Tag Archives: Masjid

Oct13

The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community by Ibtikhaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali illustrated by Hatem Aly

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The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community by Ibtikhaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali illustrated by Hatem Aly

The third and final book in the standalone series is finally out and I absolutely love that Islam, salat, and the masjid are front and center. Faizah is once again brought to life through the incredible illustrations that provide all the emotional beats and make the book memorable.  The story though is only just ok, to be honest, it is clunky and disjointed.  I have read the book a half a dozen times to myself and twice aloud and I do not understand the Eid story line.  I doesn’t fit the themes of fitting in, being a leader, being bold, it just seemed to be there to motivate a white hijab being purchased, and it was very distracting to the cadence and continuity of the story. Every time Faizah is self reflecting on her fear, suddenly a conversation about Eid with a friend named Sophie disrupts the story. Even the refrain that “Bravery grows in your mind.  But its roots are in your heart,” sounds lovely, but is never explained or developed, so what are you to water it with? What are the right reasons?  I’m sure most will be fine with the concepts and presentation and not be bothered, but this book is an auto buy for Muslims and non Muslims alike, and while I appreciate the packaging, I wish the story itself was more, well “Bold.”

The book starts with Faizah going to Jummah with her mom and sister, and loving being part of the crowd, she then goes to fencing and loves being part of the crowd, “it feels right.  I feel right,” she says.  But then the coach calls her name and she starts to worry.  She doesn’t like when people stare at her, she worries she did something wrong. The coach has already reminded her to “saber first, then move forward,” so I’m not sure why she worries after if she did something wrong, it is a class, reminders and corrections are what happen in a class.

Then on Sunday, the trio is back at the masjid for salat before Asiya’s fencing lesson.  The coach asks Faizah if she wants to come in for extra practice before the tournament.  Faizah isn’t planning on participating in the tournament though and would rather think about Eid.  Thinking about getting together in the future with Sophie to pick out Eid clothes, is more fun than fencing.  The reader doesn’t know when Eid is, or why Faizah seemed to break into a day dream when asked about fencing.  Furthermore the reader doesn’t feel the worry of being in a competition because Faizah is not shown to be worried.

Later that night Asiya teaches Faizah the moves she learned and Faizah practices alone.  There is then a two page spread that I do not understand, on one page she is saying, “When no one is watching, I ‘m the best fencer in the world,” three lines later it says Even when others are watching, I can do it.  I can be the best.”  What happened in between? I get the following line, “but it’s hard to be my best when I have to stand out to do it,” but the the line in the middle makes no sense.  What is the point of the book if she can do it and knows it at the mid point?  And no, I’m not reading an arc, I checked out this copy from the library.

The family is back at the masjid on Friday and reassuring Faizah as they head to fencing, that she can do it even when people are watching, that bravery will come.  She hasn’t been nervous at class before, and hasn’t signed up for the tournament, so why is she suddenly uncomfortable, when at the start she loved fencing class as she felt she fit in.

Then it is Saturday, and Sophie finally comes, but not to prepare for Eid, just to discuss, how they will prepare for Eid.  At least now we know it will be next week. The next Friday, I know I feel like a calendar should have been included, it is fencing class again and Faizah is called up to demonstrate.  She finds her strength and she is shy, but realizes they are not just looking at her, but looking at what she can do.  She is leading, she is helping, she is being brave.

Finally it is Sunday, and Sophie and Faizah are at the hijab shop, and Faizah picks a white hijab because it matches the fencing clothes, and she is going to the tournament.

Yeah, sorry I spoiled it, I just really am sad that the book wasn’t as great as it could have been.  It connected the dots eventually, but not in a memorable way, and for the team responsible for this book, it really could and should have been amazing.

Apr5

Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

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Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Mar10

Trouble at Taraweeh by Rosalind Noor illustrated by Rania Hasan

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Trouble at Taraweeh by Rosalind Noor illustrated by Rania Hasan

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I love funny books that are Islamically accurate, Muslim filled, and informative as well.  Alhumdulliah for this outrageous Ramadan tale, that gets kids laughing and parents horrified.  A frog on the loose at Taraweeh on the 21st night, and a little girl who is a self proclaimed “trouble magnet,” focuses on Laylatul Qadr, good intentions, and Allah swt hearing our prayers.  It is text heavy, so for a read aloud, think slightly older children, seven or up, would be the ideal audience, but in a bedtime story setting the illustrations will keep younger ones engaged.

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The book starts with Umama looking forward to Laylatul Qadr.  She knows duas are answered that night when the angels come down and fill the earth, and she has a special dua to make, she really wants a little sister.  It is the first odd night of the last ten days and she has had an eventful Ramdan so far.  She accidently flooded the wudu area, she tripped on her prayer skirt and knocked people over, she even tried to organize the shoes, but then no one could find their shoes.

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Tonight she is determined will be trouble free, which naturally means, it won’t be.  Fluffy, her frog, gets loose.  She apologizes to the woman as she scoops him off her head, but then…he gets away from Umama, and the chase is on.

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With plugs getting yanked, breakers being flipped, and little Umama asking Allah swt to help her make it right. The imam, her dad, keeps his cool and somehow you find yourself, parents included, feeling bad for Umama and hoping she has a smooth remaining Ramadan.

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The expressive illustrations are  bright and complementary to the story.  Kids enjoy looking at them and they really do help hold the kid’s attention as the story unfolds.  So many of my Ramadan staples come from Ruqaya’s bookshelf, and this is a great addition to the shelf.

The book is available here at Crescent Moon Store

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Sep29

Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan

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Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan

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A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! SubhanAllah the subject matter is incredible, but the characters, writing, and Islamic inclusion really make this 327 page book a must read for all upper middle grade and lower middle school aged children everywhere. The book is historical fiction, set in Paris during WWII, the Nazis are invading and the Muslims at the Grand Mosque of Paris are covertly helping, hiding, and saving their Jewish neighbors.  Based on real facts, the book does not get lost in politics, or propaganda, or the enemy, the story stays on level for an MG reader with character arcs that are not confined to the atrocities at hand. The familial love, the friendships, the bravery of so many, really lingers long after the last page is read. Knowing that Muslims in France did this and that their stories have by-and-large been lost over time, makes this book all the more important to share with our own children.  This book fills such a void for children in Western countries wondering why WWII lessons in school never mention Muslims, and that this is traditionally published in the UK, soon to be in the USA, really is a benefit to us all.  I do wish the book was more strongly sourced, there are Historical Notes at the end, but I’d love to know where to go to get more facts about it all.  Little kid me would have been obsessed, adult me can’t wait to share this book with teachers and book clubs to discuss, teach, enjoy, and be inspired by, alhumdulillah.

SYNOPSIS:

Safiyyah lives in the apartments in the compound of the Grand Mosque and while Muslims are more-or-less safe from the imminent threat of the Nazi’s, because of their connections to North Africa, their world is still changing quickly. Safiyyah loves maps, helping run errands for her father, Ammo Kader, and Ammo Imam, and spending time with her Setti.  She also loves spending time with her best friend, Isabelle at school and on weekends.  When the Nazi presence is no longer avoidable, Isabelle and her family leave, errands are no longer safe and Setti’s beloved oranges are harder and harder to get. To top it all off, her father starts acting secretive and Safiyyah starts sneaking around to find out what is going on, unraveling a clandestine network helping those needing to get away.  Her family has no intention of involving her, but when soldiers start getting suspicious of the Muslims assisting the Jews, Safiyyah takes on dangerous roles that just maybe a young girl can accomplish without drawing too much attention to herself, the cause, and the Muslim community’s commitment to helping the innocent.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that the book is fast paced and the fear of being caught is always present, yet the book is able to flesh out relationships, character growth, and religious understanding.  Little details weave in and out, and the confidence that the writer is in control of all the threads allows the reader to be swept away, completely. The interfaith aspects are not just check marks, the story shows the ease in which the communities work together and their connections are tangible.  There is no internalized Islamophobia or othering, and the way that Islam emboldens the characters’ actions is so beautiful: from the larger commitment for justice, to the personal internal reflections of wearing of hijab, praying, listening to the athan, making duas for the deceased, etc..  Spending time to ruminate on the idea that breaking an unjust law to save lives through an Islamic lens is empowering, and knowing that this is the risk that real Muslims in Paris took is so very humbling. I love that the conflict of France and Algeria is not left out as the Kabyle protagonist and her grandmother note that they are now supporting those wearing French uniforms to fight the Germans.

FLAGS:

Wish making, lying, death, fear, occupation, war, destruction, oath taking on a Quran, tasbeehs, working with wine barrels and smugglers.  There is a strong familiarity with Christian and Jewish holidays, some crossover celebration.  Some Christian angel imagery being used by Safiyyah for Ammo. Sneaking, hiding, forgery, skipping school.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

Having only ever read one other book on this topic, The Grand Mosque of Paris, that would definitely be a reference I would present when introducing the book.  Whether in a classroom, a library, a home, a book club, I hope this book gets read, passed around, shared, and discussed.  Muslims and non Muslims alike will fall in love with persistent over-eager Safiyyah and hopefully remember the resistance the characters in the book and real life sought with courage and dedication for the good of humanity.

I own my UK copy and have preordered US copies for myself, my mom, my teacher friends and hope you will do the same (you can preorder here).  Please also request your local public libraries to shelve this important book.

Aug11

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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%.

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Mar20

The Month that Makes the Year: A Joyful Celebration of the Spiritual Practices of Ramadan by Inda Ahmad Zahri

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The Month that Makes the Year: A Joyful Celebration of the Spiritual Practices of Ramadan by Inda Ahmad Zahri

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This book was definitely worth the wait, alhumdulillah.  For all the complaining I do about books regurgitating facts, or Ramadan joy books leaving out the religion, and presentation feeling like it is more for non Muslims than for our own little children; this book does a great job of sharing key points about Ramadan with authenticity and heart that Muslims and non Muslims alike will benefit from the light story, engaging and adorable illustrations, and Muslim child centering.  This 32 page book works well for preschool to early elementary readers and listeners at bedtime, at story time, and in settings were introductions to Ramadan are shared.

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I was a little nervous that this book was framed as a child’s first fast, but a few pages in my concerns disappeared.  Little Deenie knows what Ramadan is, her family is encouraging her to try and fast for a few hours, and she knows that she can’t hide in a cave and sleep like a hibernating bear because Ramadan is so much more than going without food and drink.

I love the shelving of tempting snacks and bad habits of unkind words, waste, impatience, and that little changes lead to big changes one at a time: kindness, love, attention, gratitude.

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Deenie goes a little longer each day, and her tummy rumbles, but where she once felt lonely in the quite spaces, she is finding new things that otherwise would have been missed.  She helps the coach off the pitch at soccer, the family connects without screens, the “ordinary feels extra-ordinary.”

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The mosque opens its arms for tarawih, and extra prayers are “a chance to look inwards and upwards.” A chance to belong.  There is sadaqah and Zakat, and being thankful, learning about traditions and connecting with others.  There are non Muslim friends changing a lunch date to a gallery stroll, and realizing the kindness is not required, but appreciated none-the-less.  The human body is amazing, and Deenie is growing stronger with each Ramadan day.  Eid is a time of celebration, but Ramadan is missed, and we are not the same people we were before the blessed month..

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The book starts with an Author’s Note and ends with a Glossary.  The hardback 11 x 9 book is a great size to allow kids to truly enjoy the sweet illustrations that add to the text and bring the feelings to life.  There are a variety of skin tones, mobilities, clothing styles and head coverings, or not covered characters shown.  There are so many smiling faces, and relatable scenes.  This book is really well done and an absolute joy to read and share.

I personally needed to see that my expectations for a Ramadan read were not unrealistic, and this book alhumdulillah, not only proved that good representation can be beautiful and heartfelt and unapologetic, but raised the bar.  I can’t wait to share this for our Masjid Ramadan story time, I only wish it was easier to obtain in the USA.  I preordered mine from Book Depository, but since publication the price has gone up, inshaAllah if we all show our support, local stockists will find a way (www.allenandunwin.com).

Dec30

Hamza Attends a Janaza by Shabana Hussain illustrated by Atefeh Mohammadzadeh

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Hamza Attends a Janaza by Shabana Hussain illustrated by Atefeh Mohammadzadeh

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For years it has been noted how few children’s Islamic books about grief and loss are available, and while numerous titles have come out in the last few years, it wasn’t until I saw this new book, did I realize how desperately we were in need of a book on janaza.  I love that the author establishes on the first page that this book is not focused on grief, but rather about death, the burial, and preparing to meet Allah (saw) in the hereafter with our deeds.  The beauty is that while the topic is critical and needed, the story is also well done.  It may not focus on emotion, but it has a lot of heart and tenderness, thus making it a wonderful addition to all book shelves for children preschool and up as a brief introduction to how Islam views death, the rituals of burial, and the worship that surrounds it. Packaged with clear text, robust backmatter and absolutely adorable illustrations, I am very happily impressed with this book.

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The book starts with Hamza telling about his favorite day of the week, Saturday, the day he spends with his Nano-ji and cousins, but one day all that changes when his mom gets a phone call about the loss of a community Uncle.  Mom says, inna lillahi wa inna illahi rajioon quietly in to the phone and Hamza knows something is wrong, but doesn’t quite understand why the passing of Uncle Sameer, the owner of the local sweet shop, means he has to attend a janaza instead of going to his grandfather’s house.

Hamza’s parents explain the reward of going, and remind him that we all have to leave this world one day. They recall Uncle Sameer helping bandage his knee when he got hurt and gave him a lollipop.  Once in the car, Hamza wants to know what is going to happen.  His parents explain the ghusl and the body being wrapped in the kafan and the body being put in the ground.

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When they get to the masjid there are a lot of aunties on the women’s side, including Auntie Salma who everyone is hugging and reassuring.  After dhuhr the janaza begins, but it is a standing up namaz, and is very short, and Hamza is confused. Later outside the long box is loaded into the car, duas are made, and the body taken to the cemetery.

At the graveside, more duas are made, and Hamza worries that Uncle will be lonely.  When his father explains that his good deeds will keep him company, Hamza remembers the kindness Uncle Sameer has shown him and makes duas.

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The backmatter contains hadith about what still benefits those that have died, reward for attending a janaza, a glossary, discussion points, suggested activities, and duas.  The book is a great starting point to introducing death, rituals, and answering questions any child might have in a gentle manner.  

I bought the book from Crescent Moon Store 

 

Dec26

What Colour is your Mosque? By Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Aybüke B. Mumcu, Damla Koçak,  Fatma Betül Akbal, Gökhan Özdemir, Gülşah Irmak, Hümeyra Yorgancı, M. Ahmet Demir, Menekşe Özdemir, Özlem Güneş, Şüheda Başer Yılgör, Zeynep Alptekin, Zeynep Begüm Şen  

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What Colour is your Mosque? By Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Aybüke B. Mumcu, Damla Koçak,  Fatma Betül Akbal, Gökhan Özdemir, Gülşah Irmak, Hümeyra Yorgancı, M. Ahmet Demir, Menekşe Özdemir, Özlem Güneş, Şüheda Başer Yılgör, Zeynep Alptekin, Zeynep Begüm Şen  

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Sometimes the idea and presentation of a book make it stand out even if the writing is a bit bland and erroneous.  This book with bright colorful illustrations from 12 different illustrators highlighting the bold colors and designs of 12 masjids around the world is one such book for me.  I think young children will delight in seeing such beautiful masjids and appreciate that Muslims are found all over the world.  Adults and older children will also learn about mosques I’m sure they had never heard of before.  I kind of wish the book was a board book for little hands learning colors to enjoy, but the 8.5 x 8.5 style does suffice for story time and bedtime. 

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The book starts with an introduction to the author, Jenny and her sharing her favorite mosque in Turkey, Hagia Sophia. Each two page spread after that is a child introducing themselves, telling where they are from, and sharing their favorite mosque in their home country.  From Sri Lanka’s Jami Ul Alfar that looks like candy to the purple lights of Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque in Oman.  Some masjids stand out for their colors, others for their 99 domes, and some look like castles or are built out of mud.

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The illustrations reflect the beautiful buildings and radiate with joy from the smiling children introducing them.  I think the text is translated from Turkish to English which might account for some of the errors, but spelling Kabbah with two b’s doesn’t seem right in any language. 

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Despite it all, I’m happy with the book, I think we need to make a more intentional point to instill a sense of global community in our children and celebrate the beauty that our architecture and culture can result in for the worship of Allah swt.

The book is available from here from Crescent Moon Store.

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Oct10

My First Book About Salah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

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My First Book About Salah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge

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Looking at the books in the series, reading them to my children, getting the latest one delivered to my doorstep: every step along the way makes me smile, alhumdulillah.  The soft warm illustrations and impressive amount of information lovingly conveyed in board book form really makes the series a staple for young children.  The newest addition to the series is about Salah, and I love that the framing is that prayer is a blessing, it doesn’t open with listing the five daily prayers, it begins with Isra wal Miraj.  It sets the tone that prayer is special and beautiful and a gift.  It does eventually list the five required prayers, the words of the athan, Fatiha in English and Arabic, steps of wudu, and parts of salah, but the way it is woven together is seamless and so much more than just lists of information.  With ayats from the Quran sprinkled in, the book flows from one focus to the next, leaving the end as always, for facts and questions.  Appropriate for ages two and up, this 26 page board book can and will still inspire and teach older kids.

The only pause this book gave me were the illustrations.  There is not a single page where the people praying are standing shoulder to shoulder, foot to foot.  I could see if in a few pictures the creative liberty, or Covid reality manifest itself in the pictures, but whether it is a family praying, or people in a masjid, there is a gap between the individuals, and that seemed off to me.  Additionally because of the spacing in all the pictures, the pictures where perhaps the people are not praying together, but are just shown to be making tasleem or the illustration that all Muslims of all colors and all professions and all abilities pray, it almost seems to show men and women praying together.  I don’t know that the toddlers in the audience will notice, but perhaps be aware of it if when reading it to your children.  Aside from that the illustrations show the global faith of Islam and the beauty that we all worship together.

Available to purchase here and I’m sure it will be stocked by Crescent Moon as well.  Oh PS it also comes with a sheet of stickers.

Jan24

Birmingham Boy by Kate Rafiq

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Birmingham Boy by Kate Rafiq

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This 36 page ‘day-in-the-life-of’ book, follows a young boy and his mom on a day out and about in his city of Birmingham, England. Told in rhyme a few Urdu words are sprinkled in as general city observations are made, fun is had, and kindness is shown. The book touches on homelessness and protests, and the illustrations take the story deeper and show support for Black Lives Matter and Palestine, multiple hijab wearing women (#muslimsintheillustrations) throughout the city (including a burkini swimming mama), storefront signs acknowledging a diverse community, street artists, and different races, religions, and cultures everywhere.

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The book starts off with Birmingham Boy waking up, based on the Arabic signage in his room, I’d guess his name is Zakariya, everything is quiet and still- except for a giant that he sees outside his window.   He refers to the homeless man throughout the story as a giant, it doesn’t seem to be a negative description, nor is the boy scared, he shares food with him at one point, it is just what he refers to him as. 

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He then heads downstairs for breakfast of toast and dudhu (milk), before getting in a pram and heading out in the town.  They go past the deli and the flower show, and the giant on his cardboard mat.  They see someone getting their hair cut at the barbershop and they arrive at the swimming pool.

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The mom and son swim and play and Birmingham boy takes a nap in his stroller as his mom and he head off to their next location.  He wakes up to the sounds of the masjid and sees his mom praying.  He plays and then joins her in salat.

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After the masjid it is off to a cafe for cakes and tea, which they share with the giant, before they head off to a rally for justice and peace.  The book carries on in this sweet style of visiting places and interacting with the community until ending with a bath and dinner and getting tucked in to bed for the night.

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Being American and living in Birmingham, Alabama, my kids and I also learned about the sights of a different Birmingham and they got to learn some British words such as pram and wellies.  I loved the inclusion of Islam in their daily life and the joyful illustrations.