Tag Archives: rhyming

Sep4

From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani

Posted on September 4, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

This sweet rhyming picture books discusses, focuses, and celebrates being a multicultural child. Not the often seen child of an immigrant living in a society that is different than their parents, this story doesn’t even discuss where the child in the story resides, it just joyfully explores having a Brazilian mom and a Saudi father, while centering Allah swt in bringing them together. The book highlights each culture, notes some differences, and acknowledges compromise, making this a reflective book for kids with parents from different cultures, but also a window of coming together that all readers can enjoy. Toddlers to early elementary will enjoy the 31 pages with bright engaging pictures and introduction to cultures and a topic not often seen in Islamic fiction, or any books for that matter.

The book is told from the child’s perspective as he breaks down his appearance and him being half his mom and half his dad. He discuss the different sounds of Arabic and Portuguese, how meals are eaten, time is spent, people dress, and handwriting looks, without belittling or othering either culture.

The little boy circles back numerous times that this is all Allah’s decree, that brought his parents from different parts of the world together. It shows challenges and compromise at time, and ultimately love and smiles. The book concludes with helping readers like him to feel seen and articulates Prophet Muhammad (saw) saying that no person is better than another based on where they are from.

The book concludes with an ayat from the Quran and a hadith, and is based on the author’s life. I can really see this book being used in a class as an introduction to a lesson asking kids to write their own family traditions coming together. It also works well at bedtime, or anytime.

You can order the book here

Aug28

The Big Yard Sale: David Learns How to Treat Customers by Tariq Touré illustrated by Anika Sabree

Posted on August 28, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Big Yard Sale: David Learns How to Treat Customers by Tariq Touré illustrated by Anika Sabree

David Kareem is back and learning how to treat customers at his neighborhood yard sale. The 26 page rhyming poem, turned children’s book (note there is little punctuation) is brightly illustrated as it follows David on his selling journey. With Mommy’s baking and guidance on how to treat customers, his Saturday morning offers lots of lessons, mistakes, learning, and entrepreneurship for David and the reader alike. There is a hint about a smile being charity, an Imam stops by, and David puts on a kufi. It has good lessons and the same community vibe as the first book David’s Dollar, with visible Muslims in the illustrations and with Muslim names in the text throughout. But there was a page with two typos which disappointed me, a changing number of cinnamon rolls, and when the copy arrived it was pretty damaged and bent (probably/possibly not the fault of the author, but it cost $25 through the preorder Launchgood, so disappointing none-the-less, alhumdulillah you can now purchase it here from Amazon for $12).

David wakes up and hears commotion outside, he thinks he left a toy on, but soon realizes the neighbors have their stuff on tables and are selling things. David wants in on the action, but can’t figure out what to sell. He seems to gather up some toys and household items in the early illustrations, but ultimately it is about him selling his mother’s cinnamon rolls. She is a baker, and is testing them out, but he says he only needs five and is off to peddle his wares.

The first costumer comes, and leaves, he asks his mom what he did wrong, and she advises him to adjust his attitude by smiling. They look at Brother Naeem as an example. The next costumer comes, but asks if he can warm up the now six cinnamon rolls in the illustrations. David says no, and once again he turns to his mom to find out why. She tells him that “the customer is always right” heads off to get a heat lamp, and uses Sister Khadijah selling beads for reference. When Imam Musa comes, David completes the sale, but Mommy says he needs to learn gratitude.

One page has “He’s” when it should be “He,” and “sleep” when it should be “asleep.” I get the lack of punctuation is stylistic, but I don’t feel like these two on the same page are intentional, they just seem erroneous, and being that they are on the same page, makes it seem like the page was just missed perhaps in editing.

Overall I enjoyed the presentation, representation and content of this book and am glad I preordered it months ago. I wish it had a smidgen more Islam in it, but I think this book would be great in an early elementary story time with recently traditionally published books about business for a similar demographic, including the author’s earlier book, David’s Dollar. Teaching kids about entrepreneurship, ethics, gratitude and doing it with Muslim characters is incredible to see and important to share.

