A visually compelling ode to flora.
In the days after Creation, each tree species tries to prove why it should be their leader.
God instructs all the creatures of the Earth to choose who will rule over them. Fish, birds, and land animals each make their selection, but the trees cannot agree. The oak touts its strength, the pine its towering vantage point, the maple its beauty, and the fig and date their delicious fruits. Finally, the olive speaks up. The other trees are incredulous that the small, drab tree could have much to offer. But the olive explains that its fruit can be pressed into olive oil, which, when made into a lamp, brings light. Since God made light first, and light is the source of the rest of Creation, the trees decide that the olive will be their leader. Straathof’s art is particularly appealing, with layers of watercolor and ink, shifting colors, and expressive tree faces. The deeply textured backgrounds will have children running their fingers over the pages. The story, by contrast, isn’t quite as engaging. The trees all have similar voices and are equally assertive in their claims to leadership, leaving the poetic ending about the importance of light without deeper resonance. A concluding author’s note explains the story’s roots in Jewish midrash; caregivers and educators may want to share this title on or near Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish holiday known as “New Year for the Trees.”
A visually compelling ode to flora. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
ISBN: 9798765663493
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2025
With a universal message of love and community, this book offers a beautiful representation of a too-often-overlooked...
From a debut author-and-illustrator team comes a glimpse into a young American Muslim girl’s family and community as she walks around in “Mommy’s khimar,” or headscarf.
The star of this sunny picture book is a young girl who finds joy in wearing her mother’s khimar, imagining it transforms her into a queen, a star, a mama bird, a superhero. At the core of the story is the love between the girl and her mother. The family appears to be African-American, with brown skin and textured hair. The girl’s braids and twists “form a bumpy crown” under the khimar, which smells of coconut oil and cocoa butter. Adults in her life delight in her appearance in the bright yellow khimar, including her Arabic teacher at the mosque, who calls it a “hijab,” and her grandmother, who visits after Sunday service and calls out “Sweet Jesus!” as she scoops her granddaughter into her arms. Her grandmother is, apparently, a Christian, but “We are a family and we love each other just the same.” The illustrations feature soft pastel colors with dynamic lines and gently patterned backgrounds that complement the story’s joyful tone. The words are often lyrical, and the story artfully includes many cultural details that will delight readers who share the cheerful protagonist’s culture and enlighten readers who don’t.
With a universal message of love and community, this book offers a beautiful representation of a too-often-overlooked cultural group . (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 3, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-5344-0059-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018
Lively, funny, and child-friendly.
A young girl is upset when her mother defers her promises.
When Ranya asks her mother if they can go to the park, Mama replies, “Insha’Allah.” Ranya fumes—that’s what her parents always say when they mean no! Mama explains that the sky’s looking overcast and adds that “insha’Allah“ means “God willing.” People say it when they hope for something that they aren’t sure will happen: “Sometimes Allah has other plans.” Ranya pries a little more: Is that why they didn’t bake cookies last night? And why her sleepover with her friend Jayda fell through? And why her parents have never taken her to Disneyland? Mama replies that it was getting too late to bake and that Jayda’s grandmother became sick, but she promises to take Ranya to Disneyland before she turns 18…insha’Allah. Ranya negotiates with her mother, who agrees that they can bake cookies later and Ranya can plan another sleepover. Mama notices the weather has improved and says they can go to the park. But first, she asks Ranya to clean up her toys. Ranya impishly replies, “Insha’Allah!” This is a sweet introduction to an expression often used in Muslim and Arabic-speaking communities. The playful banter between mother and daughter forms the heart of the story. Ranya and Mama are illustrated with warm brown skin tones; theirs is a diverse neighborhood. Homey illustrations in bold primary colors create a sense of coziness.
Lively, funny, and child-friendly. (authors’ note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 14, 2024
ISBN: 9780823454419
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
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