Tag Archives: islamic fiction

Apr3

Allah Made Me Different by Maryam Abbas

Posted on April 3, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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 concludes with a dua for gratitude and circles back to the reassurance that Allah swt made us each perfect every few pages. After multiple readings the pages do crease open, and thus I wish it was a board book. The small size of 8.5 x 8.5 also makes it a little difficult to read to groups, but ideal one-on-one with little Muslims, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with a child asking mama about the color of eyes and height. Mama responds that, “Allah made you how you were meant to be.” The remainder of the book is reassurance that He made us with eyes right for us, hair perfect for us, etc..

That we are different colors, speaking different languages, as Allah made us all unique, but with hearts to be kind. Celebrating our differences and our similarities both in the text and illustrations.

You can purchase the book here on Amazon or at Crescent Moon Store.

Apr2

Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim

Posted on April 2, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim

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 city. It is hard to know if the locations were chosen for a specific reason, or to just help with the rhyming lines. I appreciate the map at the end in showing 18 masjids in the world, but they are not the only ones pictured in the book, so honestly it was not intuitive why they were highlighted. Additional information about the masjids included and where they are located in the world would have been far more beneficial. The rhyming at times is forced, but for the minimal lines on the pages, and the clear organization of the book, it didn’t bother me too much. The illustrations compliment the text well and amplify the concept of Islam being a global faith through the connection of Muslims praying everywhere. The Islamic fiction book is meant for toddlers to early elementary, and with the positive tone of salah being an invitation to success, I think it works well for the audience.

The book starts with little kids waking up in a snowy scene in Reykjavik and heading out with their parents to pray Fajr at the masjid. Then it is rain in Honolulu that can’t stop a family of five from driving slowly to the masjid for Zuhr. In Rio a family packs up at the beach to get to Asr salah on time. For Maghrib, not even a sandstorm across the Sahara can keep a family in Timbuktu from getting to prayer. And finally a family takes shelter in the masjid for Isha as thunder and lightning in Kuala Lumpur halt their tour. The story ends with everyone entering Makkah in ihraam to pray at the Kaaba.

The book is a thick paperback cover, with glossy 9 x 9.5 inch pages. It works well for small group story times or bedtime. It is available on Amazon here or from Crescent Moon Store here.

Mar26

Mimi & Unicorn Get to Know Allah by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

Posted on March 26, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Mimi & Unicorn Get to Know Allah by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

Creating understanding and love of Allah swt is perhaps the most important type of Islamic fiction book available for young children, so I love that we have options to choose from. The framing of this book is nothing new, a child asking various people about Allah swt to learn about Him, is found in numerous books. But, this 32 page book is particularly engaging because of the large brightly illustrated pages, and the author’s signature style of conveying facts in a simple relatable manner. The comic relief of the unicorn and the adorable protagonist are great, and the added layer of it being checked by two named scholars really make this one of the best in a very populated category.

The book starts with Mimi wondering about Allah swt after hearing people say things such as, “Allah will take care of it,” and “Allah knows.” She asks her imaginary friend, Unicorn, but she doesn’t know either, so they head off to ask different family members.

Summaya, Mimi’s big sister tells her that “if you know Allah, you love Him, and He loves you.” It is followed up with details that Allah swt knows us, because he made us. From Nana, Mimi and Unicorn learn that Allah swt is One, and he explains why we don’t know what he looks like. From Nani we learn that “Allah swt has no beginning and no ending.” Baba explains that we turn to Allah swt when we need help, Unicorn wonders if we need a phone or Imam to do that. Finally she talks to her Mama who explains trusting Allah’s plan.

Each stop is beautifully articulated and examples are given, resulting in a Mimi who’s heart becomes light and warm, and who works to know more about Allah swt every single day.

The backmatter includes notes from the author and illustrator and various bookish people sharing their early understanding of Allah swt and his attributes.

