Tag Archives: Muslim Characters

Mar8

Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

Posted on by
Standard
Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

This brightly illustrated Eid book has cute illustrations, but is very basic.  There is very little about Eid, in fact I have no idea if it is supposed to be Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha. The girl is outside when it gets dark and no mention of iftar is made, but there is no crescent moon for Eid al Adha as there is one prominently seen in the illustration, so any insight into the matter would be great.  The book is just a little girl running around looking for the missing Eid presents.  It doesn’t talk about traditions or faith, Hana is literally just moving from location to location to look under the bed, in the wardrobe, the broom cupboard, the bathroom, the garbage, outside, in the shed. So yes, yet another Eid book with no Islam, no heart, no explaining why finding presents makes this the “best Eid ever!” Sigh. Truly it could be, Can you find my birthday presents or Christmas presents, and nothing in the story would have to change.

The book starts the evening before Eid, and Mummy and Hana are laying the table, and admiring the Eid decorations.  Mummy has a lot still to do and asks Hana to help by getting the Eid presents to Nani’s house for the party.  Only problem is that Hana can’t find them.

She looks everywhere, inside and out, and when Daddy comes home he is too busy to help.  He shoos her off to Nani’s next door, where the mystery is solved and the next morning when the presents are opened everyone is happy.

I wish there was some emotion, maybe whatever was in the little blue box for her Nani had her excited, and when it goes missing she is anxious.  Even to mention that they go open presents after Eid prayers seems like a natural inclusion, but alas, there is no emotion, no Islam, and no real point of the book.

Mar7

Mariam’s Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and her Food Truck of Hope by Leila Boukarim illustrated by Sona Avedikian

Posted on by
Standard
Mariam’s Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and her Food Truck of Hope by Leila Boukarim illustrated by Sona Avedikian

This 44 page biographical picture book set in the Palestinian refugee camp, Bourj Al-Barajneh in Lebanon, centers the story of Mariam Al-Shaar and her determination to start a restaurant and food truck despite the restrictions of refugees and women. Her drive and persistence leads to the creation of Soufra, the home of not just good food, but also community, hope, dreams, and change. the The illustrations, the heart of the story, the backmatter, are all well done, yet for some reason, the emotional impact seemed lacking for me.  I didn’t “feel” inspired, or moved.  I didn’t feel her pain, her grit, her joy when it all came to fruition. For a biography, I didn’t feel like I got to know Mariam, or why this was her dream.  The book explains being a refugee, and not having full rights, but it doesn’t show the reader. We are told Mariam wants to do “something,” but the “something” she finds, is what other women want. “We want to cook,” they tell her.  “We are good at it.” The reader though never is shown, why they want to cook, or what is stopping them from cooking, and even if Mariam wants to cook too.  It is clear the struggles Mariam faces when she wants to branch out and start taking the food to those outside of the refugee camp by way of a food truck, but lines such as “They tell her not to risk it,” fall flat when the reader doesn’t know what is at risk.  The absent context makes it hard to cheerlead and understand why this is so revolutionary.  Ultimately, it is a lot of telling, not showing. The story is fine on the surface, but I don’t think it will linger and illuminate refugee struggles, Palestinian struggles, or women’s struggles beyond the page because we are not show what those are, and how inspiring it is that Mariam Al-Shaaar overcame them.

The book starts with prose that describes that Palestinian refugees “live between worlds.”  The camp is not just physical walls, but also walls that keep her from living her dreams. She decides to do something about it, but doesn’t have to do it alone, she reaches out to others and “Soufra is born! A feast.  A table full of food.”  It is a way for women to come together to cook, earn a living, and be among friends.

People around the camp flock to Soufra and the women “have changed.  Their children have changed. Mariam has changed.” Mariam wants to take Soufra beyond the camp, and is determined to buy a truck, learn how to drive, and share their food.  More walls can’t keep Mariam down, after two years, the food truck is a reality. 

The book concludes with an Author’s Note about the author interviewing Mariam Al-Shaar, a beautiful Food Glossary, details about Refugees and Refugee Camps, and a Selected Bibliography.  The author is not Muslim, but Mariam is and she and many of the illustrated women wear hijab and are visibly Muslim. 

