As you know, I'm taking part in the Ramadan Readathon this month - a month long event to celebrate and highligh Muslim authors. When I was doing my research of books by Muslim authors I could read for the readathon, I found YA author Aisha Saeed's post, Ramadan, Books, and a Plea: Be the Change You Wish to See, in which she tells us about how fantastic it was to see a display of books about Ramadan and Islam for children for Ramadan. I was really moved by her post, and as I work in the children's department of a bookshop, I decided to research books on Islam and Ramadan for children in a hopes that we could put on a display at my shop. And I thought I would share with you the books I discovered.
Please note, I am not Muslim, nor have I yet read these books, so I can't comment on whether they're good or not. However, they are all written by Muslim authors.
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan
With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions for even the youngest readers. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, this entrancing volume is equally at home in the classroom as it is being read to a child on a parent's lap. From Goodreads.
Pierre the Maze Detective by Hiro Kamigaki & IC4DESIGN (review copy) - Pierre the Maze Detective has a new case. Mr X has stolen the Maze Stone, which has the power to turn the whole of Opera City into a maze. Can you help Pierre and his friend Carmen find their way through the mazes – and stop Mr X before it's too late?
How the Library (Not the Prince) Saved Rapunzel by Wendy Meddour & Rebecca Ashdown (review copy) - Rapunzel sits alone in a tall tower block, and no one - not the postman, the baker, her auntie or even the prince - can bring back her sparkle. But when Rapunzel does finally open the postman's letter it contains an amazing offer that changes her life--- Read on to find out how the library saved Rapunzel! From the blurb.
I'm a Girl! by Yasmeen Ismail (review copy) - I'm supposed to be made of sugar and spice
Monsters Love Underpants by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort (review copy) - Underpants are monstrously funny in this playful picture book from the team that brought you Dinosaurs Love Underpants and Pirates Love Underpants.
I Need a Wee! by Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet (review copy) - Alan the bear has a problem. He needs a wee! But there are so many things he would rather do first. Will he make it to the loo on time? And when he gets there, will there be a queue?! Uh-oh... From Goodreads.
Roo the Roaring Dinosaur by David Bedford & Mandy Stanley (review copy) - This is the story of Roo, a little dinosaur who one day meets a woolly mammoth in a hot-air balloon. The balloon has a hole and gradually deflates, floating down to the ground and leaving the little mammoth stranded. Roo saves the day by giving the mammoth a piece of his precious comfort blanket (his moomie, as he calls it) which they use to patch the hole. From Goodreads.
Oliver & Patch by Claire Freedman & Kate Hindley - When Oliver finds a little lost dog he makes his first friend in the big new city. A stunning new book from Claire Freedman and Kate Hindley.
A Cat Called Panda by Melanie Arora (review copy) - A small girl called Amanda converses with a haughty cat called Panda in this whimsical nonsense-style poem. Inspired by a real cat called Panda, we find out about his slightly superior character, why he is named after another animal and his particular fondness for bamboo. Playing with a ‘black and white’ theme throughout, magpies, cows and zebras all get a mention, with additional animals popping up in unexpected places. Amanda, Panda and friends come to life with the unique hand-printed illustrations that incorporate striking splashes of colour into the black and white palette. From Goodreads.
On Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah and Benji Davies (review copy) - A compelling story about accepting someone new.
Puddle Pug by Kim Norman and Keika Yamaguchi (review copy) - Percy the Pug loves puddles—big puddles, small puddles, swamp puddles, stomp puddles. But no puddle is perfect . . . until he finds one with three friendly piglets. But protective Mama Pig says NO PUGS and chases Percy away! Irresistibly illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi, Kim Norman's tale about a persistent pug and his pursuit of friendship in puddle paradise brims with warmth and charm. From Goodreads
My Mummy Says... by Justine Smith and Angie Stevens (review copy) - A padded board book, perfect for young children to share with their mummies.
Meet the Parents by Paul Bently and Sara Ogilvie (review copy) - Yes, parents are bossy, but they also have their perks. Discover the best of them in this lively picture book from two Roald Dahl Funny Prize favorites!
I Love Mum by Joanna Walsh and Judi Abbot (review copy) - An adorable, sunshiny book which shows how, no matter what, there's just no-one like Mum.
No Matter What by Debi Gliori - A fabulous bestselling picture book about unconditional love
Um... Mommy, I Think I Flushed My Brother Down the Toilet by Jeff Rivera (review copy) - Welcome to ’Yuck Kingdom’! The streets are made of smelly jelly fellies. The trees are all winding, dinding and finding. And the hills are made of slushy gushy mush. It’s the Kingdom of Yuck and the last place that Falisha Whiskers wants to be in. But Falisha needs to find her brother Jesse.
When It Snows by Richard Collingridge (review copy) - When everything grinds to a halt because of the snow, one small boy and his teddy bear refuse to allow the weather to spoil their fun. They embark on an amazing journey in which they ride a polar bear and meet huge snowmen, an ice queen, fairies, elves, a giant reindeer and Father Christmas.
