Tag Archives: affirmations

Oct7

I AM: A-Z of Positive Affirmations for Muslim Kids by Barakah Kemi Hassan illustrated by Mariam Poppins

Posted on October 7, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

This alphabet framed book combines the English alphabet with correlating affirmations, but then also ties the sentiment in with one of Allah’s swt 99 names. The names do not correlate with the alphabet, but ground the book by building on that connection to Allah swt and the peace and reassurance of knowing He is there. The faceless illustrations are colorful and warm, blending wonderfully with the text, as does the font and style of the large soft cover picture book. After the alphabet there are tips on how to use the book along with the 99 names in Arabic, English, and the meaning in English. The book was nominated for the Muslim Bookstagram Awards 2024 and had it not been, I don’t know that I would have spent time with it. I can see this book working really well in a classroom setting, in addition to in a home. I’ve seen my own children’s teachers use affirmations, and to have this Islamic centered, alphabet organized one, really is a great tool for building our little Muslims up and strengthening their awareness of Allah swt in all we do.

May13

Allah Made Me Beautiful by Layla Izruna illustrated by Laila Radhani

Posted on May 13, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Allah Made Me Beautiful by Layla Izruna illustrated by Laila Radhani

This 6×6 board book is 18 pages of affirming and celebrating that no matter what we look like, “the Best of Shapers, shaped us all.” The little size, the rhyming lines, the repetition of the phrase “Allah made me beautiful” on the right page of each spread, is what you would expect from a board book meant for newborns and up. The rhyme and cadence levels out after the first page, and makes for a sweet easy read. The mirror on the last page with a hadith in English and Arabic is particularly nice. The illustrations and text are intentionally diverse and inclusive and with the Islamic centering the book is good for starting discussions as well.

The book is no literary masterpiece, but sometimes it doesn’t need to be, to be a staple read on repeat to our little believers. This book dives right in on the first page, there are no copyright or dedications that have to be flipped through. It is numerous pages of examples of how Allah swt made us all different: straight hair, curly hair, twins, larger body size, skin color, mobility, freckles, glasses etc. The end spread, before the mirror, is the conclusion that our “looks have been perfected by Him, tying it all together.

The illustrations are engaging, and simple, but detailed enough to foster dialogue if desired and while the small size would make using it at story time impossible, I think little hands and little hearts will benefit from knowing that we are different, but just as Allah swt intended us to look.

The book is available from the publisher Prolance directly, or here on Amazon

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%.