 

Mar5

Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

Posted on by
Standard
Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

Gorgeous illustrations, joyful Islam, and a sweet story about a little boy realizing there is more to Eid than presents. The protagonists voice is really on point and a great way to counter so many of the books, and real life antics of kids equating Eid to being about gifts. This 23 page picture book for 3-6 year olds, works for both Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha, and follows little Ibraheem as he searches for his gifts throughout his sunnah and love filled Eid day at home and at the mosque.  I love that it shows him getting drawn into the khutba, doing takbir, ruku and sajood, eating dates before going, and taking a different path on the way home.  It doesn’t have any backmatter, but if reading it to a child, I would hope the little details in the text and illustrations would be discussed. It took me a few readings to be ok with how Ibraheem discusses his gift order with Allah swt, but I think for little kids and with the consistent tone of the book, it makes it relatable.  I also don’t know why his mom and rest of the family do not go for Eid prayers. Other females are shown at the mosque in the background, and people of various ages and mobility, but alas it is just Ibraheem and his Baba at salah, and a house full of love and family the rest of the day.

The book starts with an illustration of Ibraheem hanging up his “Eid Sunnahs” chart next to his “Dear Allah” swt list of gifts that he wants. The text then starts with it being Eid day and Ibraheem looking in all the usual places for his presents, but comes up empty. He wonders if his parents forgot, if Allah forgot, but he knows that would never happen. Luckily Baba and he are off to the mosque for prayers, maybe, he thinks, the presents are there.

As the father and son walk to the mosque they greet others, and then settle in for the “Eid day stories.” I don’t love that the khutbah is referred to as such, but that is probably just me. When the iqamah is called, it is time to pray and Ibraheem copies his Baba before they make their way into “the sea of smiling faces.”

Back at home it is time to enjoy food, games, fun, and cuddles with a bustling house.  Presents still haven’t been found, but the day has been perfect, and presents can always be opened tomorrow.

I love that this is a traditionally published book, that centers Islam on Eid and radiates with joy.  The large size makes it easy to share in all settings, and the illustrations beg to be explored and appreciated.

Feb18

What Shape is Your Mosque? By Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Zeynep Begüm Şen, Ayşenur Kazan, Hümeyra Yograncı, Hatice Leyla Arslanbenzer, Gökhan Özdemir, Özlem Güneş, Rumeysa T. Karaca, Şüheda Başer Yılgör, Aybüke B. Aslanoğlu, M. Ahmet Demir, Fatma Betul Akbal

Posted on by
Standard
What Shape is Your Mosque? By Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Zeynep Begüm Şen, Ayşenur Kazan, Hümeyra Yograncı, Hatice Leyla Arslanbenzer, Gökhan Özdemir, Özlem Güneş, Rumeysa T. Karaca, Şüheda Başer Yılgör, Aybüke B. Aslanoğlu, M. Ahmet Demir, Fatma Betul Akbal

Framed the same as the author’s book entitled What Color is Your Mosque? The readers are taken all over the world to see masjids in a variety of shapes: conical, spiral, oblong, flower, boat shaped and more.  Each two page spread has a child introducing themselves, where they are from, the name of the mosque and some bits of information to engage the reader.  It isn’t a literary masterpiece, but I don’t think it attempts to be.  It is a fun informative book to show children the diversity of architecture, the universal practice of Islam, and be motivated by the prompt at the end to ponder how they might design their own masjid. I particularly like that the author points out that the first mosque she ever prayed in was a converted house.  This book is great in small groups and story times, where the pictures can be looked at, and lends itself to further research of looking up pictures of the mosque’s included, building mosques with blocks or legos, or paired with a similarly inspired craft.

The book starts with a note to parents, some hadith, a dedication, and then the author, Jenny introducing herself to the reader, and starting the journey.  The book shares mosques in Kuwait, Qatar, Indonesia, Germany, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Kazakhstan, China. Each spread is illustrated by a different artist, but all are beautifully done.

I found the pages smile inducing, as I Googled to see real photographs of the mosques mentioned.  One of my favorites was the Rijeka Mosque in Croatia that was designed by a sculpture and changes shapes depending on the vantage point.  And I was shocked I had never seen or heard, or somehow noticed, the Kashti Wali Masjid in Karachi, Pakistan.  I masjid that is boat shaped and very near to my familys’ homes.  

I purchased my copy from Crescent Moon and if you use code ISL (my initials) at checkout you can save 10% on your entire order.

Feb14

Huda F Wants to Know? by Huda Fahmy

Posted on by
Standard
Huda F Wants to Know? by Huda Fahmy

Huda Fahmy books always make me laugh, but this is the first one that made me cry. Centering mental health and her parents divorce, we see Huda grappling with change, loss, anger, and resolve in a raw vulnerable way. While ever hopeful, and at times comical, the book is also incredibly moving and insightful.  Whether as part of the Huda F series or her two graphic novels prior, her autobiographic books always tackle heavy topics in a joyful, hilarious, honest way that appeal to girls and boys from middle school and up.  I know at 263 pages, this book is a YA read, but in my house my kids (daughter and sons) have loved reading her perspective about hijab, arranged marriages, identity, and sibling relationships. The unapologetic Muslim authenticity is unparalleled, and that non Muslims champion her books as well, truly shows the value of good story telling, and gives me hope in an often bleak world. Huda’s books are staples: new books are anxiously awaited, previous books are regularly reread, and Huda F Wants to Know? continues in that tradition.  This book isn’t just fun, it is important- it normalizes mental health, empowers families shaken up by change, and makes us all feel seen and less alone. SubhanAllah.

The book starts with Huda’s plan for her junior year in high school, her friend Nabz and her are determined to buckle down and get scholarships.  When Huda’s parents call a family meeting, she thinks she just might be getting a car, but instead she and her sisters learn, their parents are getting a divorce. The book then rewinds to show a little lead up before Huda’s world shatters, and junior year’s blue print is tossed aside.  We see her going to the masjid for weekly halaqas where Sr Amal discusses topics like societal pressures, family expectations, gender bias in education, and other relevant topics.  At one such gathering, Dr Haifa came to talk about mental health.  We also see her crushing on a boy at school, fighting with her mom and sisters, and the girls going on a road trip to a Muslim convention.

Every storyline, every twist, every page really, has Islam woven in.  It is the way the characters see themselves, see their world, handle stresses, find peace.  Mental health is not separate from the hadith and sunnah, it is blended and approached in a holistic manner.  Divorce is understood Islamically, and the clarity in which it is articulated will, I imagine, be so reassuring for Muslims who have gone through it, and seen others go through it.  Just as my boys years ago read That Can Be Arranged, and became incredibly curious about marriage in Islam, I have no doubt that this book, will also be a powerful conversation starter for so many.  I don’t know if that is part of why Huda write, but it definitely is a result of her books.  I wish I could ask her, I’d also want to know how she decides what to share of her own life, where the line of reality and fiction for her is and how she sets and maintains those boundaries? I also desperately would like to ask her if she plans to write forever, because the world benefits from her books, needs her books, I know I do.  No pressure or anything.

 There are resources for mental health at the back of the book, some even specifically for Muslims. Please preorder this book and/or request it at your local public library as a show of support, it releases in April.

Feb4

Maymoona’s Moon: A Special Eid Story by Razeena Omar Gutta illustrated by Zayneb Haleem

Posted on by
Standard
Maymoona’s Moon: A Special Eid Story by Razeena Omar Gutta illustrated by Zayneb Haleem

I love the illustrations of this book and have been trying to get it since it released in Australia to no avail, it finally is being released here in America and the 32 page hardback book is so cute to look through.  The story is, well, sigh.  It isn’t bad or wrong, but for a religious centered book, it has no Islam, no Eid feels, no faithful reliance.  Rather than using religion to bring the sighting of the moon to little Muslims and non Muslims, and blending it with the protagonists desire to be an astronaut as the framing of the story, it just focuses on the celestial intrigue.  “Cosmic compasses,” “galactic goggles,” and a cheering squad are needed for “Operation Galaxy Gaze,” there are no “Bismillahs” or “Alhumdulillahs” when looking for the moon, and ultimately seeing it.  Again, it isn’t wrong, it just seems a little unfortunate.  This book will be read in Islamic and public schools, libraries, and everywhere else children, preschool to early elementary, gather with hopes of hearing a Ramadan or Eid story.  I’m just fairly confident, none will leave knowing what Eid is, or why it is important to Muslims.  They will get that Maymoona loves the stars, there is an “inshaAllah” when she dreams of being an astronaut some day, but even the backmatter entitled, “Why is Seeing the Moon so Important for Eid?” focuses on just that, the seeing of the moon, not the month of Ramadan ending and Eid joy prevailing.  I know I’m harsh when it comes to Islamic rep, this one just skirted the line of telling us about searching for the moon, leaving Ramadan behind, and the excitement of Eid, when it so easily could have shown us, and left a lasting impression long after the book closed.

The book starts with the sights and sounds of Eid approaching. There is only one thing left to do and that is something Maymoona takes very seriously, looking for the moon.  It is the most exciting part of Eid for her, as she dreams of being a future astronaut.  She assembles her team to plot and plan, her gear to give her the best chance of success, and she squashes her nerves and makes her ascent to the best vantage point.  And then she waits, patiently to see if the wind will move the clouds, if her dreams of landing on the moon will come to fruition, if tomorrow will be Eid.

