Dear Muslim Child

by Rahma Rodaah, Aya Ghanameh (Illustrator)

Overview

This inspirational picture book from the author of Dear Black Child encourages Muslim children to take joy and pride in their Islamic faith. Perfect for fans of In My Mosque and The Proudest Blue.

Dear Muslim Child, your story matters.

In this lyrical ode to Islam, Muslim children all over the world are encouraged to celebrate their faith and traditions. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063091993
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	02/06/2024
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	619,628
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Rahma Rodaah was born and raised in Hargeisa, Somaliland. At the age of eight, her family immigrated to Canada where she still resides today. She is a mother of four children and enjoys reading and coming up with silly bedtime stories. She is also the author of two self-published picture books and firmly believes that children need to be able to identify themselves in the books they read. You can visit her online at www.rahmarodaah.com.

Aya Ghanameh is a Palestinian illustrator, writer, and designer from Amman, Jordan. She received her BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design with a concentration in literary arts, and completed a yearlong Children's Books & Gifts Design Fellowship at Chronicle Books. You can visit her online at ayaghanameh.com.

Editorial Reviews

A heartfelt love letter urging Muslim children everywhere to courageously embrace the tenets of their faith. Poetic language and a palette of cool colors that complements the comforting words together evoke warmth, safety, and pride. Illustrations featuring children and adults who have a variety of skin tones, body shapes, and clothing styles reflect the rich diversity of the global Muslim community. Nurturing, encouraging, and necessary.” — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for DEAR BLACK CHILD: “Through a series of light-filled illustrations, the book stresses that there is space for Black children to become explorers, take center stage, and celebrate their heritage. Rodaah and Mba address Black children’s need to feel safe and accepted within their larger communities, the lack of African American representation in history books, and microaggressions they may experience, but they also remind children that they are loved…. A rousing affirmation that Black children belong.” — Kirkus Reviews

“This upbeat and inspiring missive [is] a triumphant mirror book for Black children everywhere, providing encouragement, validation, and joy.” — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

★ 05/03/2024

PreS-Gr 1—Rodaah addresses Muslim children, encouraging them to embrace their faith and have pride in their religion. Each page begins with a question; "Do you know the meaning of Nur?"/ "Do you know how special your name is?"/ "Do you know the power of words?" These questions invite self-reflection and discussion for readers of any faith or no faith, and are followed by uplifting words of comfort and encouragement. Rodaah acknowledges the judgment and microaggressions that Muslim children may face, but invites them to pray in public proudly and not feel shy. In difficult times, the author reminds children to remember that they are part of something greater: "you are not alone but part of a whole./ Let that feeling sustain you until the next prayer." The prose offers encouragement, validation, and love to Muslim children everywhere. Ghanameh's illustrations showcase the diversity of Muslim heritage and culture. The cool tones used throughout the book contribute to the overall serenity of the pages. For Muslim children, this book imparts comfort and understanding during a time when many children feel they have to hide their faith. For non-Muslim children, this book encourages understanding and respect. VERDICT A love letter to Muslim children at a time when it is needed most. A recommended first purchase for school and public libraries.—Jillian Girardeau

School Library Journal

2023-12-06
A heartfelt love letter urging Muslim children everywhere to courageously embrace the tenets of their faith.

The author of Dear Black Child (2022), illustrated by Lydia Mba, unapologetically puts Muslim children at the center of this picture book. The story begins with the narrator telling little ones about the divine plan for their birth: “Did you know that your birth was meant to be?” An explanation about some of Islam’s foundational principles follows: “Dear Muslim Child, / Can I tell you about Islam? // Islam is rooted in peace. / So live in peace. / Inspire peace. / And invite peace into your life.” Next, Rodaah poses questions: “Do you know the meaning of Nur?” “Do you know how special your name is?” “Do you know the power of words?” These queries lead to reminders to remain rooted in Islamic practices and to live proudly and publicly: “Pray in public as you would at home. / Perform your salat without feeling shy. / Be graceful and let each movement bring you comfort.” Poetic language and a palette of cool colors that complements the comforting words together evoke warmth, safety, and pride. Illustrations featuring children and adults who have a variety of skin tones, body shapes, and clothing styles reflect the rich diversity of the global Muslim community.

Nurturing, encouraging, and necessary. (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews