Tag Archives: Toddler

May10

Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt! by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

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Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt! by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

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This adorable 32 page book is noisy and colorful and forces you to smile.  Granted I had dreams as a child of being a rickshaw driver, and even as a teen my father tried to arrange for me to take one for a spin early one hot Karachi morning, but alas, my dreams never came to fruition.  Cue the power of books, to take you right back to those busy streets, boisterous noises, colorful vehicles, and happy memories.  Even if you have never ridden in a rickshaw, or heard of one, this book is a fun adventure for toddlers and up as they catch a ride with Ibraheem, his Baba, his cat Mitu, and learn the language of the road and how to make room for everyone.  “Big and small, short and tall, everyone shares the road.” The book is by a Muslim author, and their are visible Muslim women with their heads covered in the illustrations.  There is nothing religion, country, or city specific in the text. 

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The book starts with Ibraheem and Mitu joining Baba on an important mission.  Baba is a rickshaw driver and he reminds Ibraheem that everyone has to share the road.  With his little rickshaw going “putter put,” the trio are off.  With a  “beep, beep” Baba tries to turn, but a little car responds, “honk, honk,” and in a hurry speeds ahead.  

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Up hills and down, a big colorful bus joins the road with a “toot, toot” as they go over the bridge, under the bridge, through a cricket game, all sharing the road.  A big truck joins the fun with a “rumble, rumble” and it isn’t long before they all come to a screeching halt.

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“Big and small, short and tall, everyone shares the road,” really means everyone as the mission is completed.

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The backmatter is an author’s note about her experiences of vehicles “talking” to each other.  The book comes out in September and is available for preorder/order, here,

 

Apr3

Allah Made Me Different by Maryam Abbas

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Allah Made Me Different by Maryam Abbas

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There is nothing revolutionary about this 24 page picture book, but it answers a basic question that children always ask from an Islamic perspective in an engaging and adorable way.  Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the rhyming lines, thick pages, and playful illustrations as they learn why they might look different then others. The book concludes with a dua for gratitude and circles back to the reassurance that Allah swt made us each perfect every few pages.  After multiple readings the pages do crease open, and thus I wish it was a board book.  The small size of 8.5 x 8.5 also makes it a little difficult to read to groups, but ideal one-on-one with little Muslims, alhumdulillah.

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The book starts with a child asking mama about the color of eyes and height.  Mama responds that, “Allah made you how you were meant to be.” The remainder of the book is reassurance that He made us with eyes right for us, hair perfect for us, etc..

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That we are different colors, speaking different languages, as Allah made us all unique, but with hearts to be kind.  Celebrating our differences and our similarities both in the text and illustrations.

You can purchase the book here on Amazon or at Crescent Moon Store.

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Apr2

Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim

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Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim

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Framed around the five fard prayers, the rhyming 26 pages take readers all around the world with the refrain of “come to prayer, some to salah, come to success, come to falah” appearing after each two page spread.  Reykjavik, Honolulu, Rio, Timbuktu, Kuala Lumpur, and Makkah are shown as families gather to pray in each city.  It is hard to know if the locations were chosen for a specific reason, or to just help with the rhyming lines.  I appreciate the map at the end in showing 18 masjids in the world, but they are not the only ones pictured in the book, so honestly it was not intuitive why they were highlighted. Additional information about the masjids included and where they are located in the world would have been far more beneficial.  The rhyming at times is forced, but for the minimal lines on the pages, and the clear organization of the book, it didn’t bother me too much.  The illustrations compliment the text well and amplify the concept of Islam being a global faith through the connection of Muslims praying everywhere.  The Islamic fiction book is meant for toddlers to early elementary, and with the positive tone of salah being an invitation to success, I think it works well for the audience.

The book starts with little kids waking up in a snowy scene in Reykjavik and heading out with their parents to pray Fajr at the masjid.  Then it is rain in Honolulu that can’t stop a family of five from driving slowly to the masjid for Zuhr.  In Rio a family packs up at the beach to get to Asr salah on time.  For Maghrib, not even a sandstorm across the Sahara can keep a family in Timbuktu from getting to prayer.  And finally a family takes shelter in the masjid for Isha as thunder and lightning in Kuala Lumpur halt their tour. The story ends with everyone entering Makkah in ihraam to pray at the Kaaba.

