- “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… Read more: “Granny, Where Does Allah Live?” by Yasmin Kamal illustrated by Citra Lani - ‘Tis The Night Before Eid by Yasmin Rashidi illustrated by Mariam Aldacher
On the surface this 32 page inspired re-imagining of the classic Christmas poem might not seem that impressive, but it is really quite effective in highlighting general key points of Ramadan, the mix of sadness that Ramadan has gone too quickly with the excitement of Eid, and showing the diversity of Muslim families and communities.… Read more: ‘Tis The Night Before Eid by Yasmin Rashidi illustrated by Mariam Aldacher - 10 Things I Love about Ramadan by Firhana Imam illustrated by Ali Gator
After a while a lot of Ramadan books seem repetitive with the information being more or less the same, this 24 page kindergarten and up book however, manages to present the information in a numbered format that allows for the information to flow without being constrained by an overly forced story. The result is a… Read more: 10 Things I Love about Ramadan by Firhana Imam illustrated by Ali Gator - A Bedtime Prayer for Peace by Akila Dada & Sukaina Dada illustrated by Michael Wagstaffe
This is a slow, deliberate, thoughtful book, that does a good job or setting a prayerful tone with short rhyming sentences. Intended for preschool age children, early elementary children also will enjoy this book in rotation at bedtime or nap time. The book thanks the creator and asks for protection for all things small… Read more: A Bedtime Prayer for Peace by Akila Dada & Sukaina Dada illustrated by Michael Wagstaffe - A Little Golden Book: Ramadan: A Holy Month by Malik Amin illustrated by Debby Rahmalia
As a child I had a stack of Little Golden Books, my libraries always have a good part of a shelf with Little Golden Books, my own kids have a few dozen of them, but honestly I don’t know that I love any of them, aside from the Monster at the End of the Book. … Read more: A Little Golden Book: Ramadan: A Holy Month by Malik Amin illustrated by Debby Rahmalia - A Little Tree Goes for Hajj by Eman Salem
A friend loaned me this book with a bit of hesitation as to its quality, and although I needed one more Hajj book for an upcoming story time, it seemed that it was yet another book about the steps for Hajj, so I wasn’t stressing about acquiring it. Luckily we were both wrong, at least… Read more: A Little Tree Goes for Hajj by Eman Salem - A Mermaid Girl by Sana Rafi illustrated by Olivia Aserr
I honestly don’t know how I feel about this book. I have read it and reread it and thought about it and read it again, and ignored it and read it again, and alas I have no idea. I really am having a hard time articulating my thoughts on this 40 page children’s book. I… Read more: A Mermaid Girl by Sana Rafi illustrated by Olivia Aserr - A Sense of Gratitude: Exploring the Five Senses by Halimah Bashir illustrated by Laila Ramadhani
As a story time host for littles, you always need books about the five senses. Additionally as a story reader at an Islamic school, thanking Allah swt while talking about your senses and the world around us is a staple year after year. So purchasing this book with large adorable pictures and claims of rhyme… Read more: A Sense of Gratitude: Exploring the Five Senses by Halimah Bashir illustrated by Laila Ramadhani - A Whale of A Wish by Razana Noor illustrated by Rahima Begum
I’ve seen this book on Amazon countless times, and not really been interested in a Prophet story written in rhyme. It seemed like it would be overly forced and there’s enough slightly creepy songs out there trying to be clever in their retellings, that I never added it to my cart. But, when Noura over… Read more: A Whale of A Wish by Razana Noor illustrated by Rahima Begum - ABC’s of Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Michile Khan
I absolutely love this ABC book, it truly does Pakistan proud and I’m thrilled that I could obtain it, it wasn’t easy, sorry not sure where you can get it in the USA, and it isn’t available even at Liberty Books in Karachi, but if you can find it, grab a copy, or two because… Read more: ABC’s of Pakistan by Marzieh Abbas illustrated by Michile Khan - Aisha’s Colors by Nabila Adani
On first glance it seems this 32 page picture book is going to focus on colors from the perspective of a little Muslim girl in Indonesia, but it isn’t a basic color book, in fact only three colors are even explored. The book is also not religious, aside from the hijab wearing mother and grandmother… Read more: Aisha’s Colors by Nabila Adani - Alana’s Bananas by Mariam Hussein illustrated by Saima Riaz
A silly, silly book about a girl’s love of bananas and her despair when a storm wipes out the banana crops in Costa Rica. The moral of the story is to try new foods, and in 36 pages I think the reader will grasp just how over the top Alana’s obsession with bananas truly is… Read more: Alana’s Bananas by Mariam Hussein illustrated by Saima Riaz - All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