The book is available from muslimchildrensbooks.co.uk in the UK and here from Crescent Moon Store in the USA (she ships globally)

Mar19

An Eid Story: Husna and the Eid Party by Fawzia Gilani-Williams illustrated by Kulthum Burgess

Posted on March 19, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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An Eid Story: Husna and the Eid Party by Fawzia Gilani-Williams illustrated by Kulthum Burgess

This 27 page book is old, published in 2007, and one that I kept an eye out for on occasion since reviewing a similar early chapter book by the same author, The Lost Ring, that I found in a public library in 2016. Somehow it found its way to me in 2024, and I’m reviewing it because it has been a while since I’ve indulged in older books that shaped the foundation of Muslim literary representation so many years ago. It is the epitome of Islamic fiction and what Islamic fiction looked like when I started teaching. It has a Muslim protagonist, with a universal stress, framed in Islamic acts, perspectives, information, and morals. It is unapologetic, it is at time preachy, and while the writing isn’t remarkable, an engaging story is laid out with numerous lessons along the way. You may not want to rush out and purchase this book, but if you have it on your shelf, it would be worth pulling out, dusting off, and sharing with a child. At times the details feel a little dated, but there is a timelessness to stresses with friends, being left out, assuming the worst, and wanting to be included. This book will offer a chance to be seen in the text and illustrations as Husna waits to be invited to her friend’s Eid party. The book does not specify if it is Eid al-Fitr of Eid al-Adha, but it really isn’t impactful on the story, as it simply sets the time, mood, and draws all the threads together.

SYNOPSIS:
It is the week after Eid and students are back at their Islamic school, Husna has lots of friends, but Maryam is her favorite. While on the playground, someone asks Maryam where the party is going to be, and she responds, “probably at the house.” Excited Husna waits for her invitation, that unfortunately never comes.

WHY I LIKE IT:
Even though the book has a happy ending and is based on a misunderstanding, the feelings are very real. I remember feeling left out, I’ve seen my own kids and students feel it, and that the book is a snapshot of that feeling from a Muslim perspective, really makes it hit home. Husna makes dua in sujud at Maghrib and Fajr that she will be invited, conversations begin with As-Salamu ‘Alaikum and end with Barak Allahfi-ki, homework is learning Hadith and memorizing ayats, jumah is prayed, and every page is filled with Islam.

FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
The book is an early reader, a text heavy one at that, but none-the-less meant for ages seven and up. I can see it being read today in small groups in an Islamic school or if you have a young one who is perhaps feeling something similar. You might have to explain invitations in the mail, or calling on a house phone, but it still has relevance.

Mar17

Ilyas & Duck: Spectacular Salah by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Mattia Cerato

Posted on March 17, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ilyas & Duck: Spectacular Salah by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Mattia Cerato

It has been a minute since we have had a new Ilyas & Duck book to read and share with our kids, and this one focusing on prayer is informative, fun, and was well worth the wait. It is also long, 48 pages long to be exact. There is a lot of information and works best for ages six or seven and up. The clever rhyme and engaging illustrations tell about wudu, the times of the five daily prayers, Surah Al Fatiha, facing the Kabah, having the right intention, connecting with Allah, and not being distracted. I love the framing that salah is not just an obligation, but is an opportunity to talk to Allah swt and should be spectacular. The author reads his books aloud a lot to kids, so if you have ever seen one of his readings, I highly recommend channeling the voices and energy, to hold the audiences attention if using the book at story time. If reading at bedtime, or if handing to an independent reader, take the opportunity to discuss the points, check understanding, and reflect upon what Duck is learning. As always the banter between Duck and Ilyas keeps the kids laughing, the story moving, and the information flowing, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with two verses from the Quran and the hashtag #freepalestine, before entering the world of Ilyas and Duck one summer afternoon,. An alarm goes off and Ilyas heads off to make wudu and pray. Duck couldn’t get up though, he prayed earlier, so he thought he was done. Ilyas explains that there are five prayers in the day, and Duck is seriously worried that Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha are going to cut in to his game time, snack time, and movie time.

When Ilyas tells Duck that prayers don’t take long and it is when you speak to Allah swt, Duck in his enthusiastic way is determined to make each and every prayer spectacular. He drafts a plan, learns the steps and what to say, finds the direction, makes his intention, says Allahu Akbar and starts training.

