Tag Archives: Muslim Author

Apr18

Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun by Hena Khan illustrated by Wastana Haikal

Posted on April 18, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

This early chapter book packs a lot of personality, growth, and fun into 127 pages. The writing quality is engaging and the characters relatable. If you have read the Zayd Saleem books you will recognize the family in this new stand alone series. Either way though, from the surprising Naano to the fun Mamoo, the neighborhood children and the desire to maintain her reign as Queen of the neighborhood, the book may be meant for 7-10 year olds, but based on the kids in my house, anyone that picked it up, read the entire book before putting it back down. The grandma covers her head, it mentions she reads Quran, there is a Salaam or two, an InshaAllah, and desi cultural foods mentioned. The focus is not on religion or culture, but the layer adds depth to the characters, and normalizes names and practices in a universal plot.

SYNOPSIS:

Zara’s neighborhood has a lot of kids in it, and Zara has the reputation of being the leader who rules with grace and fairness. It is a position she takes very seriously. When Mr. Chapman moves out and a new family moves in, Zara fears losing her place. The new girl Naomi has a lot of ideas and everyone seems to like them. Zara has a grand idea to set a Guinness World Record, but with her little brother Zayd messing her up, nothing is going as planned for the summer.

As she finds her self alone a lot and not having much fun, she decides to change things up. She works to be less bossy, less controlling, more willing to to share her crown. With a lot of heart, internal growth, recognizing her strengths and weaknesses, the neighborhood kids just might have a record-breaking summer.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that the story wasn’t just surface level, it acknowledged some emotions and stresses and introspection, that I was pleasantly surprised to see played out in an early chapter book. I really just enjoy the family, they read relatable and fun. The Nanoo’s surprise ability to hula hoop and her pettiness over a cooking competition genuinely made me smile. The neighborhood kids and the politics of the different aged children having to find ways to compromise reminds me a lot of my summers as a kid, and the nostalgia was sweet. I like the Islamic touchstones, I would have loved if they had to go in at sunset to pray or something of the like, but I was glad that at least that Nanoo reads Quran and an inshaAllah in the text made me feel seen.

FLAGS:

Music, dancing, frustration, jealousy

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I think this book should definitely be on every library and class shelf. It releases tomorrow on Amazon, but Crescent Moon Store already has it.

Apr15

Must Love Pets: Friends Fur-Ever by Saadia Faruqi

Posted on April 15, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Must Love Pets: Friends Fur-Ever by Saadia Faruqi

This 208 middle grade novel by a Muslim author features a desi family and the protagonist’s love of pets. Iman Bashir is on summer break and is determined to convince her mom and grandfather that she is responsible enough for a pet dog. The internal realization of selfishness, her ability to problem solve, be a good friend, and know the limits around her, keep the story from being whiny and annoying. The writing is superb and the characters relatable. I wish there was a bit more Pakistani culture, or some indication of the characters faith (there is one Salaam), not because all books need it, but rather because it almost seems that text goes out of its way to not contain it. The story is clean and the first in a series that I think most kids will enjoy. The father in the story has passed away and at times Iman struggles with sharing her thoughts on him, I don’t think it would be triggering, it is subtle and adds depth to the story, but it is worth noting incase it hits too close to home.

SYNOPSIS:

Iman has been begging, or rather asking her mom for a dog at every chance she can get, but after 43 rejections she is thinking she needs a new plan. When she meets the new neighbor, Olivia, who is the same age as her and her best friend London, an idea is hatched to start a pet sitting business. Iman’s mom is always stressing how important it is to help others after all. Opportunity strikes when Sir Teddy’s owner has to rush out of town, the girls offer their services to watch the beloved dog. But how do you share caring for a dog at three different houses? How do you let your parents know what you have committed to? What do you do when your brother is allergic to dogs, or you have a cat that doesn’t like dogs, or your house is still in boxes? What do you do when your first customer goes missing?

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like the side stories the best: the grief of losing a parent, the Dada Jee and his lemons, the soccer team helping search for the missing dog. The story itself is fine, albeit predictable on the surface. Where it really shines is in the point of view of Iman. I love that her internal dialogue knows that she is being selfish, that she is being a bad friend, but that she is still feeling these very real feelings adds depth to the book, character, and plot.