This is the perfect book for back to school. It can set a beautiful tone of letting all children know that they are welcome, that they are accepted, that they are safe, that they are wanted and that they have value in your classroom. It could also work to allay children’s fears heading in to… Read more: All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman - Allah Created Everything by C. Alta
The version I have is called Allah Created Everything, but it seems that the more common edition is God Created Everything, regardless the book is beautiful, timeless, and a perfect book for story time with the little ones. The simple words and beautiful illustrations are the perfect level for Daycare through Kindergarten students. They can gaze… Read more: Allah Created Everything by C. Alta - Allah Gave Me Two Eyes to See. . . by Fatia M. D’Oyen illustrated by Stevan Stratford
This series (Allah Gave me Two Hands and Feet, Allah Gave Me a Nose to Smell, Allah Gave Me a Tongue to Taste, Allah Gave Me Two Ears to Hear) has been around for over 15 years and is a staple in most Islamic School libraries, and Islamic preschool classes. They aren’t really fiction in… Read more: Allah Gave Me Two Eyes to See. . . by Fatia M. D’Oyen illustrated by Stevan Stratford - 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… Read more: Allah is Al Khaliq (The Creator) by Saba Ghazi Ameen - Allah Knows All About Me by Yasmin Mussa
This adorable 24 page board book by Learning Roots has been adapted (with permission) from a book by Kate Toms called “God Knows All About Me.” The 7.5 x 7 book is perfect for little toddler hands, and the repetition will help convey even to little ones that Allah is ever-present and all-knowing. The illustrations… Read more: Allah Knows All About Me by Yasmin Mussa - Allah Made Everything: The Song Book by Zain Bhikha illustrated by Azra Momin
I’ve reviewed a few song books over the years and often don’t love them, this one however, is awesome! This 30 page hardbound 9×9 book is a great size for toddlers and up, the only thing hard about the book is reading the words and not singing them. The text is large and easy to… Read more: Allah Made Everything: The Song Book by Zain Bhikha illustrated by Azra Momin - Allah Made Me Beautiful by Layla Izruna illustrated by Laila Radhani
This 6×6 board book is 18 pages of affirming and celebrating that no matter what we look like, “the Best of Shapers, shaped us all.” The little size, the rhyming lines, the repetition of the phrase “Allah made me beautiful” on the right page of each spread, is what you would expect from a board… Read more: Allah Made Me Beautiful by Layla Izruna illustrated by Laila Radhani - Allah Made Me Different by Maryam Abbas
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… Read more: Allah Made Me Different by Maryam Abbas - Allah Tells Me… by Ali Gator (Firhana & Ahmed Imam)
This 28 page, thick glossy full-color book for 3-8 year olds, introduces and describes the five pillars of Islam in an age appropriate manner. The book is fact based and informative, but the illustrations and voice of the text reads in a gentle inviting tone that will appeal to small children. There is no story,… Read more: Allah Tells Me… by Ali Gator (Firhana & Ahmed Imam) - Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hachimi Alaoui illustrated by Maya Fidawi
This sweet 32 page book is the purr-fect way to introduce the arrival of a new baby to toddlers and preschoolers. Instead of siblings preparing for a new arrival, it is three very different cats that need reassurance that there is enough love to go around. Minouche, Pasha, and Amir live with their humans Myriam… Read more: Alya and the Three Cats by Amina Hachimi Alaoui illustrated by Maya Fidawi - An Ocean in One Drop: The Tale of Hajar in Hajj by Mariam Hakim illustrated by Layla Abdubaisi & Hameedah Hamadah
A story about Hajar (saa), about Zamzam, about Hajj, and how we are all connected through our faith in Allah. In 32 water color adorned pages, the rhyming couplets tell a well-known historical story for children of all ages, with Hajar front and center. The book is framed with a young girl, Jamila sitting with… Read more: An Ocean in One Drop: The Tale of Hajar in Hajj by Mariam Hakim illustrated by Layla Abdubaisi & Hameedah Hamadah - Baby Touch: Happy Eid! by Lemon Ribbon Studio
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… Read more: Baby Touch: Happy Eid! by Lemon Ribbon Studio - Baby’s First Ramadan by Clare Lloyd design and illustrations by Eleanor Bates
I was excited to see publishing company DK add this Ramadan book to their board book selection, but overall it didn’t wow me, or even really impress me. It has realistic pictures of diverse Muslims celebrating Ramadan, simple text, and bright images, but it read awkward as it switched between first and third person, realistic… Read more: Baby’s First Ramadan by Clare Lloyd design and illustrations by Eleanor Bates - Baby’s First Series: Bismillah by Marwa Ahmed illustrated by Natalia Scabuso