He is praying all over the Earth whenever the time comes, but then he learns he can do more and goes to visit the Professor. He learns about connection and closeness to Allah. He also learns about using his heart and staying focused, before rushing back to tell Ilyas all that he has learned.

The book covers a lot of ground, and gets kids excited to pray. I like that the information is a mix of highly detailed specifics, general knowledge, and humor. The way the salah times are described and the emphasis on connecting with Allah swt and making your prayers heartfelt is not often seen in books for this age group, and I think it gives the book a wider lasting appeal. My 8 year old did point out after reading it independently and laughing, that if Duck prayed Fajr didn’t he know a little bit about prayer already? Also, given the length of the book, a line clarifying that infact not all places on Earth are ok to pray upon, would have been nice.

I hope this book signals more books in the series are heading our way. I notice that the illustrator is not the same, but the pictures are similar enough I doubt most kids will notice. The book is widely available and can be purchased from Amazon here or from Crescent Moon here.

Sep25

Raisah and the Boat Trip by Nadia Ali illustrated by Fatma Zehra Köprülü

Posted on September 25, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Raisah and the Boat Trip by Nadia Ali illustrated by Fatma Zehra Köprülü

I’ve seen this book reviewed and promoted on social media. I’ve even read the reviews. Yet for some reason I thought the book was a refugee story. It is not. It is a family’s trip out on a boat interwoven with what they see and ayats from the Quran. It can be read as a simple straight forward story, or the interspersed ayats can be paused for and discussed. Honestly the book probably will not be asked for multiple times by young children, but as a teacher, librarian, parent, you are going to reach for this book quite often. It is a book that can be used in story times about Allah’s creation, the ocean, science, experiences, and the signs that help us know Allah swt. And for that reason I wish the book was larger. It is great for bedtime, but the 9 x 9 size makes it cumbersome for story times, even for small groups. Technology can help, but I really just wish it was a bit bigger to enjoy the simple illustrations and increase the sense of wonder Raisah feels upon the vast ocean.

The book starts with Raisah, Mama, and Papa getting on a boat and heading out on the ocean. They observe the water getting darker the further they go out, the saltiness of sea water compared to river and lake water, and then they turn off the engine and pull out their fishing rods.

They joke about what they will catch while dropping the fact for readers about the blue whale being the biggest creature in the ocean, before a cargo ship catches their attention and they marvel at transportation opportunities on the sea.

There are seven ayats from the Quran included in the 28 page book and the surah number and ayat are sourced. The book can be ordered here from Crescent Moon where code ISL saves you 10% at checkout or here from Amazon.

Sep11

A Boy Named Ibrahim by Sitti Aminah “Flexi” Sarte illustrated by Aaron Asis

Posted on September 11, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Boy Named Ibrahim by Sitti Aminah “Flexi” Sarte illustrated by Aaron Asis

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 activities to pray, wakes up early to join his parents in salat, loves his mother, and listens to her reminder about prayer being an important way to remember Allah swt. The book is preachy, religious, and unapologetic. The timing of fajr is a bit questionable, but roosters do crow at all hours, and the light outside the window might be a street lamp and not the rising sun. Islamic phrases are used, but it does say “Alaikum Salam” in response to “Assalamu Alaikum” which is a variation of the norm. Overall, the book is a nice addition to share with young children highlighting the importance of prayer, it also works well to learn and review the steps of wudu, and the names and order of salat, alhumdulillah.

The sun is about to rise, Ibrahim says, “Bismillah,” makes wudu and joins his father for prayer. It is the first day of school and Ibrahim is excited. He spends half his day at school, then prays Dhuhr. He makes wudu and prays. While playing soccer in the afternoon, he leaves the game to pray his Asr, but first he makes wudu.

Once home he chats with his mother about prayer, and coming closer to Allah swt, while he enjoys a snack and then makes wudu and prays maghrib. Baba then comes home, they eat and pray isha all together.

I enjoyed the illustrations and the simple story. The book is straightforward, and the contentment and unapologetic portrayal of prayer in a person’s day is sweet and important to highlight. For preschool to early elementary this book would be a great addition to shelves, story time, and bedtime as well.

The book can be ordered on Amazon here

Sep4

From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani

Posted on September 4, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani

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, while centering Allah swt in bringing them together. The book highlights each culture, notes some differences, and acknowledges compromise, making this a reflective book for kids with parents from different cultures, but also a window of coming together that all readers can enjoy. Toddlers to early elementary will enjoy the 31 pages with bright engaging pictures and introduction to cultures and a topic not often seen in Islamic fiction, or any books for that matter.

The book is told from the child’s perspective as he breaks down his appearance and him being half his mom and half his dad. He discuss the different sounds of Arabic and Portuguese, how meals are eaten, time is spent, people dress, and handwriting looks, without belittling or othering either culture.

The little boy circles back numerous times that this is all Allah’s decree, that brought his parents from different parts of the world together. It shows challenges and compromise at time, and ultimately love and smiles. The book concludes with helping readers like him to feel seen and articulates Prophet Muhammad (saw) saying that no person is better than another based on where they are from.

The book concludes with an ayat from the Quran and a hadith, and is based on the author’s life. I can really see this book being used in a class as an introduction to a lesson asking kids to write their own family traditions coming together. It also works well at bedtime, or anytime.

You can order the book here

Aug25

Yusuf and Yusra’s Spooky Dilemma by A. Dawood illustrated by Fatimah Farooqi

Posted on August 25, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Yusuf and Yusra’s Spooky Dilemma by A. Dawood illustrated by Fatimah Farooqi

This 54 page early chapter book about a Muslim kid being tempted by Halloween somehow didn’t really center Islam much, it didn’t explain the origins of Halloween, and it meant well, but I didn’t get the messaging, it actually felt othering. Young Yusra lies to her parents, gets a costume, attends a school Halloween party, and then once caught goes out to lunch and taken to a museum with her brother and friend Fatima. At the museum the vibrant room is the “From Around the World” exhibit, and the depressing room is “The World Around Me.” the dichotomy is stereotypical and presumptuous without sufficient insight. The book’s concluding lesson being, don’t give in to peer pressure and feel like you have to celebrate something that isn’t right, “think of all the millions of Muslims in the world not celebrating.” Wait? What? That is the exact same thing- do or not do something because other people are doing or not doing it! Literary wise there were numerous paragraphs and pages I had to reread to know who was talking, the side characters were underdeveloped as they would get mad and storm off and then be chatting shortly after, and at the end, Umar completely ceased to exist. Having already reviewed the other title in the series Merry Dilemma, I’m going to allow myself a little forgiveness in comparing the two books, as I would imagine many consumers will buy both, and I found the messaging and presentation in the Christmas book, a lot stronger in facilitating conversation and reflecting Muslim kids’ stresses, than this Halloween book was able to do. The discussion of Isa (A.S.) and the messaging of what Christmas means and why it is problematic for Muslims was more clear and allowed me to overlook some of the literary inconsistencies and weaknesses; I’m glad I read it first. If you read this with your kids plan to supplement and discuss because the book does not leave you feeling like you really know why Yusra, or Muslims, don’t celebrate Halloween.

SYNOPSIS:

Halloween is here and Cedarcrest Elementary is throwing a huge party. Yusuf isn’t going, he knows Halloween isn’t for him as a Muslim. Family friends, Fatima and Umar, aren’t going either. But Yusra’s best friend Amanda is really excited, and Yusra thinks she can just help Amanda celebrate, it is just for fun any way right? It isn’t like she is celebrating, she will just be there. She tells her parents she can’t miss school, her dad buys her a costume, not for Halloween, just for dress-up, and now she is at the school party with glitter and candy and a whole lot of guilt.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like that the parents try and meet the kids where they are. I think a lot of Muslim parents buy candy and costumes on clearance the day after Halloween so their kids can still have treats without partaking in trick or treating and enjoy imaginative play after the holiday. The book having the costume being purchased before the holiday, thus is a relatable occurrence. Yusra wanting to go is also believable. But, the parent’s letting it play out to their fourth grade daughter actually lying about a quiz and going to school is a bit of a stretch.

I struggled with the lack of explaining why Muslims don’t celebrate Halloween and what the origins of Halloween are. It said I don’t do it because I’m Muslim, I don’t celebrate because my parents told me not to, and thank you for explaining it aunty- but in fact, there was no explanation.

The writing wasn’t great. At one point it says, “Let’s go to the frozen food section we need milk and cereal.” There were multiple places I didn’t know if Yusra or Yusuf were talking, they sound the same age and I don’t think they are twins, but maybe they are, they are family friends with a brother sister: Umar and Fatima at their school, but Fatima is not in Yusra’s class either, the school vibes feel more junior high than elementary. Back to Fatima though, she gets mad when Yusra doesn’t take a firm “Muslim’s don’t celebrate Halloween position” with Amanda and she walks off being labeled a party pooper, but after school everything seems fine. The plan is all four Muslim kids will hang out instead of going to school for the party, but Umar is not with Yusuf and Fatima when they bust Yusra, or at the museum, so where did he go?

The messaging hinges on Yusra’s guilt. I don’t know that the book explores it enough, doesn’t have her struggling with it a lot, so it comes across that it is more the getting caught that caused the realization. She remembers Allah swt when caught, she apologizes to her mom, which is good, but not celebrating Halloween then seems more a family expectation not a religious no-no. Ultimately the book felt a bit like a missed opportunity to explain the origins of Halloween and let the child decide what to do based on their understanding of Islam and the holiday.

FLAGS:

Lying, going to a Halloween party.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I have a few teenagers and a 3rd grader and a toddler, I don’t think this book will do much to foster communication and deepen their understanding about Muslims and Halloween. For my oldest three when they were in early elementary, we would listen to a NoorArt CD Qu’an for Little Muslims it had a track about Halloween that seemed to work when they were young: you can listen to it here.

If you think this book will work for your needsthough, you can order it here.

Jun26

A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

Posted on June 26, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Sensational Journey “Medina” by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Seda Cubukbi Antli

A journey to and through Medina with a focus on the five senses is a lovely concept for a book and the book is an enjoyable read for young children with the internal map, details about he Rawdah, the inclusion of Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatian, Mount Uhud, Archers Hill, and ajwa dates. The book is a little text heavy, as a decent amount of information is shared, but the illustrations are enjoyable and will help hold the attention of early elementary children. The use of sight, smell, taste, feel and sound are woven into the story, they are not highlighted or the organizing format of the book. Bonus material includes a QR code to listen to “Tala ‘al Badru ‘Alayna,” a glossary, and follow up activities.

The book starts with a little boy headed from Mecca to Medina, “the city of Prophet Muhammed’s (saw) mosque and grave, and a hope to find out why “everyone says Medina feels ‘special.'” As he sees Bedouins in the desert he wonders what they eat and how they survive. He then sees a gas station lit up like an amusement part.

As they get closer to Medina they listen to “Tala’al Badru ‘Alayna.” When they arrive at the hotel they smell oud and fall asleep. The next morning he wakes up to the sound of the athan and they walk the streets taking in the sights and smells. The color of the green dome is noted and the rose smell of the carpet when they make sujood included.

The Rawdah and the umbrellas each get their own two page spread, and then a tour guide takes them to Masjid Quba, Masjid Al-Qiblatayn, and Mount Uhud. The tour finishes with a visit to the date orchards and playing and napping in the mosque.

I wish it used the word Masjid every time, it uses both, and I’m not sure why it doesn’t just say Fajr instead of the morning prayer. I appreciate framing it as a story, but the beginning with the Bedouins and the gas station seemed to slow the story down and my littles wanted answers as to why there were so many lights and how the people in the desert survived. I also would have liked if the backmatter detailed more about Masjid al Quba and Qiblatayn, and Uhud, ultimately I wish there was more showing the little boy feeling why Medina is special and not just saying he now understands.

I’m not sure why I only ordered the Medina book and not the Mecca one as well, they are stand alone reads, but the Medina one references that that they have come after being in Mecca so consider if you are getting one to get both. I ordered mine here. Use code ISL (Islamic School Librarian initials) at checkout to save 10%.