Tag Archives: preschool

May11

Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess

Posted on May 11, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

In rhyming couplets spread out over 32 pages with adorable illustrations, this book is a great introduction to the whispers of shaytan that encourage us to be naughty, and how to counter them without frightnening young listeners. Meant for preschool age children and up, this is the second book by the author discussing an important religious concept in an easy to understand manner (the first book was about Kiraman Katibin) that empowers children to make great choices and find strength in doing so, even when mistakes are made.

The “Note to Parents” at the beginning provides great framework for the takeaway message of the book. That yes, shaytan whispers to us and we will make mistakes, but the power is ours to overcome such temptations and inshaAllah do good.

The book starts out a bit shakey for me as the rhyming is a bit off on one page, and the blame for the little boy with the great hair’s naughtiness is blamed solely on shaytan. As a former teacher, this is always a tricky concept when trying to teach children to take responsibility for their actions, but then knowing full well that shayateen are real too.

Once the flip side, of how to protect yourself from shaytan, starts: by saying aoudhu-billahi minashaytanir rajeem, bismillah, salam, reading Quran, calling athan, etc.. the book flows really well.

I love how much information is conveyed about the jinn and their purpose and how they cower and put their fingers in their ears to not hear the praise of Allah swt.

There is a glossary for the Arabic words and Islamic references, some kids might need some additional understanding about jin and responsibiltiy, but a solid book that I have read over 20 times to my 4 year old in the last week, alhumdulillah.

Thank you again to Crescent Moon Storefor their incredibly quick fullfillment of the order.

Apr27

Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

Posted on April 27, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

New this year in the Ramadan category is this gorgeous 40 page hardback book that mixes information about the blessed month with personable characters very well. It stays on track without getting silly, even with a talking cat and a reoccurring super hero dinosaur, but I don’t understand the attempted rhyme scheme. I’ve read the book over a dozen times trying to map it, and sometimes it is so natural that it makes reading it aloud smooth and lyrical, and sadly a few times it seems so forced that it makes the sentence nonsensical or awkward. There is so much information, so beautifully paced and illustrated for children 4 and up, that I’m willing to overlook the few sentences that irked me to recommend this book for you and your children to enjoy this Ramadan. Without a glossary though, it is probably best for Muslim children, or those with someone who can explain words such as: suhoor, iftar, adhan, SubhanAllah, dua, Allah, etc..

Khadijah and Cat are looking for the moon to know if it is the start of Ramadan, and once they find it, they rush to spread the news. Immediately everyone starts decorating and celebrating and sharing delicious food.

They then head home to sleep so they can wake up early for suhoor. They make a point to eat something healthy to sustain them for the whole day, then they pray and go back to sleep.

Cat wakes up ready to eat and is surprised that they have to wait until sunset before they can eat or drink anything. Khadijah explains that Ramadan is a holy month and one of the five pillars of Islam. The illustrations show the other pillars, but the explanation of Ramadan is a bit advanced with words such as regression, unpriviledged, compassion, and purifying.

The next page continues listing off what Khadijah and Cat are learning about Ramadan, as they spend time praying and reading the Holy Quran. At the sound of the fourth Adhan they break their fast. The names of the salat or that they pray five times a day is not mentioned, but lends itself to a great teaching point.

They then pray and eat and take the neighbors some gifts. Cat is convinced that the day was good and is ready for the next 30. The last ten nights are identified as important and Laylat al Qadr is mentioned as being special, but it does not tell why they are unique.

Khadijah and Cat then invite you to fast and see why Ramadan is so special. The end of the book has some questions, a Ramadan count down and a coloring page. I was surprised that there was not a glossary as the Arabic words in the text are enlarged, and often not defined.

I love the font and binding and horizontal 10 x 11.5 layout. The illustrations are gorgeous and the details in the decor and Khadijah wearing hijab while out, but not at home are very well executed. I’m not sure why the Meer-Rex is in the book, he is never identified or given attention, maybe in future books he will have more of a role, inshaAllah.

I ordered mine from Crescent Moon Store and received it within days of placing the order, thank you!

Apr20

Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s by Mariam Saad illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy

Posted on April 20, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s by Mariam Saad illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy

This book is the first in a series (hopefully) called Trilingual Sofia, where English is the predominant language, and Spanish and Arabic are interwoven to tell the story. Focusing on Eid and spending the holiday in Mexico with her non Muslim grandmother, the story with bright illustrations is a celebration of diversity, acceptance, family, and Eid.