Every few years a new Bismillah board book comes out and while after a while they all blur together, this new 2022 version is bright and colorful and at 24 pages a good length to show and teach toddlers when to say Bismillah without boring them. At this age repetition is key, so while there… Read more: Baby’s First Series: Bismillah by Marwa Ahmed illustrated by Natalia Scabuso - Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller illustrated by Jen Hill
I usually post chapter books on Fridays, but on this one week anniversary of the horrific Mosque attacks in New Zealand, my fragile heart is being kept together by the pictures and notes shared on social media about the kindness people are bestowing on one another. Company’s setting up prayer spaces for Muslim employees, communities… Read more: Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller illustrated by Jen Hill - 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… Read more: Bedtime Sunnahs Emaulating the Prophet one night at a time by Alia G. Dada illustrated by Robin Boyer - Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed illustrated Anoosha Syed
Aside from me desperately wanting to get Bilal’s family a pressure cooker this 40 page book does a good job, and follows a reliable tradition of using food to introduce a “foreign” culture while simultaneously showing universal themes that show how similar we all are when it comes to family, meals, friends and feeling loved. … Read more: Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed illustrated Anoosha Syed - Birmingham Boy by Kate Rafiq
This 36 page ‘day-in-the-life-of’ book, follows a young boy and his mom on a day out and about in his city of Birmingham, England. Told in rhyme a few Urdu words are sprinkled in as general city observations are made, fun is had, and kindness is shown. The book touches on homelessness and protests, and… Read more: Birmingham Boy by Kate Rafiq - Birthday Kunafa by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Noor Alshalabi
This 50 page wordless picture book allows readers to make up their own words to describe the progression of what is shown in the illustrations. With no right or wrong, the backmatter helps give context and points out key images that allow the story to resonate on multiple levels. On the surface it is a… Read more: Birthday Kunafa by Rifk Ebeid illustrated by Noor Alshalabi - Bismillah Little Leyla by Qura Abid illustrated by Mona Ismail
I thought this book might be leveled- reader type based on the binding and page numbers (26), but it reads more like a picture book with its repetitive refrain, and honestly the awkward small size (5×8) makes it feel like a pamphlet. So, I’m not sure who it is trying to appeal to, and unfortunately… Read more: Bismillah Little Leyla by Qura Abid illustrated by Mona Ismail - Burcu: No One Wants to Play with Me! by Nursen Sirin illustrated by Nese Inan
This 32 page, 9×12 story book, for ages five and up, focuses on character education and is meant to be a relatable story with clear lessons about how to behave and deal with situations in life. The opening page bullets all the lessons readers should learn from the story and the end of the book… Read more: Burcu: No One Wants to Play with Me! by Nursen Sirin illustrated by Nese Inan - Busy Eid illustrated by Campbell Books illustrated by Debby Rahmalia
I put this book on hold at the library during Ramadan, but there was a waiting list and I just got it. No worries though, the 8 page board book with moveable parts can be fun for babies and toddlers all year long, and if you skip over the welcoming of the new moon on… Read more: Busy Eid illustrated by Campbell Books illustrated by Debby Rahmalia - 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… Read more: Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda - Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan
I have not posted a review since the latest genocidal escalation in Gaza, my heart just cannot carry on as before, but I keep being asked about Palestinian books that I have featured in videos, but not reviewed, so here we are. This rhyming book is not OWN voice, but I think these days we… Read more: Colours of Al Quds by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Merve Ozcan - Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim
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… Read more: Come To Prayer by Salwah Isaacs-Johaadien illustrated by Zeynep Yildirim - Controlling Your Anger by Saaliha & Ali
I love little picture books for toddlers and early elementary kids that introduce children to Akhlaaq, good manners and characters. The book’s tone, however, seemed a bit off to me, so I put it away a month ago and pulled it out again today to read it, knowing I would have forgotten most of my… Read more: Controlling Your Anger by Saaliha & Ali - Could Be Anything! by Eman Mouneimne El Ayoubi illustrated by Victoria Romanenkova
