Tag Archives: Muslim Author

Apr4

Eliyas Explains + Bite-Size Journal: Why Does Allah Let Bad Things Happen? by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

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Eliyas Explains + Bite-Size Journal: Why Does Allah Let Bad Things Happen? by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

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The book stems from the genocide occurring in Gaza, but expands to cover the more general concepts of qadr (destiny), tests, and sabr.  The book assumes that what is happening in Palestine is known and does not discuss specific details, allowing the book to be both timely, yet universal.  As with all the books in the series, the conversational humorous approach appeals to children as foundational Islamic concepts are broken down and explained.  The book is 73 pages with the journal portion starting on page 33. In some of the other books, the journal feels more of a hands on to already shared information, or an accompanying workbook of sorts.  In this book however, I feel like the second half continues to explain the topic at hand, and convey key components in understanding why Allah swt, lets “hard” things happen, how we should view the tests, approach difficulties, and inshaAllah triumph. The book has been checked by a Shaykh, and I highly recommend this important book for elementary, middle grade, and even middle school children. The concept of qadr is difficult, I struggle to truly grasp what we can and cannot change, but this book helps readers focus on what we can change and how to view terrible things that happen to us and to others.

The book starts with Eliyas introducing himself and his family, and then wondering why “Israel is being able to do what they’re doing in Gaza.  Why isn’t Allah stopping it?” As with all Eliyas books, mom and dad are sought out, food is somehow worked in, and time and space are given to Eliyas and his siblings to be given an answer. His parents start by being glad that Eliyas’s heart is soft for the Palestinians and that he is bothered by what is happening to them, before explaining that a lot of understanding is trusting and truly believing that Allah swt knows best.

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The book uses hadith, ayats from the Quran, it even shouts out other Zanib Mian books, The Mindful Book of Wellbeing, for seeing the bigger picture and Eliyas Explains Why Should I Pray my Salat on how to make yourself strong to get through the struggles of this duniya.

The book talks about why Allah swt didn’t make everyone good, and it is clear in saying that being mad and sad are ok too, as long as we are not questioning Allah swt. There are prompts and questions (with answers) and the book is not heavy, despite the subject matter, the tone and approach stay on level and allow readers to connect, alhumdulillah.

You can get your copy here at Crescent Moon Store.

Apr2

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

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

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mar31

Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi

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Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi

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It doesn’t matter how many Word documents you read, Goggle docs you add comments to, and screen shots you revise; to hold a physical book in your hands that you have been blessed to observe from the sidelines through numerous revisions, is mind blowing.  Reading the final version from page 1 to page 324, plus the backmatter, has left me at a loss for words with tears streaming down my cheeks. I truly cannot imagine the book any other way. All past drafts and storylines, were just stepping stones to get the book to this version, and as a fan of literature my whole life, to see this metamorphosis in real time has added to my respect and admiration of authors.  Enough about me though, this review is of the middle grade novel in verse that tells the story of Syrian American Kareem, a loveable boy caught in between choices, siblings, friends, labels, and global acts beyond his control.  He makes mistakes, he tries to make things right, and at the center of it all is his Islamic identity, love of football, and genuinely good heart.  I am biased in that I have self appointed Kareem as my nephew, but even after dozens of readings, I was moved to tears three times during the course of this reading.  I made my teens read the book and they loved it, and like them, we hope we get more Kareem in the future.

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SYNOPSIS:

Kareem loves football, particularly the Bears, and dreams of seeing his Arabic name on an American jersey one day in the NFL.  Unfortunately, he hasn’t made the school team, his best and only friend Adam has moved away, and the coach’s son is offering to talk to his dad for Kareem in exchange for some school help.  Add in a new Syrian kid at school, his mom going to Syria to take care of his grandfather, and the fruition of Executive Order 13769 aka the Muslim Ban, and seventh grade has Kareem scrambling on every down to say the least.