Jun21

The Call to Hajj by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Karen Tuba

Posted on June 21, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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This small (7.7 x 7.5) hardback 24 page rhyming book blends labeling the steps of Hajj with modes of transportation to take to make the journey. The idea is great, but every few pages the rhyme is just terrible and distracts from the sentiment. There are a lot of books that detail the steps of hajj on a kids’ level, so I like that this book changes it up a bit and as a result it makes it a solid addition to a Hajj themed story time reading (if you can muster through some of the forced rhyming lines and small size). Even though the book starts with a bit of Prophet Ibraheem’s (AS) story, I would read this book second or third in a story time setting or even bedtime, once listeners understand what Hajj is and some of the steps, this book can then be used to guide them to thinking about how people from all over the world throughout time have journeyed to make the pilgrimage. The publishers suggest the book for ages 7-9, but I think with some guidance and direction younger children will benefit as well.

The book starts with Prophet Ibraheem and his son Ismaeel being ordered to build the Kaa’bah and being commanded to call people to come. At first they came on foot, then people came by horse, alone or in groups. To circle the Kaa’bah, go between Safa and Marwa. By camel to reach Mina, by sea to stand at Arafat. No matter how they came and continue to come they answer is always “Labbayk ALlaah humma labbayk! Here I am, O Allah, here I am.”The final page asks the readers how they will answer the call to Hajj.

The book is available here Crescent Moon Store code ISL at check out saves you 10% or here at Amazon.

Jun19

A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale by Emma Halim illustrated by Aissa Mutiara

Posted on June 19, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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A Cat Like Me! A Fun Hajj Tale by Emma Halim illustrated by Aissa Mutiara

A rhyming cat centered book about hajj that has been checked by a Shaykh! Over 46 pages, preschool aged children and up will be able to see the steps of hajj in a fun, engaging and accurate way. This book is great for bedtime and small group story time and the reasonable price makes it perfect for sharing too. The illustrations do not have faces with eyes, but the joy comes through and Bissa the cat makes sure you know how special hajj is.

I love that the book identifies what type of hajj is going to be shown and thus signals that there are different ways. I also love that the book is sourced and the Shaykh is named and qualifications listed. For so long erroneous information in children’s books has gone unchecked and it really is such an important verification for something critical in our faith to be sourced and checked. Plus it is reassuring for the reader to feel confident in sharing the information with others.

The book radiates with excitement and information and the rhymes and illustrations keep kids engaged. The book is 8.5 x 8.5 so it might not work in big groups. I purchased mine from if you use code https://crescentmoonstore.com if you use my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) at checkout you will save 10% it is also available here on Amazon.

Apr7

What Should I Do? By Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

Posted on April 7, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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What Should I Do? By Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

Most rhyming children’s books are absolutely terrible, but this one made me smile as the format compliments the tone of the book. Every child has done something they regret and every parent desperate to raise truthful children; what very easily could have been a heavy handed story, stays positive as little Yousuf breaks something and seeks advice from his siblings about what to do. The book provides a lot of teachable moments and allows discussion and reflective referencing. It also is a reminder to us parents to praise the honesty, and forgive the transgression. The book is 24 pages and while text heavy at times, the fairly smooth rhyme and relatable story will be great for mature toddlers to kindergarteners. Some of the vocabulary will possibly need some explanation, but the cute pictures provide clues and the messaging will come through.

The book starts with Mum heading out to run errands and the kids being reminded to be nice, not to fight, not to make a mess, and that dad is in the garden and call if they absolutely need her. Did I say it is relatable? Yeah, I say this at least once a week, but dad isn’t in the garden, and I don’t rhyme.

Yousuf amuses himself and one thing leads to another and a ceramic plate gets broken. Not just any ceramic plate, his Mum’s favorite. He heads to his brother playing playstation for advice, and then to his other brother, and then finally to his sister before his mom comes home.

I’m sure for adults the story is predictable, but the solutions the siblings provide are similarly relatable and mom being grateful that honesty won out are conveyed on a child’s level that makes the book enjoyable at bedtime or in small groups. It provides an entertaining and clear reminder of how important telling the truth is.

There is nothing clearly Islamic in the text except the children’s names and the mother wearing hijab. No hadith or ayats are mentioned in conveying the universal character trait of honesty. The author and illustrator are Muslim and I do wish that there was a tie back to Islam either before or after the story, but alas there is not.

I purchased my copy here at Crescent Moon where my initials ISL (Islamic School Librarian) will save you 10% and it is also available here at Amazon.

