Tag Archives: Amir Al-Zubi

The Monkey, The Cow, and the Wolf (The Song Book) by Zain Bhikha illustrated by Amir Al-Zubi and Azra Momin

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The Monkey, The Cow, and the Wolf (The Song Book) by Zain Bhikha illustrated by Amir Al-Zubi and Azra Momin

I was wondering when the book version of this song was going to be released.  It is a beloved at our house, and when the book arrived, I don’t know if the 4 year old or 13 year old was more excited.  Either way, none of us were able to read the book, we all, by about page two, were singing at full volume the story of the monkey, the cow, and the wolf.  If upon seeing this cover you didn’t immediately start humming the beloved kid’s song, then you are in for a treat with this book as three stories about animals teaching timeless lessons are shared.  The book is simply the lyrics of the song, so a parent might need to explain a bit, but the fun illustrations, and rhyming lines will make it a favorite for toddlers and preschoolers to sing and flip pages to, alhumdulillah.

The song/book is organized with a statement, a chorus highlighting the moral after each story and then repeating the opening framing statement.  The first story is about a business man who would cheat his customers, Allah swt sent him a monkey, and the monkey purified his wealth by disposing of half of it in the sea. The moral being that “Allah hates cheating, Allah hates lies, so give what’s due and receive what’s right.”

The next story is about a farmer and his cow.  The farmer works his animals way too hard, so Allah allows the cow to speak and tell his owner not to abuse him or the other animals.  The moral being that “Allah made animals, Allah made man, to all living creatures be kind and fair.”

The final story is about the wolf trying to steal the sheep and the shepherd protecting them.  The warning is that the sheep must be strong in faith for the wolf will always be trying to take you.

The book and song are catchy and fun, and provide stories and morals to discuss with kids at story time and bedtime.  The only slightly odd thing about the book is that the last page is the inside back cover.  I’m sure it was a binding decision but it seems it could have balanced the title pages at the beginning to make it feel symmetrical.

Available to order HERE

Five Pillars Just to Please Allah by Rabia Bashir and Amir Al-Zubi

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Five Pillars Just to Please Allah by Rabia Bashir and Amir Al-Zubi

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This adorable 8×8 board book for little Muslims is perfect for toddlers to Kindergarteners.  My one year old loves toting it around and looking at the pictures, while my 5 year old likes reading the book independently and lifting the flaps at the end to quiz himself.  I’m normally really against liftable flaps in board books, but thus far my little one hasn’t ripped them all off, so I’ll spare y’all my repetitive rant.

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The 10 pages of text are perfect to identify the five pillars to the tune of “Row, row, row, your boat” and get little ones familiar with the terms.  The illustrations give older kids something to discuss as they show diversity, the pillars in action and are bright, glossy, and engaging.

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The publisher’s website seems to have changed, it was preciousbees.com but now seems to be bismillahbees.com and song of the book can be found here: https://youtu.be/F2hHvDFSVz8

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I got my copy from Crescent Moon Store and can’t speak highly enough of their great customer service and selection.  

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The flaps at the end are fairly small which inshaAllah will extend their life.

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