Toys Next Door by Sh. Soosi

Title: Toys Next Door
Author: Sh. Soosi
Genre: Children’s Book
Illustrator: Qa’ed Mai
Released: 2019
Format: Board book
Pages: 20
Source: I received a hard copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
Related Links: Author

An easy-to-understand children’s board book inspired by the story of the two gardens in the Qur’an. The perfect gift for kids ages 0 to 7.

Nooh said to the boy,
“Allah gave you more,
but you are not better,
I’m happy with four.”

“Allah gives what He wants
and He takes away, too.
He can give toys to me.
He can take toys from you.”

– Toys Next Door, Sh. Soosi 

The Beautiful Names of Allah by Ibrahim O. Jimoh

Title: The Beautiful Names of Allah for Muslim Children
Author: Ibrahim O. Jimoh
Genre: Children’s Book
Series: Part 1
Illustrator: Faisal Tahir
Released: 2021
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 82
Source: I received a hard copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
Related Links: Amazon | GoodReads | Author

One of the fundamental pillars of tawheed (faith) in Islam is tawheed al-asma’ wa’l-sifaat i.e. the belief in the names and attributes of Allah. It complements believing that Allah is One with no partner or associate in His Lordship (ruboobiyyah), divinity (uloohiyyah). Negating any of these makes a person a disbeliever.
Allah is perfect in every sense and His Names are most beautiful. This requires that He be described always with all perfect attributes which negate all their opposites in every sense. This perfect attribute of Allah is what stands Him out as the pure, holy, faultless One. Thus, the anthropomorphic conception of God is a negation of His holiness.
The Beautiful Names of Allah for Muslim Children is a collection of soul-inspiring poems filled with moral and belief teachings for Muslim kids. It is carefully written to familiarize your child with the names of Allah and their significance in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) using analogies, stories, dua’ and lots more.
The poems are sticky and beautifully illustrated to capture the interest of every Muslim child both at home and in the classroom.

Allah is the Fashioner
He gave me two eyes
To see and guide my way
He gave me two ears
To listen to what people say
He gave me two nostrils
To smell and breathe in air
He puts all of them on my gorgeous face
– The Beautiful Names of Allah, Ibrahim O. Jimoh

Adam’s First Day at Madrassa by Iqrah Razzaq

Title: Adam’s First Day at Madrassa

Author: Iqrah Razzaq

Genre: Children’s Book

Illustrator: Iqrah Razzaq

Publisher: Al Qasas Learning

Released: 2020

Format: Paperback

Pages: 28

Source: I received a soft copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. 

Rating: 3/5

Related Links: Amazon

 

It is Adam’s first day at madrassa but he is feeling nervous as he doesn’t know anyone there. Adam doesn’t want to go inside but his sister Fatima is able to convince him to go in to the madrassa. What will Adam think of the madrassa? Join Adam on his first day to find out if he enjoys it.

 

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book, perfect for a bedtime read with your little ones to encourage discussion on Islamic principles, the steps of wudu and introducing the concept of a mosque. Suitable for children between 3 and 6 years. 

The Clever Boy and the Terrible, Dangerous Animal by Idries Shah

Title: The Clever Boy and the Terrible, Dangerous Animal

Author: Idries Shah

Genre: Children’s Book (3-8)

Illustrator: Rose Mary Santiago

Translator: Rasha Al-Aqeedi

Publisher: Hoopoe Books

Released: September 2015

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle

Pages: 38

Source: I was gifted a soft copy from Hoopoe Books to review for the #ReadYourWorld Multicultural Children’s Book Day event.

Rating: 3.5/5

Purchase: Amazon| GoodReads | Hoopoe Books

 

When a boy visits another village, he is surprised to find the townspeople terrified of something that—just because they have not seen it before—they mistake for a terrible, dangerous animal. With his own knowledge and by demonstration, the boy helps them overcome their fears.

This story is part of an oral tradition from the Middle East and Central Asia that is more than a thousand years old. In an entertaining way, it introduces children to an interesting aspect of human behavior and so enables them to recognize it in their daily life.

One of many tales from the body of Sufi literature collected by Idries Shah, the tale is presented here as part of his series of books for young readers.

Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift | Sadiq and the Bridge Builders | Authored by Siman Nuurali

Title: Sadiq and the Ramdan Gift

Author: Siman Nuurali

Genre: Children’s Book (6-9)

Illustrator: Anjan Sarkar

Series: Sadiq

Publisher: Picture Windows Book, a Capstone Imprint

Released: August 2020

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle

Pages: 64

Source: I was gifted a soft copy from Capstone Publishing to review for the #ReadYourWorld Multicultural Children’s Book Day event.

Rating: 5/5

Purchase: Amazon| GoodReads | Capstone Publishing

 

It’s Ramadan! In the spirit of the season, Sadiq and his friends want to give back to their community. The friends band together to raise money to build a new school for children in Somalia. They decide to put on a community iftar as a fund-raiser, but not everyone agrees where their efforts should be spent. Can they find a way to work together?

Yasmin the Librarian | Yasmin the Scientist | Authored by Saadia Faruqi

Title: Yasmin the Librarian

Author: Saadia Faruqi

Genre: Children’s Book (5-8)

Illustrator: Hatem Aly

Series: Yasmin

Publisher: Picture Windows Book, a Capstone Imprint

Released: January 2021

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle

Pages: 32

Source: I was gifted a soft copy from Capstone Publishing to review for the #ReadYourWorld Multicultural Children’s Book Day event.

Rating: 5/5

Purchase: Amazon| GoodReads | Capstone Publishing

 

It’s library day, and Yasmin is the helper! She loves shelving books, but suddenly, Yasmin discovers that her own special book is missing. How will she find it among all the other books?

Resilient Rida and the Cochlear Implant by Manal Wazeer

Title: Resilient Rida and the Cochlear Implant
Author: Manal Wazeer
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Illustrator: Tahira Rifath
Editor: Umm Marwan Ibrahim
Released: 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 32
Source: I borrowed a copy for reviewing purpose.
Rating: 4/5
Purchase: Amazon | Author

Rida loves helping people. However, this time the process is long, and the results don’t come immediately. Rida learns of a valuable tool that gives him the motivation to persist event through setbacks. Learn about Allah’s Names through Rida’s story. A story aimed at inspiring young readers to love Allah.

“Ya Allah, You are Al-Razzaq, the Provider of all things, and Al-Mujib, the Responder to every prayer. Please help us raise the money for Karim.” Rida and Panda repeated after UmUmmah.
– Resilient Rida and the Cochlear Implant, Manal Wazeer

The Crown And The Robe by Nafla Salahudeen

Title: The Crown And The Robe – A Quran Memorization Journey
Author: Nafla Salahudeen
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Illustrator: Harry Aveira
Editor: Umm Marwan Ibrahim
Released: 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 28
Source: I borrowed a copy for reviewing purpose.
Rating: 3.25/5
Purchase: DeenSquare

Quran Memorization/Hifz is a wonderful gift that that parents can give their children from a young age. This colorful book of illustration is written and designed to reach young minds to provide a positive mindset and motivation towards Hifz/Quran Memorization and the rewards that can be achieved throughout, beginning from the materialistic rewards and towards greater rewards from Allah.

“…If you can memorize a rhyme by listening to it many times, you can memorize a Surah too by listening to it many times. Beside, Allah will help you in your efforts.”
– The Crown And The Robe, Nafla Salahudeen

Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Title: Mommy’s Khimar
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Genre: Children’s Book (4-8)
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn
Publisher: Salaan Reads
Released: April 2018
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Source: I borrowed a copy from Abu Dhabi Children’s Library 
Rating: 4/5
Purchase: Amazon | GoodReads | Salaam Reads

A young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn.
A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears.
Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.
A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.

Love in Ramadan by Maitha Al Khayat

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: Love in Ramadan
Author: Maitha Al Khayat
Genre: Children’s Book (3-6)
Illustrator: Maitha Al Khayat
Publisher: HudHud Publishing
Released: January 2016
Format: Paperback
Pages: 32
Source: I borrowed a copy from Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
Rating: 5/5
Purchase: Amazon | GoodReads

It’s the month of love, caring and giving.
How does this loving family spend their time in this beloved month?

My mother Sarah bustles around in the kitchen in search of something she loves. She stirs the pot and says, “I love cooking yummy and healthy dishes during Ramadan. And I love making bassboosa, for it’s my husband’s favorite dessert. But most of all, I love giving out food to friends and neighbours.”
– Love in Ramadan, Maitha Al Khayat