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WHY I LOVE IT:

The football framing, the literary inclusions, the Arabic, the Islam, all combine with such tangible heart to create a seamless read both as a compelling story and as an example of literary craft.  The language is on point and intentional, that even if you don’t know the character or novel referenced, the Arabic words included, or football terminology used, you will be invested in the characters and plot, and find yourself cheering for Kareem.  Often debut authors show promise, but their stories have plot holes, or pacing issues, or inconsistencies, that is not the case with this book.  The crumbs are there that tie everything together, the depth of the characters’ personalities reveal how developed they are, and the timeline keeps the book moving forward.  There are no dry or slow spots in the entire novel, it is easily read in one sitting as you find yourself nervous for Kareem, and curious how it will resolve.

Boys and girls, Muslims and non Muslims, Arabs and non Arabs, all will find themselves drawn to this book, and thinking about the characters, particularly Kareem, long after the final page is read.

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FLAGS:

Some stress and anxiety with missing parents.  Death, bullying, cheating, fighting, lying, racism.

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TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book is a solid middle grade, but the quality of writing and engaging plot makes it work for a middle school book club read as well.  I cannot wait to share this book widely.

Preorders speak volumes and I truly hope if you are able that you will preorder a copy, you can do so here.  Requesting your local public library to shelve the book is also a tremendous help to signal to publishers what type of stories and OWN voice authentic representation consumers will support.

Mar29

Letters from a Prophet by Zimarina Sarwar illustrated by Giorgio Bacchin

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Letters from a Prophet by Zimarina Sarwar illustrated by Giorgio Bacchin

I’m not a fan, as a general rule, of lift the flap books for toddlers (they just tear them), so imagine my delight when I was completely captivated with a lift the flap book for middle grade and up! And the flaps are not trivial, they reveal letters from Prophet Muhammad (saw), maps, interesting facts, and make an already impressive, beautiful non fiction picture book, feel interactive and somehow even more enticing.  The book gives context and information for four letters sent by RasulAllah to Emperor Heraclius, Al-Muqawqis, King Chosroes, and Al-Nijashi.  Each section has the story of the letter and then a two page spread that details lessons we can learn.  The book itself starts with an introduction, a section about the seal and where the ideas to send the letters came from.  It concludes with final thoughts and a bibliography.  I do wish the book was perhaps checked by a scholar, but at least it has sources at the end.  Truly, I learned so much from reading this book and discussing it with my kids, I’m even thinking I might need to gift my mom a copy for Eid. It works for adults and kids alike, a few pages at a time at bedtime, in a classroom setting, as a resource.  I hope books like this become the norm for teaching Islamic history to our children, it really has raised the bar, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with the cover, the large 55 page hardback book with raised images, really sets the tone that this is going to be an experience.  The introduction starts with the basics explaining the value of lettering writing in history, it then establishes where the idea came from to reach out to Byzantium, Egypt, Persia, and Abyssinia.

It gives a brief timeline of the life of Prophet Muhammad saw, tells about the value of seals and what the Prophet’s seal looked like before starting the letters.  Then the four sections begin, the first being to Heraclius the Emperor of Byzantium, then Al-Muqawaqis also known as the Ruler of Egypt: Jurayj ibn Mina-Kiolos, Leader of the Copts, then King Chrosroes also known as the Shah of Persia Khosrow al-Parvaiz II, and then finally Al-Najashi also known as King Negus of Abyssinia As’hama Ibn Abjar.

The Final Thoughts discuss the impact even though most did not convert and offer the reader different aspects to consider while looking at the bigger picture.

The book won the Muslim Book Awards 2023 Non Fiction category and is available for purchase here at Crescent Moon Store.

Mar26

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

Mar24

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

Mar23

Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara Alfageeh

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Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater by Zahra Lari and Hadley Davis illustrated by Sara Alfageeh

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Despite my initial hesitancy, the book really won me over.  The inspiration behind the story is impressive, but even if it was complete fiction, it would still be a cute book.  Over 40 pages, the illustrations and simple text introduce you to Zahra, a young girl in the UAE with big dreams and a lot of determination.  And that is before she even sets foot on the ice.  Four to eight year old kids will enjoy the humor, with the older readers appreciating what she was able to overcome and accomplish.  Adults will appreciate the authors’ and illustrator’s notes at the end and seeing their kids being inspired to pursue their dreams.

