- “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 […] - ‘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. […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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, […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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. […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s by Mariam Saad illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy
This book is the first in a series (hopefully) called Trilingual Sofia, where English is the predominant language, and Spanish and Arabic are interwoven to tell the story. Focusing on Eid and spending the holiday in Mexico with her non Muslim grandmother, the story with bright illustrations is a celebration of diversity, acceptance, family, and […] - Eid 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, […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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. […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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, […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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. […] - 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 […] - 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 […]
- 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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, […] - 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. […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - 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 […] - Little Brother for Sale by Rahma Rodaah illustrated by Fuuji Takashi
Oh how I love to read sweet books and repeatedly thumb through warm engaging illustrations. This book is beautiful, fun, and (possibly) very relatable. A big sister, Asma, is ready to get rid of her little brother, Hamza, so that she can enjoy all her parent’s attention. But when the mailman won’t let her ship […] - Little Leena Learns about Ramadan by Zainab Fadlallah
I was excited to see this 20 page book in my public library, and then once I started reading it I was equal parts frustrated, disappointed, and honestly a little upset. The book is an example of what I posted a reel about a few days ago, about an over used, unrealistic, textbook fact share […] - Little Rocket’s Imaan Boosting Journey by Ilm Bubbles
This 32 page toddler to first grade picture book at first appears to be just another book praising Allah’s creation from the ground level up to the heavens as the main character is a personified rocket ship. However, I was delighted to see that after a few pages the book goes deeper in both Islamic […] - Lubna and the Pebble by Wendy Meddour illustrated by Daniel Egneus
This beautifully illustrated book with simple text and story, is heartwarming and powerful in conveying emotion about child refugees. The 32 pages tell the story of young Lubna who has escaped something horrible and picks up a pebble when she and her father reach their new home, a World of Tents. She finds a felt […] - Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mohdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani illustrated by Maya Fidawi
At first glance it might seem that this Iranian set book with a chador at it’s core is a political statement. I do not believe that it is. The backmatter does state that, “Our wish in writing this book is to add to the growing list of stories for children that demystify this veil (that […] - Mel and His Trouble with One Thousand Shoes by Somayeh Zomorodi illustrated by N. Broomand
The book has a solid premise, although it reads a lot like The Very Greedy Bee, and has lovely 8.5 by 11 pictures on its 24 pages, but unfortunately the text is all over the place. The story contradicts itself, it is overly wordy, and way to rhymy. Yeah, rhymy isn’t even a word, but […] - Mommy Sayang by Rosana Sullivan
A Pixar Animation Studios Artist Showcase book which beautifully illustrates the bond of a mother and daughter. Set in Malaysia, this diverse book shows a rich culture that readers will learn about, as well as relate to in 48 large 9 x 11 pages. The simple text shows Little Aleeya watching her dear mother, Mommy […] - Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Children playing dress-up with their mother’s clothes is a universal activity, that most can relate to. Playing dress-up in your mother’s khimar is what makes this book both familiar and stereotype breaking in a way that is actually pretty powerful. In this 40 page hardback book targeting 4-8 year olds, Salaam Reads, once again […] - Mona’s Scrapbook Adventure by Nouha Deliou illustrated by Kadhima Tung
Algerian culture, as far as I’ve seen, is incredibly underrepresented in western literature and not represented at all in children’s books. I love that this author, who felt the same- did something about it. This 40 page colorful story incorporates Algerian traditions and culture with universal themes of sibling love, wedding excitement, and being sad […] - Mr. Men Little Miss Happy Eid by Roger Hargreaves
The nostalgic cast has reassembled recently, and now have an Eid title available. Whether you grew up with Mr. Men and Little Miss or have never heard of them before, this book covers the basics of an Eid day celebration with (familiar) characters such as: Mr Greedy, Mr Bump, Miss Splendid, Mr Funny, Little Miss […] - Mr. Ramadhan Moon by S.R.M. illustrated by Haleema Tahir Gul
This little 26 page paperback book is not a lot to look at, and it really isn’t substantial in your hands either….but it comes with this little guy, who is Awesome! And once Mr. Ramadhan Moon smiling at you, and you open the book, the only real complaint you’ll have is how can we support […] - Musa & Friends Do Ramadan by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills
Zanib Mian has really set the standard for quality affordable children’s Islamic books title after title. So, I really was on pins and needles waiting for these Musa & Friends board books, and then I got one (thank you Crescent Moon Store) and part of me is really disappointed, and part of me is wondering […] - Mustafa and Arwa go on a Prayer Adventure by Mekram Mohammad