Mar10

The Ramadan Shield by Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

Posted on March 10, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Ramadan Shield by Fadelah Mahmood illustrated by Ayun Sekar

This new 32 page rhyming book focuses on a boy who gets frustrated and often loses his temper and how the onset of Ramadan has his father imparting the lesson that fasting isn’t just staying away from food and drink, but also about behavior and controlling your anger. He shares the hadith of saying “…I’m fasting, I’m fasting,” which is shared in its entirety and sourced at the end. The book has a lot of text and scenarios in its moral framed telling that creates a bit of a disconnect between the presentation and the target audience. The characters are fasting, there is no discussion about why they are fasting or that it is a first time fasting (thank you). the child’s art assignment is pretty advanced, and friends are seen independently out and about, but the rhyming lines and illustrations at the end of the kids on the rug seems aimed at a much younger reader/listener. For my purpose of story times to children 4-9 it is a great choice, because it can appeal to the large range of relatability and attention spans, but for repeated readings in a home, it might need some shortening or additional explaining to connect as intended.

The story starts with Nuh working on an assignment to draw and paint a picture of the Kaba, but it keeps coming out tilted and he crumples and throws page after page. His dad snuggles him close and explains that Shabaan is over and Ramadan is about to start which means that he needs to go without food and water, but also work on his behavior. He explains, how to use the advice of saying, “Fasting is my shield; I will not be defeated! I am fasting, I am fasting.”

Empowered by the words, Nuh starts his next morning remembering his father’s advice. When he spills water on his painting he remembers the advice. When a grocery cart collision at the store with his nemesis gets his fist clenching, he remembers his father’s advice. He even gets a chance to share his knowledge with his friends.

When the day is over he is eating iftar with his family and determined to keep his temper at bay throughout he whole month and beyond, inshaAllah, starting with him trying his drawing of the Kaba again.

I like that the focus is on behavior, I think that is a good reminder for older kids, and something younger kids that may or may not be fasting need to implement in Ramadan. I also like that the parents are encouraging and invested, but not controlling the individual situations. The book is preachy, and when the kid takes the lesson and starts preaching it to him, it is a little heavy handed, but I think it fits with the nature of the book. I appreciate that the kid knows what Ramadan and fasting is, so that the lesson can go a bit deeper in this Islamic fiction story.

I got my copy from Crescent Moon store, and you can get yours there as well by clicking this link here. If you use code ISL (Islamic School Librain initials) at checkout you will save 10%,

Mar1

Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Halime Nur Sevim

Posted on March 1, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ramadan Nights by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Halime Nur Sevim

This rhyming softcover picture book sets the tone of the month with its large heartfelt images on cardstock thick pages. The book mentions tarawih, reading Quran, suhoor, iftar, compassion, Laylatul Qadr, eid, but does so in a way that reflects what Muslim kids know and love about the month. It is not overly descriptive, nor does it define the terms. It shows Muslim kids in Ramadan living their lives and draws out the emotional joy felt in acts of ibadah, not in the gifts and parties alone. The rhyme works and isn’t terribly forced and the 8.5 by 11 size and the introductory framing of major Ramadan activities makes the book a good addition for toddlers and up. I plan to use this for a masjid story time for Muslim kids ages 4-9, but it can be used in non Muslim settings easily as well.

The book starts out with decorating the home for Ramadan, as the city decorates outside too. Ramadan has arrived, the moon has been seen with binoculars, and Tarawih at the mosque is where everyone is praying, and kids are playing. Mornings start with the Ramadan drummer waking people up for suhoor, but mom is already up cooking. The first few days of fasting are hard waiting for iftar, implying it gets easier.

The kids and their parents make duas and thank Allah for their blessings as well as share their blessings with neighbors as they learn compassion. The kids practice reading Qur’an every day with Grandma and before you know it, it is the last ten nights and Laylatul Qadr and then eid, alhumdulillah. The 32 page book ends with prayers of gratitude and hope that Ramadan will be seen again.

The book really is well done, there is no plot or story, but it introduces the month to little ones, reminds older ones what to expect and does so with accuracy and mirroring. The book will lend itself to spark discussions about what a readers’ family can look forward to in the month, how one should behave in a masjid, perhaps some Quran goals and some appreciation for parents. The poor mom helps decorate, stays up early to cook suhoor, cooks yummy iftar, and lays out Eid clothes all while wearing hijab. InshaAllah a point to mention when reading how amazing moms (and dads) are in making Ramadan memories while fasting themselves.