The book begins with Zahra watching a movie at a theater and being inspired by the skaters on the screen.  She slides across the floor in her socks that night when she gets home, and declares she is going to be a figure skater.  Her brother points out that she doesn’t know how to skate. When she asks her friend to make her a costume, it is revealed that she isn’t even taking lessons. It seems everyone wants to point out the flaws in Zahra’s plans.  To which she responds, “not yet.”

Luckily her dad supports her, and takes her to the only ice skating rink in the country, where she promptly falls over again and again.  But there is something to be said for not giving up, and the true story of Zahra Lari shows that sometimes you have to be the one to break the barriers and remove the “not yets” on the path to achieving your dreams.

I found this book at my public library, but it can also be purchased here.

Mar22

Any Way You Look by Maleeha Siddiqui

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Any Way You Look by Maleeha Siddiqui

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If you feel that hijab is like salat and that it should be done no matter what, even if you are being forced, your heart is not in it, or you are doing it to appease someone other than Allah swt, than this book might not be for you.  I am not a scholar, I should not be giving anyone Islamic advice or suggestions, but after sitting with this book, having read all 250 pages in one go, this is the crux that I have come up with regarding who will be the target Muslim audience for the book.  The Islam flows and the central Islamic message is the importance of one’s relationship with Allah swt.  So whether the fictional characters are wearing hijab, considering hijab, removing hijab, I was not overly bothered, they were still praying, going to the masjid, attending halaqas, and spending time thinking about their relationship with Allah swt at present, and what they hope it will be in the future.  The niqabi mother never forces her view on her daughters, the book does not get preachy, nor does it only show one perspective, as a result the reader is allowed to appreciate the other themes of the book and the impeccable writing.  That being said, did I wish there was more sitting on the prayer rug conversing with Allah swt about what to do? Yes.  Do I wish that everyone’s hijab journey, both real and fictitious, was easy? Yes. Do I wish we lived in a world that women were respected no matter how they dressed? Absolutely.  This book is middle grade and it takes on numerous sensitive topics, and in my very biased opinion does an incredible job.  The book contains sexual harassment, judgement, peer pressure, stereotypes, gender roles, bullying and so much more.  I truly couldn’t put the book down, the tears of being seen kicked off the book, and then tears of strength concluded the book.  Muslim and non Muslim readers alike, will be better for reading this unapologetic, OWN voice book.

SYNOPSIS:

Ainy’s life is busy: school is wrapping up, summer plans with her best friend Safiya are being made, the family has moved into the basement of her crush Izyaan’s house, her father is in Pakistan caring for an ill grandma, and Amma’s clothing store, Naseerah’s Almari, is getting busy.  Ainy begs to work at the shop as Bajjo takes on a second job to help the family make ends meet, and when her Amma finally agrees, Quratulain’s best laid plans to learn how to be a designer, and have the best summer ever, are about to be challenged.

Before she can design, she has to learn how the shop works, the frustration and time involved make her unable to fulfill her plans with Safiya causing a widening rift with the life long friends.  Bajjo who has always been Ainy’s role model starts shutting her out, and Izyaan’s cousin Yasir seems to be everywhere Ainy is. She is not comfortable with him showing up at her work, bumping in to her all over town, messaging her at night, and while she knows he is in the wrong, she starts to wonder if it is a result of something she has done.  With no one to talk to, Ainy is left to handle the Yasir problem on her own, and the relentless anxiety, isolation, and fear begin to change Ainy and everyone is too busy to notice until all the threads combine: a big wedding order from Yassir’s mom, hijabs being taken off and put on, and Ainy taking a stand.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The book hits close to some events I have experienced in my life, to the point that I had to check if the book had the typical disclaimer that the characters are a work of fiction and any resemblance is coincidental.  The characters feel that real, and their emotions that relatable, that even at my old age, I was moved, invested, and unable to look away.

I love that the author provides a lot of perspectives about hijab, but does not make a heavy handed judgement, the title of the book hints that women should be respected, and valued, no matter how they dress, and the mom in the book does a great job of setting that tone as she asks her clients how they feel in different clothes, as she models how her daughter’s choice to wear or not wear hijab is a reflection of their relationship with Allah swt, as her decision to wear niqab is hers.

