This is not normally a book I would review because it will read like paid endorsement, which it is not. It is a 32 page personalizable book, that I’m highlighting because it exemplifies a concept of Islamic literature, that is often lacking. We have numerous books teaching Islamic concepts to toddlers and preschoolers, but forget to teach the secular concepts through an Islamic lens. We often have a bookshelf of Islamic books that include learning to say Alhumdulillah, and the names of Allah swt; and a bookshelf of non Islamic books that features stories about dinosaurs, monster trucks, and being silly. This book reminded me of how important it is to have books that do both. Not to necessarily preach, or even teach, just to merge the two shelves and present a singular framework of Islam, a way of life, not just a religion to our youngest believers.
Sure the name and customizable appearance is fun, but deeper than that, learning about different careers knowing that Allah swt created all of us to do so many worthwhile jobs is a great lesson to be sharing. The larger concept of teaching Qadr to our children is only presented on the back cover of the book and can be implemented by using the parent guide at the end of the story.
The book starts with asking what you want to be when you grow up and informing the child that Allah swt has a plan for us all. Each page after then mentions the child’s name, introduces a career, and ties back to that Allah swt has written, or decreed something for us.
The highlighted careers vary from being a parent, to an astronaut. A teacher to a chef, a mechanic to a dentist. There is no priority, nor opinion on one career or job or hobby being more important or more valuable than another.
The pages are bright and colorful and the paperback book thick and sturdy. I did struggle with the word “could,” and often would self edit as I read and would change it to, “Ayub ‘can’ be anything.” I’m not sure why the diction is what it is, but it reads incorrect to me.
Islamic School Librarian 