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… Read more: Could Be Anything! by Eman Mouneimne El Ayoubi illustrated by Victoria Romanenkova - Crayola Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Colors by Mari Schuh
This 32 page non fiction children’s book uses colors to introduce the very basics of Ramadan and Eid from a non Muslim point of view to a non Muslim audience. The book is done decently and shows diverse Muslims and bright colors interwoven with facts about the month, but by-and-large it is forgetable and just… Read more: Crayola Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Colors by Mari Schuh - Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
Its probably a good thing I didn’t know that this book was coming out or I would have been waiting very restlessly for its release date. I love Hena Khan’s Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and buy it frequently through Scholastic to give as gifts, and this book will definitely follow in its footsteps. The… Read more: Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini - Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of Opposites by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
Every few years, for the last 13 or so, we get a new title in this series, and each one warms my cynical heart with its unapologetic Islamic representation and vibrancy. The heartfelt rhyming lines, the Islam centering, and the enveloping illustration make these books timeless, sought after, and beloved. This installment covers opposites, previous… Read more: Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of Opposites by Hena Khan illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini - Dear Black Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Lydia Mba
This beautiful 32-page picture book by Muslim author Rahma Rodaah radiates joy through the text and illustrations. The powerful and lyrical words on the page inspire confidence to take up space and encourage celebration through their messaging and tone. My three-year-old enjoyed me reading it aloud, it kept his focus and his interest, and my… Read more: Dear Black Child by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Lydia Mba - Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny: The Travelling Dentist by Emma L. Halim & Her Mum Mary Tucker illustrated by Alissa Mutiara
Sometimes you just need a sweet little story about a traveling (sorry one l I’m not British) dentist going under the sea to help a hammer head shark with a toothache. This rhyming story for toddlers is perfect for the demographic as duas are said to get through the pain and fear and the reliance… Read more: Doctor Bear and Helpful Bunny: The Travelling Dentist by Emma L. Halim & Her Mum Mary Tucker illustrated by Alissa Mutiara - Egypt by Aya Khalil illustrated by Magda Azab
This sweet board book is part of a series, the other two books are Japan and France, releasing in October. All are brightly illustrated, 20 page books for ages zero to four and take the littlest of readers into a country, through sights, experiences, foods and language. This particular book does not feature any visible… Read more: Egypt by Aya Khalil illustrated by Magda Azab - 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… Read more: Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska illustrated by Hatem Aly - 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… Read more: Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s by Mariam Saad illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy - Eid by Maria Migo
This linear story works great for toddlers that might not remember what a typical eid day is like, or those that do well to know what to expect. There isn’t a ton of detail, but each page has a sentence or two that move the story from spotting the moon, to putting on new clothes,… Read more: Eid by Maria Migo - 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,… Read more: Eid for Nylah by Nizrana Farook illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia - EidTale: An Eid al-Fitr Adventure by Aaliya Jaleel
This is the thickest board book I think I have ever seen, and that it is about Eid, filled with Muslim joy, and has foldout pages, makes it one of the best as well. It even gets that Fajr salat is prayed at dawn, it uses masjid instead of mosque, and mom covers outside, but… Read more: EidTale: An Eid al-Fitr Adventure by Aaliya Jaleel - Faatimah & Ahmed: We’re Little Muslims by Razeena Gutta illustrated by Abira Das
I found this book at the library and immediately loved that it talked about who we are as Muslims on a preschool level. It is one of the few books that I have found on this age level or any age level that discusses Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it seems like there… Read more: Faatimah & Ahmed: We’re Little Muslims by Razeena Gutta illustrated by Abira Das - First Festivals: Ramadan: A Lift the Flap Book illustrated by Junissa Bianda