I purchased mine from https://crescentmoonstore.com/ if you use my initials at checkout ISL (Islamic School Librarian) you can save 10% or click this link directly to go to the book.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Jan16

Ahmed Goes to Friday Prayer: Ahmed se va a la oración del viernes by Wendy Díaz illustrated by Muhammad & Mariam Suhaila Guadalupe

Posted on January 16, 2023 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ahmed Goes to Friday Prayer: Ahmed se va a la oración del viernes by Wendy Díaz illustrated by Muhammad & Mariam Suhaila Guadalupe

This dual lingo: English and Spanish is a linear story of Ahmed going for Jummah prayers. The rhyming text in both languages is fairly consistent and the information framed in an upbeat, fun, positive way. From waking up early and taking ghusl to reading Surah al-Kahf, the book shows some spiritual aspects, some sunnah reminders, and social Jummah interactions with friends as well. The 48 pages are good for preschool to early elementary aged readers and with the minimal text on the pages, even younger listeners will enjoy the book. I wish the religious statements were sourced, and while I didn’t initially love the aesthetics of the puppets when I first saw the cover, I definitely warmed up to Ahmed and absolutely cooed at the adorable (puppet) Imam. The book starts with a sourced hadith and ayat from the Quran and ends with questions to test your knowledge.

The story begins in a bit of an awkward fashion with Ahmed breaking down the fourth wall, and addressing the reader, and then on the next page, the “narrator” reaching out to the readers to have them pay attention to Ahmed. Then the story starts with asking if the reader knows what the special day of the week is called. It then tells us that it is called Friday in English, Jummah in Arabic and that I, Ahmed, is going to tell us about it. With all the introductions and signposting it makes the book actually start 11 pages in. I read the first few spreads numerous times trying to see what was going on, and finally just realized it has a lot of framing and set up before diving in. Alhumdulillah, after the repetitive first few pages, the book reads smooth and clearly.

Ahmed wakes up, does ghusl, puts on nice clothes, and then waits until midday to go to salatul Jummah. Muslims read Surah al-Kahf, and then get to the mosque early. It is noted that we get rewards for every step we take, we are encouraged to praise our Lord, we greet friends with Salam, and after athan we sit calmly and quietly listening to the Imam. The khutbah talks about our faith and then we pray foot to foot closing the gaps. The last few spreads are about the importance of Jummah.

The illustrations show Ahmed the puppet in different places with other Wendy Diaz books displayed in poster form, books on side tables, and graffitied on a wall. The only other character beside Ahmed and the Imam is Ahmed’s un named friend. The simple illustrated backgrounds with puppets in the foreground, the minimal rhyming text and the content presentation make this book a great addition to home and school libraries as well as ideal at story time or bedtime where early elementary aged children are able to understand both the excitement and protocols of the blessed day.

Over the years I’ve done a few Jummah themed readings and this book would be a great addition at story time. You can purchase the book here.

Dec16

Salim’s Soccer Ball: A Story of Palestinian Resilience by Tala El-fahmawi illustrated by Naveen Abu Saleem

Posted on December 16, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Salim’s Soccer Ball: A Story of Palestinian Resilience by Tala El-fahmawi illustrated by Naveen Abu Saleem

This 58 page rhyming picture book weaves together a tale of a little boy and his lost soccer ball, with larger issues of community, oppression, and perspective for the youngest of readers to older children too. I am noted to be skeptical of rhyming books, but the large font, the sweeping pictures, and the dropping of occupation, struggle, and resilience really make this book a treat. Add in discussion questions and an author’s note and you have a solid book that deserves space on home, library, and classroom shelves. My only wish, was that the book was hardback. The horizontal layout with a soft cover make the book difficult to read during story times as the pages flop back. The book is long, but the text on most spreads is minimal and while I could not identify the author’s religious identity, their are numerous hijab wearing #muslimsintheillustrations as Salim journey’s around his neighborhood and into his grand father’s memories.

Salim wakes up, brushes his teeth, and is out the door to play soccer with his best friend Qusai, but the ball goes flying and Salim can’t find it. He starts walking down the hill and it seems to have disappeared.