I like that the mom is a strong single mom, and I hope that as more books in the series are written we get to see some emotional unpacking and connection between her and Iman. I do like that the meaning of Iman’s name is explained in Arabic, and desi foods are featured, but I couldn’t help but feel that the writing would set up for something more, and then abruptly pull back. There really is no explanation about why Dada Jee doesn’t like dogs other than saying in Pakistan they aren’t allowed in the house. So finish the though, face palm, they are not let in because religiously which has influenced culture- dogs are generally not brought inside, it is a bit of a contentious point. I get because Muslims feel differently about dogs it was probably kept out, but she is a talented writer, she could have still acknowledged the hole in the rationale without committing to a side. Sure in my Islamic School Librarian head, I would have loved the characters taking their shoes off when they enter the house, eating halal, and pausing to pray, but I accept that isn’t the story. At times though it didn’t feel OWN voice, it felt very watered down on the cultural rep and it makes me wonder why it was really included at all.

FLAGS:

Clean. Loss of a parent.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This is a solid MG book and would be a great addition on a school or classroom library shelf.

Apr13

The Most Exciting Eid by Zeba Talkhani illustrated by Abeeha Tariq

Posted on April 13, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Most Exciting Eid by Zeba Talkhani illustrated by Abeeha Tariq

I was really excited for this book, I even contacted Scholastic USA and the author to see how we could get it here in America, but once I received my copy from the UK, I was disappointed. It offers nothing new to the available Eid titles aside from the pretty illustrations. It is a rather forgettable story, with nothing more than surface level growth, predictable emotion, and a formulaic retelling of a basic Eid day. Meant for preschoolers (3-4 year olds) the story will suffice as an introduction to Eid and reinforce the importance of sharing with others, but anyone older will find the story lacking unfortunately, and question why they didn’t go for Eid salat, if the cousin was even upset about not getting to ride Safa’s new bike, if the neighbors are poor and needy, and if they have gifts for neighbors or are just giving out random leftovers. Five years ago when reasonably priced brother sister duo books celebrating Eid were popping up everywhere, this book would have warranted excitement of representation and Eid joy, but the quality has elevated and while there might not be anything “wrong” with the book, it still feels like it sadly falls short.

Safa and her parents see the new moon and that means it is Eid. She is so excited as her mom puts henna on her like every year, and her dad brings out the box of decorations. At night she is anticipating presents, gifts, new clothes and food that she can hardly sleep.

The next morning she comes down in new clothes, prays, asks Allah for a new doll, a colouring pencil set and a bicycle. Guests come over, even Alissa her cousin. She opens her presents revealing she got everything she asked for. Alissa calls after Safa, but Safa doesn’t want to share, she’s been waiting for this bike forever. Since sharing is the point of the story, it is worth noting that Alissa in the text shouts after her and in the illustration is shown to be calling out, there is no reinforcement that Alissa even wants to ride the bike. I suppose I’m glad that Safa feels it, and regrets it later, but it is subtle and I don’t know that a 4 year old will even register that, that is implied.

Mom then calls to Safa while carrying two huge purple bags to come with her to share joy and food with those in need. Safa adds some of the treats she has received in to the big purple bags and they hand the items out to their neighbors. I love that they are visiting their neighbors and it brings the giver and receiver joy, but the set-up is that neighbors and those in need are one in the same, and I think that is conflating two different things.

Some neighbors get small gifts, one a potted plant, another homemade looking food, and then there is one bag left, somehow the purple huge garbage bag sized bags have shrunk to being a shopping bag size and the next recipient is a surprise: grandparents.

The mom and daughter join the grandparents for desi cultural foods of samosas, kebabs, biryani. Dad does not join them, and I’m not sure why the grandparents didn’t come to the party at Safa’s house? I also wondered if the party at the house was still happening, because once Safa realizes she enjoyed sharing, her parents and Alissa are seen outdoors, with the little girls on bikes and Alissa asking her cousin where she went.

There is a two page spread glossary at the end which defines words that are not in the text, but is informative. It mixes “cultural” words such as Allah Hafiz being defined as being a common way among Muslims to say goodbye, which technically isn’t wrong, but it is an Urdu word and only used by Desis. It isn’t in the story, so it seems off to me as well.

The illustrations are the highlight in the book. They are vibrant, expressive and engaging. The mom seems to have a dupatta on her head, it might pass for hijab, but she has wavy tendrils showing on the side, even the grandma shows much of the top of her hair. Neither the father in the story or grandfather have beards.

Apr11

My Dad is Always Working by Hafsah Dabiri illustrated by Arwa Salameh

Posted on April 11, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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My Dad is Always Working by Hafsah Dabiri illustrated by Arwa Salameh

This sweet 26 page story addresses a universal feeling with Islamic flavor. The Black Muslim family in the illustrations is adorable, the sprinkling in of Islamic terms is lovely, and the concept of dad working unseen for the benefit of his child is touching, (I hope a Mom book is forthcoming). The text size changing for no reason bothered me though, as did some of the wordiness and possible contradictions. Ultimately the story will resonate with many children and mirror a common feeling that is not often addressed for young children, and I’m glad I have it on my bookshelf.

The book starts with Abdullah waking up for class and noticing his clothes laid out on his bed, and his dad with a dirty shirt rushing off to work. He misses his dad and muses that his dad is “always working,” As he eats his favorite strawberry and chocolate pancakes. He then jumps on his bike with his clean cleats and heads off to Sunday class with his friend Khalid.

In class they learn about “JazakhAllah Khair,” and homework is to make a card for a person who deserves our thanks. When Abdullah’s mom, not dad, picks him up he decides to make a card for his mom who has woken him up, set out his clothes, made him breakfast and picked him up for class.

At dinner however, when he discusses class with his mom and the homework the mualimah has assigned, Abdullah’s mom shares with him all that his dad has done and Abdullah reconsiders why his dad is “always working.”

I don’t quite get why the next night when dad is cooking the food is burned, nor am I sure why it said Arabic school, when it seems it is Islamic school, or why he rode his bike to class but then his mom picks him up. I do like that in the praising of the dad, the mom is not diminished, but rather both are elevated. An important book, but as I often say, I just wish it was edited better, or more. It has a lot of potential, the story idea is great, but the writing isn’t polished and it makes it hard to share repeatedly or with a wider audience because of it.

Purchased at Crescent Moon Store also available on Amazon

Apr8

A Show for Two by Tashie Bhuiyan

Posted on April 8, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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I didn’t love the author’s debut novel, but wanted to see what a second novel would offer, and sadly it really is a lot of the same: light funny romcom surface story featuring a Bangladeshi Muslim character lead mixed in with layers of mental health, a toxic family, high school stress, and cultural expectations driving the plot. There is crude language, hetero, lesbian, bi, and pansexual relationships discussed, but nothing more than kissing is detailed in any of the scenes. There is a lot of cultural trauma from the parents and to the book’s credit, it does establish pretty early on that the main character is not religious, but that she does believe in Allah swt. Similarly, there is a Bangladeshi loving family in the story, so it is not making a critique on the entire culture, it is just the character’s family that is cruel. Ultimately, at 416 pages I was surprised that there were gaps in character arcs and plot. I never really liked the protagonist, Mina, but because of how underdeveloped and pivotal the best friend and younger sister were, when it all came to a climax, I found myself rooting for her, which is a very shallow reasoning in an OWN voice book. Additionally, the parents are terrible, and had I dnf-ed it (I was tempted until about 30% through it) I doubt I would have ever known that there was a time that they weren’t terrors. The peeling back of the layers of the family came too late, too slow, and the progression was muddled. I probably will not actively seek out further books from this author if the same themes and tropes are present, if she changes it up, I probably could be persuaded. The book is marketed 7th grade and up, but with the triggers, hate, language, content, genre, language, length I would say 17 and up, if at all.

SYNOPSIS:
Samina “Mina” Rahman is waiting to leave New York and her hateful parents, and start her life at USC as a film student. All she needs to do is win the Golden Ivy Film Competition, and get excepted to USC. Her parents dismissing her dreams, passions, and abilities agree to only let her leave if she wins the competition, doubting that it would ever happen, they even put it in writing. Co-president of the high school film club and best friend, Rosie is equally determined to win, there is just one big problem, every year the winning film has a cameo by a famous actor. Cue accidental meeting of Mina and Emmitt Ramos, up and coming indie movie heart throb that is cast in the new Firebrand blockbuster. Sent to Mina’s high school to research for his upcoming role, Mina is tasked with convincing him to make an appearance in their film. It is a romance story, so you can see where it is headed in this enemies to lovers book.