The book is a thick paperback cover, with glossy 9 x 9.5 inch pages.  It works well for small group story times or bedtime.  It is available on Amazon here or from Crescent Moon Store here.

Mar30

Baby Touch: Happy Eid! by Lemon Ribbon Studio

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Baby Touch: Happy Eid! by Lemon Ribbon Studio

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This 12 word, 10 page, touch and feel board book is nothing special, yet for some reason it does make me smile.  It could be better, and absolutely, “star” has nothing to do with Eid, but that it is in our public library, that it is full of joy for our littlest humans, and that it has mosque and prayer rug, and charity, and community, and family, and feast, is really quite sweet. It would work for either Eid and the bright uniform pictures are clear and simple to engage babies and toddlers alike.

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Each page spread has a singular image and a word below it.  The pictures on the right have some sort of touch and feel element, from a bumpy minaret, to raised smooth coins in the charity jar.  I wish the rice on the feast plate would have been raised and that a plush prayer rug would have been offered, but until publishers seek out beta readers, this is probably as good as it is going to get.

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Some of the words might be too advanced, but I think the singularity allows for discussion if the child wants, if not, it is still nice to see elements of Eid illustrated for a baby to connect to in a joyous presentation.  The 7x 7 book is not overly padded, but the corners are rounded and easy for little hands to carry.

I found mine at my library, but it is also available here on Amazon.

Mar26

Mimi & Unicorn Get to Know Allah by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

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Mimi & Unicorn Get to Know Allah by Zanib Mian illustrated by Laila Ramadhani

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Creating understanding and love of Allah swt is perhaps the most important type of Islamic fiction book available for young children, so I love that we have options to choose from. The framing of this book is nothing new, a child asking various people about Allah swt to learn about Him, is found in numerous books.  But, this 32 page book is particularly engaging because of the large brightly illustrated pages, and the author’s signature style of conveying facts in a simple relatable manner.  The comic relief of the unicorn and the adorable protagonist are great, and the added layer of it being checked by two named scholars really make this one of the best in a very populated category.

The book starts with Mimi wondering about Allah swt after hearing people say things such as, “Allah will take care of it,” and “Allah knows.”  She asks her imaginary friend, Unicorn, but she doesn’t know either, so they head off to ask different family members.

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Summaya, Mimi’s big sister tells her that  “if you know Allah, you love Him, and He loves you.” It is followed up with details that Allah swt knows us, because he made us. From Nana, Mimi and Unicorn learn that Allah swt is One, and he explains why we don’t know what he looks like.  From Nani we learn that “Allah swt has no beginning and no ending.” Baba explains that we turn to Allah swt when we need help, Unicorn wonders if we need a phone or Imam to do that. Finally she talks to her Mama who explains trusting Allah’s plan.

Each stop is beautifully articulated and examples are given, resulting in a Mimi who’s heart becomes light and warm, and who works to know more about Allah swt every single day.

The backmatter includes notes from the author and illustrator and various bookish people sharing their early understanding of Allah swt and his attributes.

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The book is available from muslimchildrensbooks.co.uk in the UK and here from Crescent Moon Store in the USA (she ships globally)

Mar21

Until You Find the Sun by Maryam Hassan illustrated by Anna Wilson

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Until You Find the Sun by Maryam Hassan illustrated by Anna Wilson

I don’t know that this book is particularly unique or mind blowing, but I read a digital copy a few weeks ago and was surprised when some tears fell, I read it when I got the physical copy to my kids and my throat caught again, and here I am writing this review and feeling all vulnerable.  It is as if I too am a little girl in a new place missing her grandfather on the other side of the world, which clearly I’m not.  The book is sweet, and moving, and I find myself emotionally invested every time I read through the 32 pages and get lost in the large sweeping illustrations.  The book is not Islamic, there are a few hijabis in the background and text that articulates friends saying salaam before the girl moves.  Additionally, the main character’s name is Aminah, and the author is of Pakistani decent, and has a Muslim sounding name.  The story though, at its core is universal, heartfelt, reassuring, hopeful, and lovely to share in all spaces. It begs to be read aloud and holds the attention of toddlers to early elementary aged children.

The book starts with a happy little Aminah in a bright sparkly environment of sunshine, mangoes, and salaams.  Every night she listens to Da’s stories of adventure as she snuggles next to her grandfather.  One day she finds out they are moving, going on an adventure.  Only Da won’t be joining them and Aminah is devastated.

The new home is gray, and cold, and no adventure at all.  She wants to go back, but Da reassures her during their nightly conversations that things will get better.  And sure enough, with a bit of bright yellow inspiration, she starts to discover the adventures awaiting in her new home.

Kids will find the end hopeful and resolved, but I somehow found it a little bittersweet.  Da loves his grand daughter and wants her happy, but the adult me, realizes their relationship will never be the same, and Da will miss her in many ways, alone, as she embarks on her own life.  I know I’m projecting, but the ability to see both perspectives adds a nice layer to the book.

The book is available here from Amazon and will be in local libraries in June 2024.

Mar11

Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko

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Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko

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This 24 page 2023 published non fiction book about Eid, is meant for babies to seven year old according to the publisher.  A large spread of comprehension abilities that is thus required to be vague, simplistic, and at times not very successful at conveying much of anything. The large font and bright colors are engaging, and it starts out strong with sight words, and identifying Ramadan is a Muslim holiday followed by Eid al-Fitr, but then erroneously states Eid is three days.  There is then unnecessary statements such as “They honor their beliefs.” That have no clear meaning, and in fact feel a bit othering.  It seems the book is scared to say “Muslims,” saying it only once, it prefers “they,” and “people.”  Some pages are clear and accurate, but many are just awkward, such as “Happy Eid! People pray each morning.  They go to a mosque.”  It seems so stilted.  The picture glossary at the end is mostly accurate, but it defines Muslim as “related to the Islamic faith.” Overall, it seems like a little editing would clarify, correct, and even make this book a benefit, but as it is it just feels like token rep to add to a holiday library series.

The book starts with a table of contents and divides a very short book into chapters.  The first three pages tell that Ramadan is fasting, Eid is after Ramadan, and a Muslim holiday.  It erroneously says Eid is three days, and then says “the dates move each year.”  If you are aware of the lunar calendar this makes sense, I’m sure a five year old would not understand that it isn’t just a randomly selected day.

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Pages 10 and 11 seem vague at best, “People end their fast.  They honor their beliefs.” The previous page was taking about Eid, the following spread is about Eid, it is almost like the pages were plucked from a similar Ramadan book and erroneously dropped in to this one.

We then are at the mosque, and told people pray each morning.  I’m not sure if this is on Eid day, or every day, we do pray five times a day, and while it is good to pray at the mosque it is not required, so ultimately another unclear page.

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The remaining Eid tradition pages are accurate, visit family and friends and say Eid Mubarak, eating big meals and sweets, giving to others in need, and giving gifts and money.  The photographs show joy, and are bright and engaging. The Facts and Glossary at the end are then followed by an index and ways to learn more.

Sep4

From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani

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From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani

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

Apr24

Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska illustrated by Hatem Aly

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Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska illustrated by Hatem Aly