I was pleasantly surprised by the cuteness of this little (7.5 x 7.5) 12 page lift the flap Ramadan board book I got at the library. Written by committee (Ladybird Books) and part of a series, I didn’t really expect much, but the illustrations are adorable, and the salat flap made me smile. The text… Read more: First Festivals: Ramadan: A Lift the Flap Book illustrated by Junissa Bianda - First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan
This large, LARGE (10 x 13.5), 16 page board book is joyful and informative for our little Muslims to look through. Each two page spread starts with a topic that is followed by an ayat from the Quran and then adorable illustrations are splattered around with comments, questions, facts, or definitions. In some ways it… Read more: First Words from the Qur’an by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Sena Aydogan - Five Pillars Just to Please Allah by Rabia Bashir and Amir Al-Zubi
This adorable 8×8 board book for little Muslims is perfect for toddlers to Kindergarteners. My one year old loves toting it around and looking at the pictures, while my 5 year old likes reading the book independently and lifting the flaps at the end to quiz himself. I’m normally really against liftable flaps in board… Read more: Five Pillars Just to Please Allah by Rabia Bashir and Amir Al-Zubi - Forgiveness by Isa Beaumont
This dual language book, is structured and feels like a leveled reader, but is more geared for fluent reading five to seven year olds. It definitely has more complex diction and vocabulary than an emerging reader would be able to handle in English, I have no idea about the Arabic. SYNOPSIS: The concept in 26… Read more: Forgiveness by Isa Beaumont - 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,… Read more: From Here and There by Larissa Olinda illustrated by Herry Prihamdani - Gift of Salah by Yusra Khan illustrated by Aisha Aamir
This basic 10 page board book, is simple, and age appropriate to teach toddlers the order, name, number of rakats each of the five prayers are, and the time of day that they should be offered. The gift on each of the two page spreads lifts to reveal the name of the prayer and the… Read more: Gift of Salah by Yusra Khan illustrated by Aisha Aamir - Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess
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… Read more: Go On, Zap Shaytan: Seeking Shelter with Allah by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess - Good Little Wolf by Nadia Shireen
I have way too many conflicting thoughts for this 32 page AR 2.1 Muslim authored picture book. The good little wolf, with a cast of familiar story book characters getting cameos, is choppy in its simple story telling to the point I thought pages had been skipped more than once, funny in asking the three… Read more: Good Little Wolf by Nadia Shireen - Grandpa and Grandma Come to Stay by Asma Zaman illustrated by Azra Momin
This slim, paperback book, is actually really sweet and colorful. It doesn’t look like much at just 14 pages, but the minimal text conveys a good message of helping elders in the home, and can easily be extended to helping those in the community. I think this is a great book for 3 to 5… Read more: Grandpa and Grandma Come to Stay by Asma Zaman illustrated by Azra Momin - Hamza Learns about Charity by Ameena Chaudhry
It is hard to believe I haven’t reviewed any of the seven Hamza books in the series. They are perfect for 2-6 year olds (older kids will enjoy them too), and all are both informative and silly. This book is 20 pages and is seven and half inch square in shape. In Hamza Learns About Charity.… Read more: Hamza Learns about Charity by Ameena Chaudhry - Hamza Learns About Eid-ul-Adha by Asna Chaudhry
Hamza returns in this book to learn about Eid-ul-Adha, and the story is hilarious, and on point for ages three and up. The sentences and paragraphs are short, the pictures are bright and colorful like always, and the basics of Eid are conveyed. The age of the reader or listener will greatly depend on… Read more: Hamza Learns About Eid-ul-Adha by Asna Chaudhry - Hamza Learns About Hajj by Ameena Chaudhry
This isn’t my favorite Hamza book, which is unfortunate, because it presents some really good information in a way different than all the other children’s Hajj books I’ve read. Hamza want’s to know if there is a swimming pool at Hajj or if big machines were used to build the Kabaa. All pretty accurate questions… Read more: Hamza Learns About Hajj by Ameena Chaudhry - Hamza’s First Fast by Asna Chaudhry
Hamza’s First Fast starts out a bit wordy as the author tries to explain what Ramadan is and who is required to fast and why, before getting to the actual story line of the book. The premise that Hamza’s siblings are fasting and that Hamza doesn’t know why or that it is Ramadan is a… Read more: Hamza’s First Fast by Asna Chaudhry - Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko
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,… Read more: Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko - Hassan and Aneesa Celebrate Eid by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated by Omar Burgess
So, cute, mashaAllah, I remember last year when I read about these two siblings celebrating Ramadan how pleasantly surprised I was by their relatable sweet story, and once again, I am thrilled that such a little book packs so much information in a fictionalized story to smile at. Really its size is my only criticism,… Read more: Hassan and Aneesa Celebrate Eid by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated by Omar Burgess - Hassan and Aneesa Go to Masjid by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated by Omar Burgess
I don’t often do two books in the same series, let alone three, but for as much as I enjoyed Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan and Hassan and Aneesa Celebrate Eid, I was a little disappointed in this story. For starters, the title seems like it should read, Go to “the” Masjid, no? The story… Read more: Hassan and Aneesa Go to Masjid by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated by Omar Burgess - Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated Omar Burgess
Another factual Ramadan book, with a fictional storyline that utilizes the banter between children and their parents to teach the reader about the blessed month. Not a unique or original storyline, but somehow it still manages to be cute. The book has very little doctrine discussed, and more hands on action of charity, visiting other… Read more: Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated Omar Burgess - Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan illustrated by Sarah Walsh
How fun to find similarities between groups that on the surface might seem so very different. This 7×7, 14 page board book, keeps it simple and perfect for toddlers starting to notice people all the way through to early elementary children making connections around them. Each page shows a portrait style illustration with a warm… Read more: Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan illustrated by Sarah Walsh - Here’s Our Religion by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi
This HUGE 14 page board book is such an engaging, teachable, and shareable book for toddler to early elementary aged children. Similar to the author’s First Words in the Qur’an I can see this book being shared at story times and in classrooms regularly. Each two page spread is literally a board book in and… Read more: Here’s Our Religion by Jenny Molendyk Divleli illustrated by Dasril Iqbal Al Faruqi - Hey, Presto! by Nadia Shireen
This 32 page picture book about friends learning to appreciate each other is both silly and sweet. An AR 2.6 the book is great for preschool through third grade and gives lots of teachable moments along the way if you want to make it more than just a fun book. There is nothing religious, but… Read more: Hey, Presto! by Nadia Shireen - Hilwa’s Gift by Safa Suleiman illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan
I’ve read a few children’s picture books about harvesting olives, and even some about Palestine’s olives, but this one really stands out because it is just so very joyful. There is information about picking the fruit, processing, and making soap and oil with olives, but the book’s take away is just sore cheeks from smiling,… Read more: Hilwa’s Gift by Safa Suleiman illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan - Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt! by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
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… Read more: Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt! by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat - How Many Donkeys? An Arabic Counting Tale retold by Margaret Read MacDonald and Nadia Jameel Taibah illustrated by Carol Liddiment
Whether you know a little bit of Arabic or none at all, this incredibly repetitive counting book will have you able to count to ten in Arabic by the end of its 32 pages. Even if you know how already, your little one will enjoy figuring out why the main character Jouha can’t figure out how… Read more: How Many Donkeys? An Arabic Counting Tale retold by Margaret Read MacDonald and Nadia Jameel Taibah illustrated by Carol Liddiment - How Much Does Allah Love Me? by Heba Subeh-Hyder illustrated by Aatena Hasan
I waited to review this book to see if my initial response would change, and before I got around to writing up the review, the second book in the Maymunah’s Musings has come out. So I am admittedly a bit late and quite a bit behind, and based on other people’s review I’m in… Read more: How Much Does Allah Love Me? by Heba Subeh-Hyder illustrated by Aatena Hasan - How to Scare a Monster by Zanib Mian
I like a lot of books, but this one, well it might be my favorite. The size, the length, the colors, the fonts, the illustrations, the message, truly it is fabulous for 3-5 year olds. The premise is simple and straightforward. The book doesn’t try and do too much or put too much on its… Read more: How to Scare a Monster by Zanib Mian - I AM: A-Z of Positive Affirmations for Muslim Kids by Barakah Kemi Hassan illustrated by Mariam Poppins