This short rhyming book introduces toddlers and little ones to the five daily prayers as it presents the brother sister duo on a typical day. Ok, so maybe not a typical day, unless dressing up as knights and battling each other, winning medals, and climbing mountains is typical. But, it presents the salats in time […] - Mustafa and Arwa go on a Ramadan Adventure by Mekram Mohammad
Ramadan is two months away and this little book is a great way to introduce and stir up excitement for little Muslim toddlers and preschoolers. It could work for non Muslims, but the general overview given would need some details and explanations, and this book seems more geared to introduce excitement and a few key […] - My Baba’s House: A Poem of Hope by Dr. Amani Mugasa illustrated by Eman Salem
I wanted to love this Islamic centered children’s book about grief, but I found it a bit problematic and misleading. I am by no means an expert in Islamic matters of death or in psychological bereavement, but the note at the beginning of the book- if I wasn’t already going to look at it critically- […] - My Dad’s Beard by Zanib Mian & Laura Ewing
I honestly don’t think this 11×11, 32 page book could be any sweeter. With just a few words on each page the simple sentences convey such love and warmth from a boy to his dad, by way of his beard. The boy articulates that his father’s beard is different from his uncle’s and his […] - My First Book About Allah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge
This 26 page non fiction sturdy board book packs in a lot of information in a really simple way that will keep little one’s attention and hopefully encourage them to ask deeper questions as they grow. The illustrations are soft and alternate between detailed familiar scenes and simple background style scenes that draw attention to […] - My First Book About Ramadan: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge
Once again, Sara Khan pushes the standard of what can be conveyed and presented in a toddler board book. This book on Ramadan not only introduces concepts of the blessed month to our littles Muslims, but also provides details that will allow the book to stay relevant even as a child grows. The soft, yet […] - My First Book About Salah: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children by Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge
Looking at the books in the series, reading them to my children, getting the latest one delivered to my doorstep: every step along the way makes me smile, alhumdulillah. The soft warm illustrations and impressive amount of information lovingly conveyed in board book form really makes the series a staple for young children. The newest […] - My First Book About the Qur’an: Teachings for Toddlers and Young Children y Sara Khan illustrated by Ali Lodge
I had planned to review the Ramadan book in Sara Khan’s My First Book about series, but needless-to-say all of the board books in the collection look remarkably similar and the one on my shelf, that I thought was the Ramadan one is this one, the one about the Qur’an. Rather than find another Ramadan […] - My First Muslim Potty Book by Yousfa Janjua illustrated by Golnar Servatian
I’m not sure why this book is just coming out now and why I never realized how important it is. It sounds silly, but we as Muslims are very precise about our bathroom habits and cleanliness and the fact that this is the first book to address it for children is actually, kind of surprising. […] - My Grandfather’s Masbaha by Susan Daniel Fayad illustrated by Avery Liell-Kok
This 20 page story is endearing and sweet for children aged 4 and up, with a great lesson. At first I thought it was an Islamic fiction book, but after thinking about it, I’m not so sure. Lots of faiths use prayer beads, although maybe only Muslims have 33, and the setting, Lebanon, is […] - My Mum is a Wonder by Michele Messaoudi illustrated by Rukiah Peckham
This book published in 1999 was one of the first books I remember reading regularly to my Sunday school class, and reading it now as a mum myself makes it warm me all the more. In 34 warmly colored illustrations, this 8×8 book shares the story of how a little boy sees his mom. How […] - My Mummy’s Tummy by Suzanne Stone illustrated by Suzanne Stone and Omar Faruq
The copy I have is called My Mummy’s Tummy, but the binding says My Mummy’s Fat Tummy, I would assume that they are the same book except for this one word, and I’m hoping they opted to remove it at the last minute. Actually, while on the title, it only works well for the first […] - My Special Angels: The Two Noble Scribes by Razana Noor illustrated by Omar Burgess
The book starts with a brief introduction to Kiraman Katibin, the two recording angels, and reminds parents that before the age of maturity only the good deeds are recorded. That being established the book then works to develop the conscientiousness of having all of our actions recorded, so that we train ourselves from a young […] - One Meal More: A Multicultural Ramadan Story by Emma Apple
Like many of Emma Apple’s books that she writes and illustrates, the concept is simple, the illustrations minimal, the message clear, and the price a tad bit high. At 50 pages this $17 soft bound Ramadan counting book is a little disappointing. Had it been half the price, I would say it was great. So, […] - One Perfect Eid Day and No More Cake! by Suzanne Muir illustrated by Azra Momin
This lovely counting book celebrates the end of Ramadan and the festivities of Eid Al-Fitr by counting up to 10 and counting back down. Over 24 pages of rhyming lines, adorable illustrations will bring the holiday to life as a group of children and a little white cat celebrate. Aside from the title that for […]
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Reviewing Children & YA Islamic Fiction, Books by Muslim Authors, & Books Featuring Muslim Characters
Islamic School Librarian 