There was a time in college when my friends and I would gift each other Cinderella retellings and versions from all over the world, that was nearly 20 years ago, and I haven’t thought much of it, until this book reminded again of “This is the House that Jack Built.” Having just read and reviewed “The Masjid that Kamal Loves” which is structed similarly, I can confidently say forget Cinderella, I’m loving this new trend, of a repetitive layered story conveying love and excitement and joy to little readers in such an engaging way. This book has more of a story than the original and shows relationships and longing, even though it is primarily a love letter to Cairo.  The swapping out in some verses for Arabic words and English translations, the sound affects and the connections really elevate the OWN voice details in the text and make the book an absolute treat to read and share even for those of us who are not Egyptian and have never visited.  The Auntie who visits wears hijab, the muezzin calling Allah u Akbar is a repeated refrain, their are numerous illustrations of women in hijab and a masjid is shown repeatedly throughout allowing Muslims everywhere to feel seen with this culturally specific story.  The Glossary with the Arabic script and pronunciation guides and Notes from the Author and Illustrator really radiate with love and invite the reader to participate in the celebration on the pages.  I have no doubt children (and their parents) three and up everywhere will fall in love with the 40 page story and delightful illustrations.

Auntie Fatma comes to visit a little girl’s family from Egypt and brings sahlab and changes for two weeks to the home.  Arabic is spoken, and a nightly lullaby of the sounds of Cairo are among the beloved additions to connect the little girl to her Auntie and her culture.

The lullaby begins with the sound of the Nile, the boats floating through the city, the athan calling to prayer, the carts on the streets, the traffic.  The halawa ya battekh, swish, swoosh, swish, Allah u Akbar, beep honk toot, all add layers to the bustle of the city as the little girls memories of the sights and sounds of Egypt soothe her to sleep.  When it is time for Auntie to return the little girl’s sadness is palpable, but Auntie finds a way to reassure her and all those that have drunk from the Nile and long to return.

It is hard to say if the text adds to the illustrations or the illustrations to the story, both combine to make this book impossible to read without smiling.  I love that the mosque is shown in the daytime and at night implying that the call to prayer is not a one time thing without articulating that Muslims pray five times a day. I don’t know if the author identifies as Muslim or if the inclusion of the athan and Allah u Akbar is just an environmental reality of Egyptian daily life and thus featured.  The illustrator could have very well added the hijabs on his own as there is nothing religious or explanatory in the text.  Perhaps it is worth noting that there is a dog in the family’s home that seems to sleep with the little girl.  The book is a cultural heartfelt portrayal, and that Islam is prominently featured so beautifully made for a lovely surprise.

I hope you will consider preordering the book here, requesting it at your library, and sharing it on classroom and home bookshelves.  Happy Reading!

Apr17

The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Fraklin illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

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The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Fraklin illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

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I don’t normally post about upcoming releases this far in advance (2.5 months), but I am hoping that if I share the link for preorders, I just might help in signaling to the traditional publishing world that books like this are so so so important and that we will support unapologetic, well written, Muslim centered, Muslim and Black joy featured books with our purchasing power.  This book is incredible for toddlers to early elementary in its “This is the House that Jack Built” format.  Muslim kids will giggle with excitement as they see themselves happy to see their friends at Jumu’ah, flinging shoes a little too hard before entering the musallah, splashing a bit when making wudu, playing while helping put out the prayer rugs, and getting a little wiggly or tired during the khutbah.  The happiness and love radiates off the pictures and through the text that even non Muslim readers will feel our connection to our Masjids and the prayers that occur within.  Muslim authored, Muslim illustrated, masjid not mosque, and a beautiful Author’s Note, makes this book a must have on every shelf where young children need books that mirror their experiences and provide windows into the beauty of Islam.

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The book starts out describing Kamal’s smile and offering the reason for such joy as being Jumu’ah at the masjid. It then starts with describing the masjid and all that is contained with the lines adding on the refrain of “the masjid Kamal loves.”  The friends, the shoes, the feet, the rugs, etc.. Terms such as imam, ummah, salaam are in the text and the illustrations show wudu, salat, khutbah, conveying a Jumu’ah experience.

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Each page is brightly illustrated across horizontal orientated scenes.  The expressions on the kids faces, are engaging and smile inducing and the lyrical text has a rhythm and strength that makes you feel proud to also have a masjid to love like Kamal.

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I have an arc, but have preordered a copy for myself here and hope you will do the same. Please also request your public libraries to order it, and if they have already you can place the book on hold, inshaAllah little steps to show support.