This alphabet framed book combines the English alphabet with correlating affirmations, but then also ties the sentiment in with one of Allah’s swt 99 names. The names do not correlate with the alphabet, but ground the book by building on that connection to Allah swt and the peace and reassurance of knowing He is there. … Read more: I AM: A-Z of Positive Affirmations for Muslim Kids by Barakah Kemi Hassan illustrated by Mariam Poppins - I Love Ramadan by Taymaa Salhah
There is nothing wrong with this dual language book, but there it isn’t anything to get excited about based on the story alone, either. If you are looking for a basic book with both English and Arabic telling what a little boy does in Ramadan, not elaborating on any reasons why he does them, then… Read more: I Love Ramadan by Taymaa Salhah - I Say Bismillah by Noon H. Dee Iput translated by Shera Diva Sihbudi
Another adorable board book teaching the concept of saying Bismillah to the littlest Muslims. The illustrations are really sweet, and the text large and playful on their 5.5 square pages. The story is simple, but because there is a story, and the word repeated, it does just what it intends to do and shows Bismillah… Read more: I Say Bismillah by Noon H. Dee Iput translated by Shera Diva Sihbudi - I went for Hajj by Na’ima B. Robert illustrated by Paula Pang
Before I review this delightful book, I would like to make a public service announcement of sorts. It is not Hajj season, not even close. I pre-ordered this book on June 23 from Amazon, I should have/was supposed to have it before Hajj in the middle of July. I got it TODAY! When I realized… Read more: I went for Hajj by Na’ima B. Robert illustrated by Paula Pang - I Will Not Clean My Room by Saharish Arshad illustrated by Elsa Estrada
What a great premise for a children’s book, a little boy, Musa, does not want to clean his room, and imagines all the better things he will get to do in Jannah (heaven) instead. Luckily for his room, his sister comes to help him tidy it up, as well as his mom and dad. … Read more: I Will Not Clean My Room by Saharish Arshad illustrated by Elsa Estrada - 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… Read more: Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani - If Allah Allah Wills by Dr. Oz illustrated by Mariya Khan
Not all books need to teach something, but when the book would lend it self so easily to dropping a fact or two, it seems like it would take it. In 40 pages, preschoolers are taken on a highly imaginative journey to the Ka’ba, yet no information about the history of the Ka’ba, or any… Read more: If Allah Allah Wills by Dr. Oz illustrated by Mariya Khan - Imagine by Shoohada Khanom illustrated by Faiza Benauvda and Vicky AmrullahA bright and colorful, well illustrated book for preschoolers to stretch their imaginations with and giggle at, while never straying too far from an Islamic concept or reference. The book mentions something Islamic on nearly every one of the 32 pages: dhikr, Quran, Ramadan, Prophet Yunus, salah, saying salam, Eid. I absolutely love the premise… Read more: Imagine by Shoohada Khanom illustrated by Faiza Benauvda and Vicky Amrullah
- Iman’s Sunnah Adventures: Mama Once Told Me by Sharifah Huseinah Madihid illustrated by Lakhaula S. Aulia
This adorable 36 page board book had me laughing as a mom watching the increasing exasperation and dishevelment of the poor mother in the book page after page. The book focuses on the sunnahs of welcoming guests, but the interpretations are the efforts and understandings of a small child being overly helpful, and the toll… Read more: Iman’s Sunnah Adventures: Mama Once Told Me by Sharifah Huseinah Madihid illustrated by Lakhaula S. Aulia - Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So by Rhonda Roumani, Nadia Roumani illustrated by Olivia Aserr
Not every funny thing a child says can be copied and pasted into a children’s book. And while I have no doubt that this book was edited and revised numerous times, it sure feels like a conversation or 20 that I’ve had as a mom, a teacher and a librarian over the years. Well, I… Read more: Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So by Rhonda Roumani, Nadia Roumani illustrated by Olivia Aserr - Is My Mom Like Other Moms? written and illustrated by Humera Malik
This book celebrates moms over 43 pages, but focuses on the little things that make moms different and ultimately the same. Told from a little girl’s perspective as she sees other moms and daughters and wonders if her mom’s hijab makes her different. Some moms have spiky hair or curly hair, she notices some have… Read more: Is My Mom Like Other Moms? written and illustrated by Humera Malik - Is That a Teapot by the Toilet: A Muslim Child’s Potty Training Story by Rabia Bashir illustrated by Basma Hosam