As family, friends, and college admission stresses mount, the simplicity of what Mina wants and how to go about getting it will be called in to question as her walls crumble and she will have to evaluate people in her life and how they will be affected by her actions.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like that the story is based on real events in the author’s life, not just the religion, culture, mental health threads, but that an actor came to her high school in preparation for a part: Tom Holland. I also like that while her parents don’t value her, she has found a support group of sorts that do. At times Mina reads a lot older than she is, particularly when she is admonishing the freshman, but at other times she storms off pouting and seems to be very childish. I vacillate between this being intentional and it being an inconsistency in the writing. The younger sister Anam is painfully written. She is bold and confrontational, yet at the same time so clingy and needy and all over the place. At one point I thought she perhaps was suicidal and was braced for a really dark twist in the story, but no it was just Anam being Anam, I suppose, and the stress was never revisited let alone resolved.

I truly dreaded the passages about Mina’s home life and her family, they all were just awful to each other and rather than taking Mina’s side because I was shown, I found myself questioning what I was missing in the before and after dynamic. It is clear they are wretched, the victim doesn’t need to justify the abuse. The transformation of the family dynamic just felt lacking and in fiction when parts are explored it could have really showed some of the micro aggressions and changes that existed and made the relationship salvageable so that the reader would understand why saving and fixing the family were no longer options. Generational trauma is real and serious and a little more attention I think could have provided an amazing mirror to readers dealing with similar elements.

If the book was half the length I would assume that details would be glossed over, but this book had room, and I don’t understand why so few photography and director references seem to find their way into the text to show that these characters truly are passionate about what they are claiming to desire. I know the story isn’t a film story or a culture story, but they don’t spend hours editing the film or working on props? Emmitt is regularly pulled away from shoots, but always seems to have enough photos to choose from? Mina talks of her dad cooking, but foods aren’t detailed, the connection of food to love to family and that being severed seemed like a gaping hole in the crumbling home scenes. If halal food and no pork can make it into a love relationship, that much cultural/religious depth should have made it inside a families home.

As mentioned in the intro, it didn’t bother me from a religious perspective that Mina was off kissing a boy, that Anam had boyfriends, etc. because Islam was accounted for and the characters are not practicing, so I do appreciate that it didn’t become a stereotypical rebelling against religion book. Truly, thank you.

FLAGS:

Language, relationships (straight, bi, lesbian, pan), kissing, making out, hand holding, lying, mental health, hate, deception, cruelty, emotional abuse, angry ex boyfriend, triggers.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
Would not shelve or encourage young readers at our Islamic school to read this.

Apr4

Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Tiffany Rose

Posted on April 4, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Tiffany Rose

I really don’t know what more you could want from a 40 page brightly illustrated picture book for ages 5 and up. I felt seen, I got a little emotional, I was inspired, I smiled, I felt compassion and empathy, hope and nervousness. I was reminded of the power of role models, of getting down on a child’s level, literally. I was reassured that we all make mistakes, learn differently, and can still thrive. Suffice it to say the book is moving. The OWN voice lyricism will resonate with children of all colors, but that the messaging is from a Black Muslim boy and is so unapologetic and proud and beautiful, makes the emotions Abdul feels palpable. Every classroom bookshelf needs this book, every child needs to hear it, read it, and explore the layers contained within. Alhumdulillah.

The book starts out with absolute joy. Abdul loves to tell stories. Writing stories, however, is something else. The letters are tricky, they get turned around, they aren’t straight and crisp like the one’s the barber cuts. His pages don’t look like the neat lines of his classmates.

He decides that maybe his stories aren’t for books. It isn’t like he even sees stories like his in books: stories about the people and places that he knows.

Then one day a visitor comes to class, Mr. Muhammad, and he is a writer. He encourages the children to, “write new stories with new superheroes.” Abdul tries, but he keeps making mistakes, and then he has to erase, and before long his paper is covered in smudges and holes.

Mr. Muhammad encourages Abdul to keep trying and fix the messes later, Abdul has an idea, and with a “bismillah,” he gives it another go. There is no perfection, there is just determination. The struggles, success, and support of his peers and Mr. Muhammad, just might change Abdul’s mind about his stories.

I love that the book is Black centered and Muslim centered. There is praying salat, mention of bean pies, a classmate in hijab, and saying of Bismillah. I’ve read the book seven or so times and it has yet to get old. The characters burst with personality, even the side ones, that I’m positive it will be a favorite at story time and bedtime alike.

Can be purchased at Crescent Moon Store or Amazon

Mar28

It’s Springtime! by Rabia Bashir illustrated by Azra Momin

Posted on March 28, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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It’s Springtime! by Rabia Bashir illustrated by Azra Momin

This sweet 18 page board book introduces seasons to our littlest Muslims through rhyming lines, Islamic gratitude and activities enjoyed during certain times of the year. It even has a “spot and talk” activity at the back and a way to explain “Alhumdulillah” to children. The text is simple and the illustrations engaging for ages infant to pre-k.

The book starts with spring and dedicates four pages to praising Allah swt by appreciating the flowers and baby animals before looking forward to summer, that is on its way.

Summer is also four pages of saying Alhumdulillah for the sunshine, ice cream, the beach, and sandcastles, before heading off to autumn.

The book covers all four seasons and mentions that after winter is spring again. The book’s size and the thickness of the pages makes it great for toting around for little ones, and the flowing lines make it a quick read that you don’t mind reading over and over again, Alhumdulillah.

Songs and activities available at www.preciousbees.com

Mar25

Ali and the Gladiators by Farheen Khan illustrated by Evgeniya Erokhina (Ali Series Book #1)

Posted on March 25, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ali and the Gladiators by Farheen Khan illustrated by Evgeniya Erokhina (Ali Series Book #1)

This new early chapter book series from Ruqaya’s Bookshelf comes as a boxed set (Books 1-5), so I wasn’t sure if I should review all of them as a collection, or just the first book. I don’t typically review additional books in a series, but these books can be read out of order and stand alone just fine. Ultimately, I’m just going to review the first book, but know the entire series is silly, clean and engaging for ages 7 and up (2nd grade will love these), they will connect with boys, girls, Muslims, non Muslims, and get readers of all ages smiling, if not laughing, at Ali’s outrageous adventures and choices. Ali is presumably Muslim, the author is Muslim, the publisher is Muslim, but there is nothing religious at all in the text. Even the one about Eid is very culture framed, not “I’m Muslim and this is what we do and why,” so to speak. In Ali and the Gladiator there is a friend named Abdullah, his parents are referred to as Mama and Baba, they eat at Moe’s Shawarma Shop, and eat daal and roti at home, so there are hints of culture and religion that will further mirror a Muslim reader’s experience, but the focus is on the hilarious situations that Ali finds himself getting in to and out of with good friends, kindness, enthusiasm, and bravery. All the books are about 60 pages long with short chapters, detailed pencil style drawings every few pages, inviting text, and an activity at the end.

TODAY (3/25/22) IS THE LAST DAY TO PREORDER AT THE SPECIAL PRICE, and THE BEAUTIFUL BOXED COLLECTION RELEASES APRIL 1st, JUST IN TIME FOR RAMADAN!

SYNOPSIS:

Ali really wants to impress his teacher, Mr. O’Reilly and a big project on Rome will be a great opportunity to do so, but he isn’t anxious to get started. He has his April Party to prepare for, his friends to hang out with, and plus he knows he works best under pressure. When he finally realizes he should get started, all the books on Rome are checked out, save a small book on the floor, yes Ali is on the floor in the library. The book is about how to become a gladiator and that gives Ali an idea. As his imagination works out the details he is off to his favorite store, the hardware store. He has weapons to make and actors to train, and beasts to tame. The assignment is supposed to be written, but Ali is extra and he does not want to be boring. When he raises his hand to go first in the presentation, Mr. O’Reilly is confused, no one is presenting, they are just handing in their reports, but when gladiators and a “ferocious” cat enter the room, it is clear that Ali has his own way of doing most everything.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that it is fun and well written. The characters grow and the writing and descriptions smooth, the illustrations add detail and the books are perfectly silly for their intended audience. So many books for this demographic resort to brattiness or potty humor, and I love that these are outrageous shenanigans, but they don’t cross into being obnoxious

I do wish there was more Islam in the books, or really any. It doesn’t need to be Islam centered of preachy, but to add a bit of depth to the characters and flesh out their backgrounds would have been nice. The desi foods are included, why not mention halal or toss in some inshaAllahs or that Ali gets to work on his weapons after fajr.

I absolutely love the presentation of all five books in a hard glossy case. They look lovely on a shelf and would make wonderful gifts for Eid, or any time really.

FLAGS:

none

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I hope to have these in our school library, and encourage the 2nd and 3rd grade teacher to look in to having them on their classroom shelves. Kids will be tempted to pick them up off the shelf, they will thumb through them and be drawn in, inshaAllah once they read one, they will read the whole series, and if that isn’t praise for a book series, I don’t know what is. Happy Reading!

Mar23

ABC’s of Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Michile Khan

Posted on March 23, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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ABC’s of Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Michile Khan

I absolutely love this ABC book, it truly does Pakistan proud and I’m thrilled that I could obtain it, it wasn’t easy, sorry not sure where you can get it in the USA, and it isn’t available even at Liberty Books in Karachi, but if you can find it, grab a copy, or two because it really is a well done tour of the country. My only suggestions would be thicker pages, the hardback 8.5 x 11 binding is nice, but the pages seem to have curled in the transporting from overseas. Also, some pages have a large A or E, but others such as the words for B, C, D, are just all flowing story style over a two page spread. I don’t mind one way or another, but I do side with consistency, either have the letter on all pages singled out, or on none. The effort to string the pages together makes it read very much like a story, and I appreciate that it features little snippets of fact and history in talking bubbles throughout.

Little Hassan and his cat Makhan introduce themselves and then take you on a tourney of Pakistan. Included are landmarks, handicrafts, foods, famous people, festivals, sports, and more. It concludes with a reminder to carry facemasks and hand sanitizers, which might date the book a little in the future, it was published in 2020.

The book works for non Pakistani’s to learn, especially those of us with children that have not been to the “homeland,” as well as for Pakistanis in Pakistan to feel proud of their culture, history, tradition, and landmarks. There are beautiful masjids and the azaan mentioned and hijab wearing and non wearing women, as well as famous men and women included. It is inclusive on the F for festivals page where it mentions Eid, Basant, Christmas, Diwali, and Children’s Literature Festival.

Enjoyable text and illustrations alike. InshaAllah, will be more readily available if we can convince the author and illustrator and publisher that there is demand, I hope, hint hint. Happy Reading!

Mar21

Rapunzel: An Islamic Tale by Fawzia Gilani illustrated by Sarah Nesti Willard

Posted on March 21, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Rapunzel: An Islamic Tale by Fawzia Gilani illustrated by Sarah Nesti Willard

Having read the other “princess” retellings by Fawzia Gilani I didn’t rush out to acquire this book, but when a friend said it was available at the public library, I was surprised and admittedly curious. This book just like the others in the series are very much in my eyes “Islamic fiction” for how centered Islam is for the characters and how it is used to frame the story toward a religious message. The fact that a small city library in a Southern state purchased and shelves it, is pretty impressive. As for the story, well it is really long, and wordy, and every page is filled with tiny text filled lines that I doubt most kids will be able to sit through. The Islamic content is very present, the Uyghur setting appreciated, but wow do the 41 pages pack a lot of text in to a fairytale re-telling. There is a lot of Islam and Quran and at times it fits well, at other times incredibly forced. The book claims it is for ages 5-8, but truthfully I don’t know that any age would be able to sit through it and be engaged.

In a tangled forest lives a wife and her husband, a clockmaker and a woodcutter. Before they married, the wealthy and cold Shuna Leng had hoped to marry the woodcutter, but he never asked, and she never forgot. As a result seeing her neighbors happy keeps her jealous heart plotting and conniving to bring the couple misery and pain.

One day, while pregnant, the wife has a strong craving for rapunzel greens. Some just happen to grow on Shuna Leng’s property. The husband is nervous to ask, but when his wife falls weak he makes an effort. She doesn’t answer, so he picks some growing along the path and leaves coin for payment. This wife regains her strength and then begins craving them again. He decides to do what he did last time, but is caught. The evil woman agrees that he can have all the rapunzel greens he wants but if the baby is a girl she shall be given in payment.

Once born the baby is taken and kept hidden from her parents. Various governesses are employed over the years to tend to Rapunzel and who teach her Islam and kindness. Ever so often they have to up and move and abandon their routine when people start asking questions, but the lessons learned from the Quran stay with Rapunzel and she endures what she must.

Eventually she ends up in a tower, she offers to help a stray boy recite Quran, and the evil plot of keeping her locked up unravels. Yes SPOILER she is returned to her parents.

It is a decent retelling in theory, it just is really long, and there isn’t quality character building to invest the reader to the side stories being presented.