Tag Archives: kindergarten

Sep4

Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of Opposites by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Posted on September 4, 2025 by islamicschoollibrarian

Every few years, for the last 13 or so, we get a new title in this series, and each one warms my cynical heart with its unapologetic Islamic representation and vibrancy. The heartfelt rhyming lines, the Islam centering, and the enveloping illustration make these books timeless, sought after, and beloved. This installment covers opposites, previous books in the series focused on colors, shapes, and numbers. From the BIG ummah to a SMALL baby’s aqiqah, HOT oud to COLD rain bringing barakah, SLOW honey full of shifa to FAST cars heading to Jummah, the book uses two page spreads per each term in the opposite pair with rhyming couplets in large clear font to introduce/remind, describe, and highlight an Islamic tradition. As both opposites and Islam are conveyed, the cadence and illustrations pull Muslim and non Muslim children in and make the book delightful at storytime, in small groups, at bedtime, and for kids to look through on their own, over and over again. Alhumdulillah.

The book is 36 pages with a Glossary of Islamic words at the end with an Author’s Note. It is available wherever books are sold and a great reminder that well done Islamic books can make it from traditional publishers.

Jun7

A Letter to the Beloved: Dear Prophet Muhammad (saw) by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Rumeysa Abis

Posted on June 7, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Letter to the Beloved: Dear Prophet Muhammad (saw) by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Rumeysa Abis

I was a little skeptical about a 32 page rhyming letter to our beloved Rasullah, illustrated in book format, but it is cute and it won me over. The rhythm keeps the rhyme from feeling too forced and allows for some forgiveness when it misses the mark, it also makes the book appeal to a wider audience. Even my preschooler could sit through it pretty well. The book being the letter without any stilted framing, has a lovely authentic voice of a young boy, also named Muhammad, asking the Prophet (saw) questions and chatting in a very stream of conscience sort of way. It blends facts that the young boy knows with his stresses and asking the Prophet for advice. The font is meant to look like a child wrote it, but it is a little cumbersome for children to read, and even adults (me) during read alouds. I do wish the book was sourced, nothing really seemed wrong, but having it sourced or approved by a scholar is just a reassurance to the reader, and in my view a responsibility of the author. The only line I didn’t like was near the end, when the boy hopes “that you will remember me, from this letter I am writing you.” I feel like it will confuse kids, is the letter being sent? How would he know you when you’ve never met? What will be done with the letter once written? The illustrations are hit or miss, some are absolutely lovely, others a bit off, for example a music book on top of a picture of Masjid an Nabawi and the Kaaba, some also easier for small groups to see than others. For kids there really aren’t a lot of books about Prophet Muhammad saw that are not textbook like in their portrayal, so I like the approach this takes, I just wish a few things were tweaked.

The book dives right in, with Muhamad introducing himself to our Prophet, he writes that he was named after him, and all about his family. He then starts to tell what he knows about Prophet Muhammad, and questions he would like to ask. Its a one sided discussion about siblings, smiles, appearances, kindness, and generosity.

The little boy then wants to know about Buraq, splitting the moon, talking to angels, standing out numbered at Badr. It then turns to food and the little boy wondering about if RasulAllah would like mustard and relish, and burgers.

He imagines the Prophet visiting and leading his family in prayer and the scent that would then linger. The boy hopes to meet him in Jannah, and promises to do his best to follow Allah’s decree. He signs off and sends salawat upon the Prophet. There is then a place for readers to write their own letters to the Prophet.