I think I’ve loved every Bismillah/Precious Bees book I’ve ever read, and this book is no exception. It is only the second children’s book I’ve ever seen on the subject of Islamic bathroom etiquette and I think combined with My First Muslim Potty Book, our little Muslims and their potty trainer adults are in a… Read more: Is That a Teapot by the Toilet: A Muslim Child’s Potty Training Story by Rabia Bashir illustrated by Basma Hosam - It Must Have Been You! by Zanib Mian illustrated by Fatima Mian
This rhyming 32 page book follows around a small girl, “about the same age as you,” who seems to make a mess every where she goes. She never lies or even responds to the accusations of her unintentional messes, as she gets caught each time by someone in her family who points their finger and… Read more: It Must Have Been You! by Zanib Mian illustrated by Fatima Mian - It’s Jummah! The Sunnah and Etiquettes of Friday! by Najia Rastgar & Lyazzat Mukhangaliyeva illustrated by Zainab Arshad
This is a very straight forward toddler board book about what you should do on Jummah. The simple text, the blocky pictures and the overall size and feel of the book make it a great teaching tool for establishing routine. The book is 10 pages and measures at about 6×6 inches. It is very sturdy… Read more: It’s Jummah! The Sunnah and Etiquettes of Friday! by Najia Rastgar & Lyazzat Mukhangaliyeva illustrated by Zainab Arshad - It’s Springtime! by Rabia Bashir illustrated by Azra Momin
This sweet 18 page board book introduces seasons to our littlest Muslims through rhyming lines, Islamic gratitude and activities enjoyed during certain times of the year. It even has a “spot and talk” activity at the back and a way to explain “Alhumdulillah” to children. The text is simple and the illustrations engaging for ages… Read more: It’s Springtime! by Rabia Bashir illustrated by Azra Momin - Jameelah Gets Dressed by
These books in the Mini Mu’min Dua Series are a great way to introduce familiar concepts in an Islamic framework to preschoolers and teach them the accompanying duas for them. I previously reviewed Sajaad is Sick, which pleasantly surprised me, and this book proved that the series has consistency and value. The pictures are colorful,… Read more: Jameelah Gets Dressed by - Join Us for Ramadan by Sana A. Faqir illustrated by Amna Asif
This 18 page chunky board book is about 7.5 x 7.5 inches and a little over an inch thick. Each spread features interactive touch, feel, lift, slide, and rotate features that keep little toddler hands engaged, while the text shares Ramadan basics. Interestingly enough though, the back says it is not for 0-3 year olds,… Read more: Join Us for Ramadan by Sana A. Faqir illustrated by Amna Asif - Journey of the Midnight Sun by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Aliya Ghare
What an absolute joy to learn about something real for the first time in a children’s picture book meant for ages 3-5. I am baffled that this story wasn’t celebrated and shared by not just Muslim’s everywhere, but Canadians as well. It is a sweet instance of real life being harder to believe than fiction. … Read more: Journey of the Midnight Sun by Shazia Afzal illustrated by Aliya Ghare - 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… Read more: Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo - Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Trisha Springstubb illustrated by Elaheh Taherian
This 32 page book for ages 5-8 is a perfectly presented story about inter-generational and intercultural friendships. Big on sentiment and heart while keeping the text short allows the compassion the two friends have for each other and their actions of showing how they feel toward one another speak volumes. The illustrations appear to be… Read more: Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Trisha Springstubb illustrated by Elaheh Taherian - Laith the Lion Goes to Palestine by Jameeleh Shelo illustrated by Sara Mcmullin
This 36 page toddler to kindergarten book features a little lion that doesn’t like to sleep. One night he wishes for friends to play with and his crib starts shaking and moving and a magical adventure begins to unfold. The story highlights and celebrates Palestine, as that is where the crib takes him, but the… Read more: Laith the Lion Goes to Palestine by Jameeleh Shelo illustrated by Sara Mcmullin - 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… Read more: Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova - Let’s Think about Allah’s Great Garden by Ali Gator
At 22 pages this book’s title aptly describes the contents within: at times factual, sometimes breaking down the fourth wall and asking readers to do something engaging, at times fictionalized, and often meandering and reflective. The book is all over the place and only cohesive in theme. It has sat on my shelf untouched by… Read more: Let’s Think about Allah’s Great Garden by Ali Gator - 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… Read more: Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan illustrated by Saffa Khan
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Reviewing Children & YA Islamic Fiction, Books by Muslim Authors, & Books Featuring Muslim Characters
Islamic School Librarian 