Sofia has had a special Ramadan. She tried fasting for the first time and now that the month is over, they are breaking their fast and then getting on a plane to Mexico to have Eid breakfast with her Abuela.

On the plane she keeps her pretzel bag to add to her scrapbook and then they get changed into their Eid clothes before they land. Once in Mexico they go straight to the mosque to meet their friends and then to Abuela’s house.

Abuela’s house is decorated for Eid and all the family is there. They eat breakfast together and the kids play games and sing songs and take pictures.

The 32 page 8.5 by 8.5 inch hardback book claims to be for toddles and preschoolers, but I think it is more for kids in early elementary with the small and ample text. The Spanish words are highlighted in green and Sofia teaches some Arabic to her Mexican cousins. There is a glossary of all three languages at the end.

The book is not meant only for Muslim children, but it doesn’t explain Ramadan or Eid, so while Muslim’s might be able to connect the dots of why she only fasted the last two hours of a day or why they went to the mosque before they went to Abuela’s, I wish the book explained it.

I love that their are subtle connections between the three languages, like Angel Gabriel/Jibreel and the name Yusuf/Joseph. The book is a great example of Islam outside of the Middle East and the Asian subcontinent and I truly hope there are more books in this series and more books like it to show the diversity of Islam and the commonalities we all share.

Apr6

We are Muslim, Al-Hamdu Lillah! by Kathy Fannoun

Posted on April 6, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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We are Muslim, Al-Hamdu Lillah! by Kathy Fannoun

In digging through and pulling out board books for my nine month old to chew on, I realized I never reviewed this staple. Published in 1994, this 16 page 4 x 5 book does a good job in rhyming verse discussing the universal bond of Islam for our littlest ones.

It starts out by stating that we are children form many different nations, and are different shapes and sizes, but that Allah swt created us all.

It reminds us that even though our words are different, and some of us are rich and others poor, we still enjoy God’s gifts and love our families, because in the end we all praise Allah, and are Muslims, Al-Hamdu Lillah!

The illustrations are clearly hand drawn and filled in with colored pencils, but they show diverse skin tones, a few different ethnic dresses, some in hijab and kufis, others not, and all smiling.

This book is basic, which makes it perfect for little ones at bedtime and even in small groups. Younger children appreciate the simple message and rhyme scheme and it is the perfect size in their hands.

This book is probably bringing back memories for many of you, as it was one of the first books of its kind. A board book, that is Islamic, cute and fun, for English readers. I remember in high school reading it to my Sunday school preschool class at the masjid, sharing it at story times at the masjid as an adult, and reading it to my own kids over the years. The binding is still holding strong, and the words still remind me how blessed I am to be s Muslim, Al-Hamdu-Lillah!

Mar30

Allah is Al Khaliq (The Creator) by Saba Ghazi Ameen

Posted on March 30, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Allah is Al Khaliq (The Creator) by Saba Ghazi Ameen

This is one of the first books I got for my first unborn child nearly 14 years ago, and as I am now on my fifth child I only recently realized (thanks @Taleswithmimi) that I have never reviewed this beloved sturdy 10 page 6 x 4.5 inch board book.

It starts by declaring and defining that Allah is Al-Khaliq, the Creator of all I see, it then, in rhyming verse lists some of Allah’s gifts as organized by colors.

Red, green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, white, pink and black, are presented in a fun, and playful way on two page spreads. The fun illustrations and bright colors are well done and perfect size for little ones to take in.

The book was published in 2002 and is still relevant today. I highly suggest it for toddlers to chew on and learn their colors from in an Islamic context. That being said, any religious kids would be fine with the book, while it is Islamic fiction, any faith that acknowledges the Oness of a Creator, will not find anything more religion-specific in the book.

I love that there are tabs on the side to show the colors, and that there are NO FLAPS! It’s companion book that goes over shapes in a similarly beautiful, Allah is Ar-Rahman (the Compassionate) but there are flaps. Thin ones at that. Needless to say they were damaged or gone within days and four of my kids have never enjoyed them!

Feb17

Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan illustrated by Saffa Khan

Posted on February 17, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan illustrated by Saffa Khan

This 40 page book of prose begins each stanza with “InshaAllah” and reads as a beautiful prayer from parent to child. Each two page spread is filled with warm vibrant colors and illustrations that radiate love while complementing the slow pace the book is meant to be read with.

