bookshelf

GOING TO MECCA

Name: GOING TO MECCA
Author: Na’ima B. Robert
ISBN: 978-1-84780-153-1

by Na’ima B. Robert & illustrated by Valentina Cavallini ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2012

Follow this contemporary family, but pack some more expertise in your imaginary suitcase.

bookshelf

The trip to Mecca, the Hajj, is the most important religious event in the life of a Muslim.

A family living in London sets forth on their spiritual journey, leaving the youngest child behind with her grandmother. Most double-page spreads highlight one stage of the trip with a free-verse poem, such as the one that addresses attire: “Dress with a pilgrim / As he stands barefoot, / A sheet round his shoulders, / Another round his waist.” Readers are exhorted to vicariously take part in all the rituals of the nine-day observance. The repetitive nature of the first lines of the poems is soothing, but it may resonate most with young Muslim readers, as children are asked to call out in prayer and gaze at the Black Stone on one side of the Ka'bah, among other “requests.” Although the poems attempt to explain all the practices and there is a back page with additional information, adults familiar with Islam are best positioned to share the book with children as part of a larger discussion on this pillar of the Muslim faith. The folk-art–style mixed-media illustrations, utilizing fabrics and papers, show the great diversity of Muslim pilgrims. There is no bibliography.

Follow this contemporary family, but pack some more expertise in your imaginary suitcase. (Picture book. 6-9)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-84780-153-1

Page Count: 28

Publisher: Frances Lincoln

Review Posted Online: Aug. 21, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2012

Categories:

CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
FAR FROM HOME
by Na’ima B. Robert

- BOOK REVIEW
FROM SOMALIA, WITH LOVE
by Na’ima B. Robert

bookshelf

THE SPIDER AND THE DOVES

THE STORY OF THE HIJRA

by Farah Morley & illustrated by Farah Morley ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 2012

Although a little too wordy for younger listeners, this is one of the more attractive books on Islam’s origins.

bookshelf

The lowly spider is a strong hero in this traditional story about Muhammad.

During the Prophet's flight from Makkah (Mecca) to Madinah (Medina) on the journey called the Hijra (Hejira), he stopped in a cave with his follower, Abu Bakr, to escape his pursuers. As the story goes, birds (usually pigeons, but here called doves) nested outside the cave, and a spider wove a web to fool the tracker sent by Makkah’s leaders. The animals instinctively thought that their presence would cause the tracker to think that Muhammad couldn’t be inside. (In similar stories, spiders also save King David and the baby Jesus with their webs. The image of a tiny creature standing up against stronger forces unites disparate faiths.) An unobtrusive asterisk and plus sign are used when Muhammad and Abu Bakr’s names are mentioned to indicate that Muslims should say a blessing after the Prophet’s name and the name of his companion. This is explained on the inside cover, but the blessings are omitted. Black silhouettes are cleverly juxtaposed against intensely colored watercolors, working within the Muslim injunction against showing human images. A source note would have been helpful, placing the story within the context of Muhammad’s life.

Although a little too wordy for younger listeners, this is one of the more attractive books on Islam’s origins. (Picture book/religion. 6-9)

Pub Date: July 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-0-86037-449-7

Page Count: 30

Publisher: Kube Publishing

Review Posted Online: May 15, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2012

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

bookshelf

SAM AND CHARLIE (AND SAM TOO!)

by Leslie Kimmelman ; illustrated by Stefano Tambellini ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2013

Nevertheless, it fills a gap in the marketplace, hopefully paving the way for stronger fare.

bookshelf

Not even the worthy subject matter can overcome the herky-jerky writing in this rare glimpse into everyday Jewish life.

Over four short chapters, a boy and a girl become good friends in spite of misunderstandings. When Sam overhears that the new kid next door is named Charlie, he’s initially thrilled to find a playmate. To his surprise, he discovers that both Charlie and her little sister Sam (or “Sam Too”) are girls. That makes little difference, though, since Charlie’s a stellar buddy. The chapter on “Sharing” tests that new friendship when both Sam and Charlie crave the last prune hamentaschen. They’re closer after Sam aims to cheer up Charlie on “Sick Day,” but “The Bad Haircut” undoes that good with a callous comment. Finally on “I’m Sorry Day,” aka Yom Kippur, the two apologize, and hilarity ensues. The text’s level of difficulty is ideal for the emerging reader taking baby steps into chapter books, but even the great subject matter (the everyday lives of Jewish kids) can’t make up for abrupt transitions between those chapters, lines like “Friendship is the best medicine,” and odd lessons on losing on purpose to keep a friendship going. Tambellini’s illustrations complement the action beautifully but cannot save the weak writing.

Nevertheless, it fills a gap in the marketplace, hopefully paving the way for stronger fare. (Early reader. 6-8)