Apr5

Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

Posted on April 5, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

After years of teaching, librarian-ing, and mothering, my reviewers are for adults, but with kids in mind. I read in different environments and try and balance what children will think with my more critical literary impressions. But honestly, my first reaction when I see Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow has a new book out, is not about the children, or their parents, it is incredibly selfish, and I want to read the picture book for me. It has been about a year since I first read my all time favorite, Salat in Secret, and I still feel all the feels, every time I read the book. I even enjoy handing the book to people and watching them read it for the first time. So, I was both excited, and nervous to read this new book, not knowing if it would measure up to my expectations or rather hopes, so to speak. I needn’t have worried, subhanAllah, this book in it’s own right is moving, heartfelt, layered, powerful, hopeful, relatable, tender, and while staying on a kindergarten to second grade level is also unapologetic with its centering of Islam, race, and feeling invisible, being new, and making a friend. The illustrations and words blend beautifully, and by the second page of the 40 page book, I was already emotionally attached to the little protagonist Ameena. Good writing is good writing, and as a result this beautiful book works for all ages and will be appreciated on multiple layers even after dozens of readings, alhumdulillah.

The book begins with Ameena playing a game by herself. She always plays by herself at school, where she tends to be invisible. Maybe it is her hair in twists or her brownness, she doesn’t know. One day a new girl comes, her name is Sundus, she wears hijab like Ameena wears to the masjid.

All day Ameena tries to talk to Sundus, but something always seems to keep them apart. When they finally meet, Ameena’s excited words get all tangled, and a misunderstanding occurs. Ameena decides the next day to transform into a rockstar: red-orange hijab and matching boots. The other kids say she is copying the new girl. Sundus doesn’t say anything.

Ameena disappears again at school, but family night at the masjid is her happy place. Where she doesn’t play alone, and there are lots of browns, and she is seen. When Mama meets a new sister, and greets her with Assalamu Alaikum, Ameena sees how a greeting and a hug can be the start of sisterhood and friendship. And the next time Sundus and Ameena meet, they know just what to say.

The joy at the end forces you to smile, just as Ameena playing alone at the beginning tugs at your heart. It is a great book to see yourself and see others in a beautiful, authentic way. The universal themes of not being seen, making a friend, and being the new kid, are woven in just as hijab, masjid and Assalamu Alaikum are, making the book powerful for Muslim and non Muslims alike.

I particularly love that their is no glossary, and that the text uses the word masjid not mosque, hijab not scarf and Assalamu Alaikum not salam. That the masjid is her safe place to laugh and play, and that this book is mainstream published and will find its way to public spaces and be widely accessible.

You can preorder your copy here on Amazon.

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.

Apr1

Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

Posted on April 1, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

The world’s oldest library proudly stands in Fez, Morocco: started by a Muslim woman, restored by a Muslim woman, and in this 40 page book the library itself tells its own story in a book authored by a Muslim woman. The personified library shares a few highlights from its early start as a corner in Fatima Al-Fihri’s masjid and university to collections spanning multiple buildings, from a bustling center of learning and knowledge to a place of disrepair and neglect. Staying on an early elementary level, the informative author’s note and references make the book engaging for older readers as well, and an incredible addition to bookshelves everywhere.

The book starts with the library introducing itself and welcoming the reader. “Merhaba! I am Al-Qarawiyyin Library–the oldest library in the world.” At over a thousand years old, the library begins at the hands of Fatima Al-Fihri in 859 who dared to dream big and created a space of learning and worship in Morocco.

As the courtyards and collections grew, seekers of knowledge, from all backgrounds, gathered to discuss, debate, and learn. Special rooms with special locks kept books safe: a Quran written on camel-leather, a philosophers drawings in gold ink.

Nearly destroyed once by a fire, the library endured, but over time the rooms were no longer filled with the bustle of people. One day a small girl, Aziza, paused at the door, but did not enter for many years. When she did return, she came as an architect with a team to restore the library and invite people back in to read, learn, and dream.

It delights me that such an important story is available to be widely learned from and appreciated. You can preorder a copy here from Amazon.

Mar11

Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko

Posted on March 11, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko

This 24 page 2023 published non fiction book about Eid, is meant for babies to seven year old according to the publisher. A large spread of comprehension abilities that is thus required to be vague, simplistic, and at times not very successful at conveying much of anything. The large font and bright colors are engaging, and it starts out strong with sight words, and identifying Ramadan is a Muslim holiday followed by Eid al-Fitr, but then erroneously states Eid is three days. There is then unnecessary statements such as “They honor their beliefs.” That have no clear meaning, and in fact feel a bit othering. It seems the book is scared to say “Muslims,” saying it only once, it prefers “they,” and “people.” Some pages are clear and accurate, but many are just awkward, such as “Happy Eid! People pray each morning. They go to a mosque.” It seems so stilted. The picture glossary at the end is mostly accurate, but it defines Muslim as “related to the Islamic faith.” Overall, it seems like a little editing would clarify, correct, and even make this book a benefit, but as it is it just feels like token rep to add to a holiday library series.

The book starts with a table of contents and divides a very short book into chapters. The first three pages tell that Ramadan is fasting, Eid is after Ramadan, and a Muslim holiday. It erroneously says Eid is three days, and then says “the dates move each year.” If you are aware of the lunar calendar this makes sense, I’m sure a five year old would not understand that it isn’t just a randomly selected day.

Pages 10 and 11 seem vague at best, “People end their fast. They honor their beliefs.” The previous page was taking about Eid, the following spread is about Eid, it is almost like the pages were plucked from a similar Ramadan book and erroneously dropped in to this one.

We then are at the mosque, and told people pray each morning. I’m not sure if this is on Eid day, or every day, we do pray five times a day, and while it is good to pray at the mosque it is not required, so ultimately another unclear page.

The remaining Eid tradition pages are accurate, visit family and friends and say Eid Mubarak, eating big meals and sweets, giving to others in need, and giving gifts and money. The photographs show joy, and are bright and engaging. The Facts and Glossary at the end are then followed by an index and ways to learn more.

Aug11

Zain’s Super Friday by Hena Khan illustrated by Nez Riaz

Posted on August 11, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Zain’s Super Friday by Hena Khan illustrated by Nez Riaz

I love the joy and normalizing of mainstream titles celebrating salat, Jummah, and the masjid becoming increasingly available for us to read and share. This particular book is great for preschool to early elementary aged children that enjoy going to the masjid, but sometimes want to put on a cape and be the hero battling aliens, that know how to behave during salat, but sometimes have a hard time sitting still, and parents that want to play with their kids, but sometimes have to get some work done first. With threads of patience, kindness, and determination woven in to masjid activities, the book is both a mirror for Muslim kids and a window for those that wonder what a Friday prayer service looks like. The 32 page book is unapologetic, joyful, and a great addition to book shelves.

Zain wakes up early Friday morning and is ready to save the world. Dad greets Zain with a “Jum’uah Mubarak,” but has to pass on battling the aliens taking over the kitchen. At lunchtime, when dad takes a break from work, Zain tries again to engage him in heroic play, but it is time for Jum’uah. Zain slips on his cape and vows to protect everyone.

When they get to the mosque, aka command central, Zain tries again, but dad redirects him to make wudu before salat. Heat action dries his feet, but the adhan starts and giant shoes and aliens will have to wait, yet again. During the khutbah, wiggly Zain sits by his dad, but when the Imam encourages them to stand for salat and fill any gaps, Zain takes it as a call to duty and races to the front announcing, “Here I come, Commander Imam, reporting for duty.”

The kind Imam knows just what to do, and as Zain controls his focus, even dad finds time to be a hero and battle the aliens on this super Friday at the mosque.

I love that wudu, athan, khutbah, Imam, are all used without a glossary and that the Author’s Note is informative and unapologetic in tying it all together and making the terms clear. I wish masjid was used instead of mosque, but I know that is just my personal preference. I love that the Imam is kind and the dad is gentle and playful. Even when Zain is not getting to do what he wants, he is not unhappy with being at Jumuah, or making salat, or being redirected, he just wants to indulge his imagination. The warmth and joy of the illustrations reinforces the tone of the book, and with the inclusion of charity, and the happy ending, I can’t wait to have a physical copy of this book in my hands.

The book releases on October 10, 2023 and can be preordered/ordered here on Amazon and I’m sure will be available once released at Crescent Moon Store, where my initials ISL at checkout will always save you 10%.

May1

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Posted on May 1, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Being the new kid, not having friends, and being teased are not new themes in literature (or life), so if you are going to write a book about them, take a lesson from Muslim author Aisha Saeed and make sure the story is heartfelt, emotional, and well-told. There is no Islam in the book, no foreign culture, or teasing because of skin color, it is a boy named Rumi who has moved from San Francisco to the other side of America and his shoes, with their drawings and colorings, that cause the kids to stare and start bullying. Rumi seeks solace under a willow tree and fellow classmate Han has to be brave to put a stop to the mistreatment by finding his voice and not simply staying silent. The text and illustrations provide a lot of opportunities for children to see themselves in the story, in the various characters, and ruminate over the actions and feelings from different points of view. The book is lyrical, it is not heavy handed or preachy, and the Author’s Note at the end is equally touching and hopeful.

Rumi is quiet, and on his first day in Ms. Garza’s class the kids stare at him as he stares out the window. At recess he wanders off to sit beneath the willow tree when Asher, Ella and Han leave the swings to see what he is up to. Asher and Ella start to make fun of Rumi, Han is uncomfortable, but stays quiet.

Rumi recalls coloring his shoes with his friends, and how different it was to where he is now, he picks up a twig to twirl as the hurt grows. In music class when the giggling starts, he tries not to cry. At recess he retreats to his refuge under the tree.

When the bullying escalates, and tears fall, Han speaks up and breaks the cycle. Others follow and see the world Rumi has created with his twig and are drawn to it and to Rumi. Forgiveness is asked for, and granted and the tree becomes a place of friendship and togetherness.

The Author’s Note shares the real life observations of the author about her son in kindergarten and how while heartbreaking, there was also hope in the concern shown by other kids that simply weren’t sure what to do. I love that even though Rumi is being teased for his shoes and being different, he doesn’t stop wearing his shoes or try and clean the drawings off.

I think this book is a must read in classrooms and homes were kids can slowly peel back the pieces and see where they can relate, how they can plan to act, and what parts they identify with. The book is deliberate and slow, and while a child could read it on their own and enjoy the story and illustrations at hand, the real power it has, is being a catalyst for discussion and empathy and speaking up.

Pre order/order here on Amazon

Apr7

What Should I Do? By Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

Posted on April 7, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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What Should I Do? By Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

Most rhyming children’s books are absolutely terrible, but this one made me smile as the format compliments the tone of the book. Every child has done something they regret and every parent desperate to raise truthful children; what very easily could have been a heavy handed story, stays positive as little Yousuf breaks something and seeks advice from his siblings about what to do. The book provides a lot of teachable moments and allows discussion and reflective referencing. It also is a reminder to us parents to praise the honesty, and forgive the transgression. The book is 24 pages and while text heavy at times, the fairly smooth rhyme and relatable story will be great for mature toddlers to kindergarteners. Some of the vocabulary will possibly need some explanation, but the cute pictures provide clues and the messaging will come through.

The book starts with Mum heading out to run errands and the kids being reminded to be nice, not to fight, not to make a mess, and that dad is in the garden and call if they absolutely need her. Did I say it is relatable? Yeah, I say this at least once a week, but dad isn’t in the garden, and I don’t rhyme.

Yousuf amuses himself and one thing leads to another and a ceramic plate gets broken. Not just any ceramic plate, his Mum’s favorite. He heads to his brother playing playstation for advice, and then to his other brother, and then finally to his sister before his mom comes home.

I’m sure for adults the story is predictable, but the solutions the siblings provide are similarly relatable and mom being grateful that honesty won out are conveyed on a child’s level that makes the book enjoyable at bedtime or in small groups. It provides an entertaining and clear reminder of how important telling the truth is.

There is nothing clearly Islamic in the text except the children’s names and the mother wearing hijab. No hadith or ayats are mentioned in conveying the universal character trait of honesty. The author and illustrator are Muslim and I do wish that there was a tie back to Islam either before or after the story, but alas there is not.

I purchased my copy here at Crescent Moon where my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) will save you 10% and it is also available here at 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%.