The book is clearly from an Islamic perspective, yet I think any religious family would find beauty in the book. The author has a note on the title page that defines inshaAllah as meaning God willing in Arabic and explains how it is a common wish/prayer for people of other cultures and faiths as well. She also explains that that each line is inspired by the Quran, but universal for people everywhere.

Some of my favorites are:”InshaAllah you seek knowledge, reflect, and read, InshaAllah you speak truth and work for its sake. InshaAllah you have faith that won’t waiver or bend. InshaAllah you are kind to those most in need.”

The illustrations show a family that at times wears hijab and at others does not. It shows multiple generations, and diverse characters in terms of skin color and mobility. The illustrations at first weren’t my favorite, but they definitely grow on you.

Over all the story reads like a lullaby, and is soft and sweet at bedtime particularly. The 10 x 10 size would make it work well in groups as well, and I could see it used to lull kids to sleep at nap time with great success for the youngest baby to early elementary.

Nov25

The ABC of Allah Loves Me by Learning Roots

Posted on November 25, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The ABC of Allah Loves Me by Learning Roots

You really wouldn’t think there is much to review in an alphabet board book, but this particular one tries to do more than just pluck a random Islamic word or concept for each of the 26 English letters. It attempts to give each of the letters one of Allah (swt)’s beautiful names explained in English, but written in Arabic too.

Each 5 x 10 page features a four line description in a rhyming format to flesh out the highlighted word or phrase.

Some letter to corresponding Asma al Husna are spot on, but some are a little more of a stretch and some don’t even seem to try. Overall though it is well-done and delightful.

The people illustrated don’t have visible eyes, but many have smiles, noses, or closed eyes. They are bright and warm and engaging. The binding and thickness of the pages is sturdy.

Perhaps my favorite part of the book is that the while the rhyming is forced, as is nearly always the case in these type of books, the diction stays on level. Little kids will understand the words used and emerging readers will be able to sound out and read many on their own as well.

A great book for your toddler to preschool collection and a reasonably priced book from Crescent Moon Store http://www.crescentmoonstore.com.

Oct14

Common Threads: Adam’s Day at the Market by Huda Essa illustrated by Merce’ Tous

Posted on October 14, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Common Threads: Adam’s Day at the Market by Huda Essa illustrated by Merce’ Tous

A lot of story is conveyed in this 13 word book for preschoolers about diversity, similarities, and love. In 32 picture rich pages you meet a little family at an outdoor market, see Adam lose track of his parents as he follows a bird, and meet a lot of kind people as he mistakes them for his parents based on the clothing they are wearing.

Naturally it has a happy ending, and it appears all the characters come together to get to know one another. The pictures are beautiful and radiate with light and colors.

The market in general is diverse and the characters Adam meets show clothing similarities. His mother wears hijab and he mistakes a nun in a habit for her, and then a lady in a kanga. He thinks he sees his father, but it is a man with a yarmulke and a gentleman in a similar color shalwar kameez looks a lot like his dad’s kurta, but isn’t him either.

This is truly a picture book with sparse words of “Mama?” and “Baba?” being the bulk of the text. It is visual and conversation sparking in its minimal and simplistic text. By not having the author fill in the conversation, a preschooler gets to do it themselves, and hopefully broaden their mind in the process.

The beginning of the book has a beautiful Note to Readers urging children and adults to engage in diverse collaborations to increase empathy, innovation, social justice, and understanding to the benefit of us all.

The book concludes with a challenge to children to become cultural detectives. It notes that what we wear sends a message about who we are, but it is just what you see on the outside. It encourages us to ask questions respectfully and kindly to learn about one another.

Sep16

Bedtime Sunnahs Emaulating the Prophet one night at a time by Alia G. Dada illustrated by Robin Boyer

Posted on September 16, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Bedtime Sunnahs Emaulating the Prophet one night at a time by Alia G. Dada illustrated by Robin Boyer

A beautiful rhyming 11 page story for toddlers and up to learn parts of the Prophetic routine for bedtime. Yes, 11 pages, the book in total is 28 pages, six are Appendixes, one is about the author, one is a dedication, and the rest are blank or title pages. For a $15 book, I’m a little disappointed, which is unfortunate because the illustrations and information on those 11 pages is great. The references are informative and important to see what Hadith the Sunnahs come from, but I think the story itself could have, and should have, been longer.

Each page has a different family getting ready for bed and doing various acts. I love that moms and dads are involved in bedtime routines. The illustrations show diversity and the text is simple, flowing, rhyming and straight forward.