The large 8.5 x 11 pages with a matte finish make this book easy to share in small groups or at bedtime, and really let the pictures charm the audience on each and every spread.

Jan28

Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

Posted on by
Standard
Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

I have read this book dozens of times and I honestly don’t know how I feel about it. If you remove the title and second to last page and just READ the words, the book could be about any holiday that you might clean and decorate for, that would involve giving gifts, putting on henna, wearing new clothes, praying, and sharing food at. The illustrations imply that it is a Muslim holiday with about half the women in the pictures wearing hijab, and a few decor items that say Eid Mubarak in English and Arabic, but readers that are unaware or unfamiliar might not grasp that it is faith based at all, and the Author’s Note mentions, but doesn’t detail much about the religious significance either. During one reading, I felt it also could almost seem like a mystery, that the title just happens to ruin. The cat Nylah goes to different houses on the street seeing and hearing the tidying and banner hanging and gift wrapping occurring, but doesn’t know why no one has time for her, until the big reveal that it is Eid. I think for little non reading kids that actually might be my approach, to share the book without the title and back blurb and see if they can figure out why everyone is too busy to play with Nylah.  I don’t know that it is tokenism, or that Islam is left out to make the book palatable for the Western gaze, I could be wrong though, I really just think this is the author’s style.  Having read her chapter books that always center animals, feature community, and include Muslim names, I think this is just an extension of her lyrical writing in her debut picture book. The book would work for either Eid, but the backmatter is the author’s reflection on Ramadan and Eid al Fitr.  I know I’m the minority that struggles with Islamic holiday books that leave out the Islam, so for those of you that do not find it disappointing, the book is sweet.  Nylah is a cat that is welcome and known to the entire neighborhood, to come and go as she pleases, the age engaging illustrations complimented by the cadence and rhythm of the structure, lines, and diction are easy to read aloud to groups of all sizes, and hold the attention of 3 year old children and up.

The book starts with a family “wiping and scrubbing, tidying and sorting, everything in sight.”  When no one has time to play with Nylah, she heads outside under the crescent moon, and goes next door to Bilal’s house, where he and his family are decorating.  When she tries to play with the ribbon, she is once again told they are too busy to play, so she slips into Reem’s house where they are doing henna.  This continues from one house to another until the next morning when her family all dressed wakes her up to go to the park with them for prayers and Nylah realizes it is Eid.  Now the children are not too busy and everyone plays with Nylah.

Yeah, I know, taking a cat to Eid prayers sounds wild to me too, kids love imagining though what chaos might ensue.  There is enough hinted at that Muslim families can find the clues and make the book more religious or holiday centered, but I wish it showed the cat seeing praying or reading Quran, hearing the athan or thikr, or something that would ground the book in Islam, but alas, it does not.

The book concludes with an Author’s Note and scanable QR Code for a free audio reading.

Jan26

The Eidi Bag by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Shiva Delsooz

Posted on by
Standard
The Eidi Bag by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Shiva Delsooz

This adorable 32 page picture book, is not just a story about celebrating Eid al fitr, it weaves in themes of culture, faith, anticipation, disappointment, change, and appreciation.  It is Sarah’s first Eid in a new country and she has made herself a new Eidi bag just for the occasion, to collect the money she will receive from friends and family to celebrate the holiday, and then use to buy treats to share.  Except other than her parents and grandfather, no one gives her Eidi.  She longs for Pakistan and the traditions that she is used to, when slowly she sees that new and different traditions can also be fun and filled with love and joy.  The slow realization and protagonist point of view are skillfully done in keeping the story engaging, the arc smooth, and the lessons nuanced.  The beautiful illustrations, tug at your heart and bring the story to life making me confident that it will be a highly sought after addition to any book shelf for story time, bedtime or independent readers, Muslim and non Muslim alike.

The book starts with Sarah running into the kitchen on Eid morning to show her Mama her Eidi bag and ask for her Eidi. Her Mama lovingly gives in and reminds her that it isn’t polite to ask for Eidi.  Sarah repeats the requests when Baba and Dada ji enter, and Mama rolls her eyes.  The family is then off to the masjid to pray, listen to the khutba and give donations.  At each turn of greeting friends, Sarah shows off her bag, and yet no one offers her Eidi, much to her confusion.  On the way home Sarah is missing Pakistan and recalling how full her bag would be if she were there.