He asks the fisherman, Abu Zaid, if he has seen it, and he hasn’t, but he offers to help. They then go and ask the seamstress, she hasn’t either, but she puts down her tatreez, offers reassurance, and offers to help. As they head out they bump in to Dr. Bassam. “‘I will help you look,’ the kindly man said. “I can fix broken bones with very few supplies. A lack of resources has made me clever and wise. Resilience and courage are plentiful here. We will find your ball. Salim, no need to fear.'”

The searching continues, with a small break for khanfeh, and then Qusai is found, and so is the ball. Like so many joyful items, the barbed wire of the apartheid wall has destroyed the soccer ball. Upset, Abu Omar, calls out to Salim, and his grandpa embraces and consoles the young boy recalling a donkey with wonky ears and life on the farm. With resilience and joy Salim heads home to a community surprise and a hopeful future inshaAllah.

The book concludes with five discussion questions that connect Salim’s experience to universal experiences of people everywhere. It is followed by factual and personal author’s note about Palestine and the book.

There is nothing religious aside from the hijabs worn, Dome of the Rock, Masjid al Aqsa, and Church of The Holy Sepulcher in the backgrounds of a few images. I purchased my copy from Amazon HERE and can also be purchased through Shop Palestine HERE.

Dec12

“Granny, Where Does Allah Live?” by Yasmin Kamal illustrated by Citra Lani

Posted on December 12, 2022 by islamicschoollibrarian

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“Granny, Where Does Allah Live?” by Yasmin Kamal illustrated by Citra Lani

This 32 page picture book for 3-6 year olds takes readers and listeners on a car ride with Granny as questions are asked, sights are seen, and love is spread. The rhyme is actually pretty decent, the explanation of Allah swt being on a throne above us wherever we are adhered to, and the illustrations are bright, bold, and have a lot to hold little one’s interest. Overall, the banter between the kids and their Granny, the drive to the mosque being filled with joy and love, make me overlook a lot of little annoyances. The book packs a lot in, but the voice and tone is easy and I think most kids will see the connection of asking where Allah is, to asking why we have to go to the mosque, to why it is important to talk to Allah swt in our prayers, etc., as a way to have their own questions touched upon. I do wish the book was a little bigger and perhaps hardbound, to make story time sharing a possibility, the book is 7.5 x 7.5, so good for little hands and sufficient for in lap reading. The book concludes with three activities that incorporate a few of Allah’s beautiful names.

The book starts out with a young boy and girl excited to be spending the day with their Granny and going on a ride in her special car. No idea why it is special, but it is purple and has flowers painted on it, so lets go! The kids love to ask Granny questions when they drive. So after saying bismillah, they wonder why people don’t have tails or shells on their backs, or where they are going, or if they can have ice creams.

As they head to the mosque to meet Grandad they wonder if that is where Allah (swt) lives. Granny tells them no, so they ask if He lives in the sky, when she says no, they wonder about in the trees or in the sea. Finally she says that they “don’t have to go anywhere to find Allah, His throne is above us where ever we are.”

She then details how we can be reminded of Allah in things around us, nature, animals, land formations and then tells the children Allah is the most generous friend and it is important to talk to Him in our prayers. The children ask what we can tell Him, and Granny shares that we can tell Him everything and anything because He always hears.

Granny then explains that when we do good, we make Allah swt happy and when we aren’t nice we make him sad. So then the kids want to know why we have to go to the mosque, Granny replies, to be part of a community.

The book is a string of questions, so it doesn’t come across as overly preachy, even though it is Islamic fiction, and the voice is natural. It sounds like a conversation a grandma and some kids would have, I’m guessing the book was spawned by some real life experiences. My kids and my mom definitely have this relationship.

All this though, isn’t too say the book is perfect. If you read my reviews, you know there is always going to be a little nudge to try and elevate it from my perspective for the next go round. So with that in mind, the book does read a little long, the tangents get a little away from the simple articulate answer of stressing where Allah swt is, the text runs over the pictures a few too many times, and the people praying are not foot-to-foot shoulder-to-shoulder. There are no salutations, saw, or asterisks after Allah. The word Jummah is not used although they are going to the mosque on Friday and a lot of people are gathering in the day, and the word mosque is used, not masjid.

The pictures are fun and will appeal to kids, especially when the car goes all magic school bus and starts flying, and going underwater. I hope this is the first book in the series as it really does have potential to present answers to kids questions in a joyful colorful way.

Book available on Amazon