There is no internalized Islamophobia, no othering, no watering down.  The book is solid and I think even if you don’t agree with the choices the characters make, the writing is strong enough that you can see why the characters do what they do for them.

My only real critique is the cover.  I don’t know why, but I don’t love it.  It doesn’t scream fashion and Islam, and the strength of the writing, the characters, and their summer together deserve a better visual representation, sorry.

FLAGS:

Triggers for those who’ve experienced unwanted attention and sexual harassment. Does have boys and girls being friends, crushes mentioned, hijab, backbiting, bullying, stereotypes, peer pressure.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

While I can see why some people would not “approve” of the book, and some will love the book, I think in an environment of discussion and someone qualified (not me) to guide young readers, this book would be an incredibly empowering, book to think about, enjoy, and relate to in an Islamic school book club setting.

Please consider preordering/ordering this book.  It is available here on Amazon.

Mar18

The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide to Growing Up by Yasmin El-Husari illustrated by Noon Eltoum

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The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide to Growing Up by Yasmin El-Husari illustrated by Noon Eltoum

I still get asked fairly frequently about maturation books for Muslim kids. Boys are another story, but for girls, I’ve always had to settle on a non Muslim book that gives an introduction and some conversation starters, bur rely on the adult to provide the Islamic perspective.  Alhumdulillah, those days are over, I can now recommend this 47 page book as a great resource to hand to a young Muslim girl to read independently and/or together with a trusted adult.  The conversational text, the Islamic centering, the complimentary subtle illustrations, allow the book to be informative, but not intimidating.  For girls on the cusp of puberty it shows them what to expect and it normalizes what they are going to experience in terms of body changes and hygiene, all within an Islamic framework.  I do wish that it noted if scholars approved the text.  The author is a teacher and the illustrator an MD, but a statement at the beginning asserting the accuracy would give additional credibility to the contents.  In full disclosure, the author was my daughter’s teacher, but none of my kids are currently in her class, and I purchased the book on my own.  Truly the book is so desperately needed, the fact that it is well done is something I am happy to share, and inshaAllah, inshaAllah a book for boys will be forthcoming.

The book starts with an introduction from the author and then a table of contents.  Growing Up, Seeing Spots, A Hairy Situation, Body Safety, A Sweaty Dilemma, Tahaarah!, Periods: The Big Change, Periods in Islam, Discharge, Feminine Protection, Bra Measuring Guide, and Glossary.  There is not a lot of talk about moods, emotions, friendships (relationships), it really is streamlined to cover the body’s changes and practical tips through an Islamic lens.

The tone is very reassuring that what a girl is experiencing or about to experience is normal, something all women go through, nothing to be embarrassed about, and nothing to feel isolated by.  Even the glossary reinforces this this tone by explaining the medical terms and Islamic terminology used.  If a girl reads it alone, she will get that messaging, and hopefully feel empowered to embrace her changes and reach out if needed.  If one is reading it with an adult, the book lends itself easily to discussions that can be more specifically tailored to the young girl, or even a group of girls.

It talks about hijab and provides a chart about who can see you with and without, I’m a bit confused by young children being in both categories, I’m not sure if I am missing something or if it is a mistake.** I also feel like the chapter headings and the section subheadings are not clear as the font, color, and text size are often the same.  The book is small and short, it can be read in one sitting or thumbed through, so the chapters are not particularly necessary, but if it has a table of contents and headings, I feel they should be different in appearance for consistency and ease.

The book is currently available here on Amazon.

**UPDATE FROM AUTHOR:

*Correction Post
Assalamu Alaikum readers both past and present. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your support and engagement with The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide. We had a reader reach out to us pointing out a typo in the text last week. Alhamdulillah that mistake is now corrected. Any book ordered after March 14th should be the correct version of the text. If you bought a copy with the printed mistake it can be returned to Amazon and repurchased inshallah. Again, I appreciate all of your support and Jazakum Allahu Khair 🦋