Once home, Mama is busy in the kitchen getting ready for guests to come by. Sarah notices that they will be coming at a certain time, not in and out all day long like before.  When the guests, Muslim and non Muslim, start to arrive they each bring a gift, baklava, flowers, candies, a little plant, and even a set of 40 markers just for Sarah, that she can store in her Eidi bag.

I love that even though it could very easily come across as whiney, or with money being discussed, greedy, it doesn’t.  The book is very tender, and you feel the emotions of Sarah in a new place adjusting to what her expectations are to the reality, and adapting. Being kind of dismissed at Eid also was very reflective as children everywhere get a bit jostle with all the hugging and greetings flying around above their heads. I also love that the neighbors come, including a friend named Jessica, modeling for non Muslims what they too can expect if invited to an Eid party. Someone brings baklava, not a traditional Pakistani dish, also showing the diversity within Islam, subtly adding an additional beautiful layer to the story.

The book concludes with an Author’s note and a glossary.  A great book that will work for both Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

Jan23

Saif’s Special Patches by Humera Malik illustrated by Ravan Sader

Posted on by
Standard
Saif’s Special Patches by Humera Malik illustrated by Ravan Sader

I really had no idea what this book was going to be about, and the first page or so seemed a little off with the child not knowing about the quilt he was wrapped up in, but. oh. my. heart! Every subsequent turn of the page was a hug from Saif’s patch made quilt straight to my cynical soul.  The infusion of Islam as such a part of his daily activities, his loving family and environment, and the reminder that labels can both hurt and inspire is beautifully done. The illustrations, the tone, and the messaging, is great for kids that have been called “just shy” and everyone who has ever doubted themselves (i.e. everyone) with it’s relatable emotions, and reminder that like a quilt, we are still growing.  I cannot wait for this book to be released and I can enjoy a physical copy to share in classrooms, libraries, and bedrooms. One of the best picture books I’ve read in a while, thank you.

The book starts with Ami asking Saif why he isn’t outside playing basketball with his friends.  He replies, that he “is shy.”  His mother shows him that the quilt is made of patches of Saif: experiences he has had. She shows him a patch and helps him recall the memory attached to it,  starting with last Eid when he was brave and went down the big slide. As he joins in the recollection, he then owns the label that he is brave.  It isn’t that easy though, he tries to be smart like his brother and read a lot, but reading is hard, his brother reminds him he is smart and points out the patch from when he won the scavenger hunt.  Swimming, helping at the masjid, reading Quran, calling the athan, all help Saif to realize he is more than just shy, more than one label, and that he is still growing.

I love the relatability of what Saif is going through, and even though so many of the settings and examples are Muslim centered, the book will resonate with all readers, of all ages.  A tear or more two may have stumbled out as I saw little me in the illustrations and the scenarios, and I have never been called shy. The book releases in March and is traditionally published, meaning plenty of time to pre-order a copy and request your library to shelve it, as it will be available wherever books are sold.

Jan22

Owl & Cat Learn about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Emma Apple

Posted on by
Standard
Owl & Cat Learn about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Emma Apple

img_8455-1I have loved many an Emma Apple book over the years, but it has been a minute since a new one has been published. So imagine my delight and anticipation to see my soft spot for Prophet Muhammad (saw) kids books combined with the silly doodling antics of Owl and Cat? And then I read the first page. “Prophet Muhammad  peace be upon him was born in the city of Mecca in the year 570 on a Monday in April.” I think it is widely understood there is a level of uncertainty as to the date of his birth, and that’s really quite specific for no apparent reason. This is precisely why I’ve recently become a HUGE advocate of sourcing non fiction. Once something rubs you the wrong way in a book, or accuracy is questioned, it is really hard to move past it, even in a book meant for preschoolers.  The rest of the 66 pages read at times like a sentence from a biography and at other times are filled with general characteristics of what RasulAllah taught, how he treated people, and how he lead. The illustrations are cute, more serious than funny in this book, as the topic is a bit more demanding of love and respect. I think for basic information, or to add to the uniform yellow cover collection, this book is a good addition.  With the mix of specifics and generalized vagueness it isn’t going to hold attention of young readers without some embellishment, my nine year old honestly got more out of it than my five year old did.

I haven’t gone back and checked if Ramadan and Hajj and Islam have held up over time, so maybe my standards were lower.  None-the-less there are a lot of really cute spreads, and good information in the book, unfortunately I just found it a little disappointing, that it wasn’t sourced.  Even basic information benefits from the reassurance that it is accurate.  I purchased my copy here from Crescent Moon Bookstore and if you think it will be a good fit, I highly encourage you to shop small as well.