it was going to be a “Lady and the Tramp” type retelling, and I was unsure how dogs would be presented, but I sure was not prepared for the absolute adorableness that unfolded.  The simple rhyming lines contrasting the street puppy’s life to that of the pampered cat in the masjid, to their meeting, and the sweet imam leading with kindness warmed my heart.  The real chef’s kiss is the backmatter that doesn’t source, but references the sunnah of “acts of charity to every beast alive,” and notes that dogs, unlike cats, are not allowed in the mosque for religious reasons.  I love that “masjid” is in the title, that the author’s note and glossary explain adhan, imam, and the Quran, and ultimately that friendship amongst differences is the takeaway for all readers.  I don’t love that the adhan in the text is described as ringing and the imam as singing, but I acknowledge my pickiness.  And while I love that Prophet Muhammad saw is mentioned in the author’s note, I do wish salutations were given afterward.  The illustrations on every one of the 32 pages are delightful, and I love that the image on the jacket is different than the one on the book itself.  For ages 3 and up, and even emerging readers, this book has a lot of heart, and my 6 year old has read it aloud so many times, I just might have it memorized.

The book starts with simple rhyming lines showing the contrasting life of the cat and the dog, from their daily activities, to how other’s treat them.  When they meet, the cat is not too welcoming, but the imam shows the puppy kindness and the cat follows suit.  As simple as sharing and giving each other a chance, creates a friendship between the two animals, and a beautiful conclusion even the littlest children will understand.

The book is not didactic, and the role of the imam and setting of the masjid, for Muslim kids will be such a spark of joy, but in no way will it limit non Muslim children from connecting with the story.  The benefit for all is seeing a masjid environment and a Muslim in action, normalizing both, and inshaAllah reminding us all to be a little kinder to our animal friends.

Oct31

First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan

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First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan

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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 reminds me of the Richard Scarry books that don’t have a story, and don’t have to be read front to back. You can, or you can just pore over the pages and point things out to your little ones.  The book also helps caregivers that might not do voices and Broadway style productions at story time, by offering little prompts with each picture that allow the child to engage, have their attention directed, or offer up their connections in an intuitive manner.  The size and quality definitely make the book stand out on the shelf, and I think for babies to early elementary the Islam centered focus will appeal to more than just toddlers.

The book features Animals in the Qu’ran, Plants in the Qur’an, People in the Qur’an, Nature in the Qur’an, Places in the Qur’an, Objects in the Qur’an, Blessings int he Qur’an, and  Color’s and Shapes in the Qur’an. The last page features a baby safe reflective “mirror.”

Feb23

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

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

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Not every funny thing a child says can be copied and pasted into a children’s book.  And while I have no doubt that this book was edited and revised numerous times, it sure feels like a conversation or 20 that I’ve had as a mom, a teacher and a librarian over the years.  Well, I take that back, the mom in this book, is very articulate, and not nearly as exasperated as I’m sure I always am.  It is so on point that it makes me truly wonder, are you even a Muslim parent if you haven’t been asked what Insha’Allah means? The backmatter articulates that Muslims and Arabs of all faiths use Insha’Allah. The text and illustrations themselves are not Islam specific, but the authors are Muslim, and the term always on the tip of our tongues. It is very relatable and impossible to read without smiling, I can’t wait to share it, insha’Allah. (See what I did there? ya.)

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The book starts simple enough, a little girl asks her mom if they can go to the park as they walk near one, and mom says, “Insha’Allah,” and keeps on walking.  Ranya gets upset asking why she said no, and the mom explains that insha’Allah doesn’t mean no, it means God willing.

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Ranya doesn’t just accept the answer and move on, she tells her mom it always feels like no, until her mother explains that we can want something to happen, but sometimes Allah has other plans.  Ranya presses her mother a little more trying to understand if insha’Allah means, maybe.  A few more examples are shared, and the definition is expanded to also mean, hopes and dreams.

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Ranya wants to pin down her mom on some of the insha’Allahs, making cookies, a sleepover, a trip to Disneyland.  Mom does her best, but Ranya is spunky and makes sure she gets the last word in.

I love the note at the end that ties it all together and shows the universal appeal of the word.

You can preorder your copy here

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Apr5

Not Now Noor! by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Not Now Noor! by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.