From brushing teeth to reciting Athkar, making duas to Allah and laying on our right side, each page has wonderful detail in the warm full color pages. I love the decorations on the bedroom walls, signs with Allah’s name, statements saying “Strong like Zainab, Brave like Fatima, Smart like Khadija”, as well as “Smile! it’s Sunnah!”.

The book is for Muslim children obviously, and makes getting ready for bed seem like a fun and bonding event.

The first Appendix is a Parents Notes on what the purpose of the book is and the second one is Islamic Terminology. From the their Appendixes address the Ahadeeth about sleeping in a state of Wudu and on your right side, bedtime Atkhar, and reciting the three Quls, I wish it would have including the Quls, seeming as the book is meant to provide information for caregivers to convey to a child, and many households may have non Muslims or new reverts in that role.

The remaining two reference pages are Additional Sunnahs for Advanced Children which include Reciting Ayah al Kursi, the last two verses of Surah al Baqarah, the dua before bed and when waking in the morning. The dua texts are given, the Ayats are not. There is then a final page about the author.

The hardbound glossy cover and thick inside pages are well done in this 8×8 perfect sized book for bedtime, I just wish there was more of it.

Sep3

Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova

Posted on September 3, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova

I had really wanted to love this book about a young Pakistani girl living outside of Pakistan learning to love all her different parts. Unfortunately, the book was so scattered that no point was made, no message conveyed, and sadly, no excitement at being represented in literature really felt, .

This 32 page book isn’t bad, it just really isn’t memorable. It starts out with Leila arriving at her Naani’s house for dinner as her parents and her do every Friday. Her maternal grandmother comments that she likes Leila’s saffron buttons. Leila beams at this because she doesn’t know that she always likes being herself.

Tonight, they are joined by lots of extended family and Leila is on the lookout for parts of herself that she likes. She feels safe with her family, and likes being told she looks like her aunt when she smiles.

The book then kind of abandons the theme of finding parts of oneself to like, and moves on to cultural trinkets to enjoy. She identifies camels on shelves and Arabic books too, and can’t wait to go on her first trip to Pakistan someday to get her own “Arabic books” and “special ornaments.” I’m not sure why they books aren’t in Urdu, but none-the-less without any written connection to Islam, they are in Arabic, thus giving, erroneously, the reader the impression that is the language of Pakistan.

Leila then helps her Naani cook which almost seems like an additional theme of the book: the passing on of traditions. The book doesn’t really stay here though either, and has Leila running outside to get cilantro from the neighbor Miguel. Possibly another theme in addressing multicultural neighbors or just how to be a good neighbor, is now being brought up, but nope, the book bounces back to dinner with the family.

When it is time to leave, Naani invites Leila upstairs while her parents wait to leave. Here she goes through fabric and scarves rich in color and textures and likens them to ethnic foods. She then tries on her favorite one, but acts like she has never tried it on before or seen it before, I’m really not sure, the language is a bit awkward to me. Anyway she opens her eyes in a surprise and likes what she sees, she likes her self, all her parts.

I wish this book for preschool and kindergarteners, would have streamlined the message it wanted to convey most. I like finding pieces of yourself and liking the completed you, but I don’t know what the pieces really are in the book. Yes I could assume and figure it out, but I’m not 5 years old. The book should have articulated it clearly. Or if the book wanted to celebrate culture and family traditions, it should have stuck to that. It really seems all over the place no matter how many times I read it.

The illustrations are rich and vibrant. They definitely give a lot to look at and the expressions on the characters faces will probably make the little ones giggle. There are a few Urdu and Arabic words used in the story that are defined on the back cover.

The characters aren’t identified as Muslim, none of them wear hijab, but they say Salam and have Arabic books, so one can assume. I picked up the book at the library and don’t regret it, but I probably wouldn’t buy it or unfortunately, check it out again.

Islamic School Librarian

Reviewing Children & YA Islamic Fiction, Books by Muslim Authors, & Books Featuring Muslim Characters

Tag Archives: preschool

Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess

Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s by Mariam Saad illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy

We are Muslim, Al-Hamdu Lillah! by Kathy Fannoun

Allah is Al Khaliq (The Creator) by Saba Ghazi Ameen

Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan illustrated by Saffa Khan

The ABC of Allah Loves Me by Learning Roots

Common Threads: Adam’s Day at the Market by Huda Essa illustrated by Merce’ Tous

Bedtime Sunnahs Emaulating the Prophet one night at a time by Alia G. Dada illustrated by Robin Boyer

Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova