Reviews (1)

It's the Missing Ramadan Book!
Most Ramadan books are too difficult to read to my young students and I was missing that perfect book about this holiday.Now I can read them a book the students can enjoy and 1st and 2nd graders can read it on their own too!Thanks for the book, if only it had arrived sooner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Celebrations - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fasts and feasts    5. Holidays & Celebrations - General    6. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Religious    7. Id al-Fitr    8. Islam    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. People & Places - General    12. Ramadan    13. Religion - Islam    14. °åId al-Fiòtr    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Holidays & Festivals / Other, Religious   

Reviews (1)

An Amazing Book!
This book truly embraces the beauty of Islam, and the teachings of Islam, with respect to all the religions. I highly recommend this book to anyone out there who wants to learn more about, or research in depth the truth about this serene and peaceful religion. Happy Reading to all! :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Family & Relationships    4. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Religious    5. Islam - General    6. Religion    7. Religion - Islam    8. Islam    9. Religious festivals & pilgrimages   

Reviews (7)

Very interesting and well done
The first book by David Macaulay that I ever read was Cathedral, so that's the benchmark by which I measure his other books. Mosque is based on the same premise as that book (i.e. the construction of a great structure for religious worship), but adds the new element of color for the first time and is obviously not set in Medieval Europe. And while I did enjoy the color prints, and the book is well done, overall I felt like it fell a bit short of Cathedral because the drawings lacked the detail found in that book. Mosque seems to present a bigger picture rather than focusing on the intricate details that made Cathedral so interesting to me. You'll notice that I still gave Mosque four stars, so I'm not unhappy with it at all. But I didn't think it quite lived up to the high standards set by Cathedral, which is the only reason I shorted it one star. I would add that my four-and-a-half-year-old son, who absolutely loves all things related to construction, really enjoyed this book becuase of its illustrations and the interesting subject matter, but also becuase I summarized the narrative rather than reading it word for word. I did that because it is written at a higher reading level than Cathedral. That may or may not suit your needs depending on your situation, but for younger kids this would be a long slog if you read every word to them.

Another awe-strucking book by David Macaulay
Mosque is David Macaulay's latest book on architecture. Macaulay does not get into politics and does not dwelve deep into religion; he just focuses on architecture.
For those who've wondered what a minaret is...
Macaulay has been writing thrillingly illustrated books about architecture for over 20 years. This latest volume seems to grow out of a desire to increase understanding of Islam in the West after the attacks on the US. In his preface he says, "I was convinced ... that the time had come to find out where these extraordinary buildings came from, who built them, and of course how." There follows a wonderful explanation of the planning and constructing of a fictional mosque. Along the way, you learn the meaning of minaret towers, qibla walls, and why much Islamic art is so closely tied with Arabic calligraphy. During the Dark Ages, Islam was the caretaker of geometry and architecture, and this book is a quick primer on how they did it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Children's 9-12 - Architecture    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Design and construction    6. Juvenile Architecture    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Mosques    9. Religion - Islam    10. Architecture & buildings    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Architecture   

Reviews (5)

Bismallah al-Rahman al-Rahim...
In the name of God the Merciful and the Benevolent... Thus opens every story in this book, a collection of Islamic stories for families and children. Drawn from across the Muslim world, this book collects together countless folk stories, sayings and proverbs. Excerpts from the Holy Qur'an, the Hadith and the life of Muhammad appear beside traditional Arab, Persian, Turkish, Mande, Swahili, Hausa, Pakistani and Asian fairy tales and proverbs. Historic accounts of great Muslims like Ali ibn Abu Talib, Uthman ibn Affan, Rabiah of Basra and al-Hakim stand next to the wit of Mullah Nasruddin Hodja and the poems of Sufi mystics like Saadi and Idries Shah. A huge range of cultures, countries and time periods are represented, from China and Indonesia to Al-Andalus and Nigeria, from the early days of Islam in the 7th century to the Swahili city-states of the 16th century, but all are united by the common faith of Islam.
Long Overdue!
All I can say is that "It's about time!"We have been taking a nice, slow pace with this book (my husband, me, and our 3 young sons) and I have come to look forward to bedtime in a way that I never have before.It's wonderful to finally come across a book about Islam that isn't political, isn't out to preach and convert, isn't about gender issues.All faiths have wisdom and gentleness within its teachings and it's a relief to be exposed to lessons we can all identify with in a book about Islam.A must for all children in this age of misinformation!(Side note:I've given this book as a gift to many kids and they --- and their parents --- all thank me for it...)

A Family Book!
Every family will want Ayat Jamilah: Beautiful Signs on its bookshelf.Rarely does one book address the interests of so many readers, but Ayat Jamilah has something for every family member.For children, the often humorous and always delightful stories will entertain and instruct for hours.Parents will appreciate the various lengths of each story, as they can choose a short bedtime story or a long one.Even teenagers will enjoy these tales of people struggling to find their way in confusing and sometimes dangerous situations.Young adults, often frustrated by trying unsuccessfully to please peers, will find comfort and wisdom in "The Honorable Joha, Mulla Nasruddin Hodja and the Famous Donkey Story."And the lively, colorful illustrations by Valerie Wahl add a visual "reading" to the overall experience.You won't find this book at a yard sale because it's a keeper.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Religion    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Islam    4. Islam - General    5. Islamic Studies    6. Islamic literature    7. Islamic stories    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Quotations, maxims, etc    11. Quotations, maxims, etc.    12. Religion - Islam    13. Folklore    14. Sacred texts   

Reviews (5)

Not only for muslim children
This book is so informative and well-written it should be in every muslim house.However, this book is not only very good for muslim children, it is also an excellent book for non-muslim children to read and learn more about islam.It can be used as an excellent tool in a classroom to dispel any misconceptions non-muslim children may carry against their muslim classmates.They will be able to learn more about prayer, fasting, eid and other things that their muslim classmates and friends follow in their lives.

Should be read by all educators and anyone who works with diverse populations.
This is a wonderful book. It's informative, non-judgemental, and non-proselytizing. I was especially impressed that the authors managed to tell a series of situational stories from a child's point of view. My favorite was the one about the little boy who becomes separated from his parents at Mecca and finds shelter with a kindly old man.This book covers such topics as Muslim minority children having to choose between adherences to their religion, e.g. forgoing observance of prayer times and dietary restrictions for the sake of convenience and fitting in with the crowd. I could feel the self-consciousness myself when a little boy overhears his friends mistaken his mother for a ghost after being frightened by her veil, and the guilt when a young succumbs to temptation and devours the delicious candies that contain pork byproducts.
Timely and informative
A timely book that fills gap, Muslim Child consists of 8 stories that illustrate the history of Islam, the 5 pillars of Muslim religion (belief, praying, fasting, charity and the pilgrimage to Mecca) and introduce traditional Islamic customs of dress, diet, and celebration.Written by a practicing Muslim, the stories stress that the religion is worldwide with diverse practitioners, and shows Muslim children struggling with fitting in while keeping the faith.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Religion    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Customs and practices    4. Doctrines    5. Islam    6. Islamic religious education of    7. Islamic religious education of children    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. People & Places - United States - Other    11. Religion - Islam    12. Religious - Other   

Reviews (6)

A Must Have
This book is a classic and an absolutely beautiful book to own whether you have children or not. The quality of the artwork, gilded pages, style of writing, is excellent. I have personally purchased 3 additional copies that I gave as presents to friends who were so impressed as well. A bargain price for a great quality book!

Wonderful introduction to the life of Muhammad
This is a beautiful, brief biography of the life of Muhammad.Demi's illustrations are lovely and are a perfect complement to his life.Of course it does not cover every aspect of Muhammad's life, but it is respectful and Demi's selection of episodes in his life are accurate and not misleading at all.I highly recommend this book as an introduction to Muhammad and Islam.

An enlighteningpiece of work
Sensitive prose and detailed, beautiful illustrations in the style of Persian miniatures make this one of the best books for readers young (and old) seeking an introductory biographical sketch of the Prophet Muhammad and the story of the origins of Islam. What is most remarkable is that the author presents this story as it is widely understood within Islam-her sources and bookjacket endorsements are all Muslims-yet in a way that illuminates that understanding for non-Muslims. DD ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography - Religious    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Religion    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Customs and practices    6. Islam.    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Muhammad,    10. Muslims    11. Prophet,    12. Prophets    13. Religion - Islam    14. Saudi Arabia    15. d. 632    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Islam    17. Muhammad   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 2-3    2. Christianity - Mormonism    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Religion - Islam    5. Religion - Mormon / LDS   

Reviews (4)

a teacher
It's a very nice basic book about a religious holiday celebrated by 1.2 billlion people.

Political Correctness Run Wild!
I am sick and tired of the politically correct garbage that is fed on a daily basis to our children in the public schools in the name of fairness, tollerance, multiculturalsim, sensitivity, or what have you.
If I could give this author 0 stars I would.
It may be interesting to know what Ramadan is really about, but when you consider that the Muslim religion is being promoted in the schools of California when other religions are not allowed is an abomination.Terrorist acts in this country and around the world which started in the 70s have all been perpetrated by Muslims.This woman, Susan Douglass, reviews CA school books to make sure there is nothing negative about the religion in the textbooks and to promote Islam to young grade school children.I'd like to see the same thing happening in our government schools with a Christian or Jewish leader...but that'll never happen.Yet the religion of the terrorists is allowed to be promoted in government schools...what an abomination and what a clear violation of our first amendment, " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion...."
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Religion - World Religions    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Religion    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Holidays    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Religious    6. Holidays & Festivals - Other, Religious    7. Id al-Fitr    8. Islam    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Ramadan    12. Religion - Islam    13. Â°Ã¥Id al-Fiòtr   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Fasts and feasts    4. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Religious    5. Islam    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Ramadan    9. Religion - Islam    10. Â°Ã¥Id al-Fiòtr    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Holidays & Festivals / Other, Religious    12. Life Skills & Personal Awareness, General Studies   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Religion    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Civilization, Islamic    4. History    5. Islam    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Religion - Islam    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Islam   

Reviews (1)

A basic introduction
The basic ideas, customs, and attitudes of this holiday are introduced to young children with most of the appropriate vocabulary and pronunciation guides.Photographs show a nice cultural variety of Muslims, from Arabic to Indian and Indonesian.The book says that at the end of Ramadan, "Muslims have a three-day celebration."Since that celebration is a major part of the holiday and easy to pronounce (EED), its omission is a significant flaw.Another cause for concern is the photograph accompanying the suggestion that all-day fasting is to difficult for some people.Among all the beautiful variety of Muslims world-wide, the picture of apparently African-American children eating cotton candy implies that they are the ones who cannot "keep a promise" to fast.But even with these flaws, this may be the best introduction currently available. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Customs and practices    4. Fasts and feasts    5. Holidays & Celebrations - General    6. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Religious    7. Islam    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Ramadan    11. Readers - Beginner    12. Religion - Islam   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 People & Places    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. History    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Muslims    7. People & Places - Europe    8. Religion (Young Adult)    9. Religion - Islam    10. Russia    11. Russia (Federation)    12. Soviet Union    13. ASIA    14. Asian / Middle Eastern history    15. Islam    16. Rebels, revolutionaries, terrorists, freedom fighters   

Reviews (2)

Excellent book for children
This book is excellent for kids of all ages. I bought this for my 4 year old twins and I've read it to them several times. The photos are excellent and the writing is simple and beautifully written. Makes a great gift as well!

Salaam, An Muslim American Boy's Story
This book is as must read for all folks no matter what age.It portrays the American dream only thru the eyes of a Muslim boy.It is sensitive, provacative, and has superb imagery of life.You must read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - Religious    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Muslim boys    7. Muslims    8. People & Places - United States - Other    9. Preschool Multicultural Studies    10. Preschool Religion    11. Religion - Islam    12. Social conditions    13. Social life and customs    14. United States    15. United States - General    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Bibles / General   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Religion    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Religion (Young Adult)    5. Religion - Islam    6. Social Science / Islamic Studies   

Reviews (3)

this book is very informative and intresting!!
The book is really good when it came to discussing the Muslims and their views. There are a lot of interviews with Muslims on where they stand with parts of there religion. It is really intresting and enlightening. Except for when it comes to the Nation of Islam group, a little less then half the book then focuses on this African-American-Muslim religion. But doesn't give facts as the book did when it came to your ordinary Muslims. It then becomes more of a biografy of Malcome x and a few other gentle men. Excluding that part, because it really did not answer any of my questions, it just went on to explain this Nation of Islam group, the book was informative and an easy reading with intering facts and first hand stories!!!

Richard Wormser, Excellent Job!
Richard Wormser's American Islam does an excellent job in explaining just what this important world religion is all about.He does it in an easy to understand manner without boring the reader with unimportant details.Wormser explains the early history of Islam in the Arabian peninsula and the USA, how Americans Muslims have adjusted in Post-9-11 America, and presents Islam from a Muslim teenager's perspective, bringing Islam into a today's context-something that his contemporaries have failed to pull off. A little too much
This books starts out with lots of excellent information on Islam and various problems that Muslims in this country go through.An excellent easy reading for a new Mulsim convert such as myself.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Islam    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Religion - Islam    7. Social Science - Politics & Government    8. United States   

Reviews (3)

Overgeneralizes
This book stresses a conservative Muslim viewpoint and tends to overgeneralize Islam. It paints the picture that all Muslim females cover (not true) and that all Muslims pray five times a day (not true). Islam, as a lived religion, is globally diverse and people practice their faith in various ways. I really disliked the preachy tone of this book and the underlying assumption that there is only one "correct" version of Islam.

Good to Promote Understanding
I have this book for my kids, and I donated a copy to my son's school.They loved it.It's about real people in the United States and how they celebrate Ramadan and Eid (the holiday that follows).They even have a recipe for traditional cookies!The only problem is that one gets the impression that Muslim children are supposed to fast during Ramadan, and that's not the case - fasting is only required for healthy adults (that's defined as past puberty or when you've stopped growing).Otherwise, it's a beautiful book, with lots of basic information about Islam, as well.Highly recommend!

Celebrating Rmadan by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, Lawrence Migdale
This is a thoughtful book which presents the month of Ramadan as an important part of the religious practice of Muslims. The language was kid-to-kid, and the photos showed the family and how their religion fit in with their everyday life.I plan on using it in a 4th to 5th grade classroom as a part of a unit studying world religions and celebrations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Religion    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Fasts and feasts    4. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Religious    5. Islam    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Ramadan    9. Religion - General    10. Religion - Islam    11. Rituals   

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Religion - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Christianity - Pentecostalism    5. Islam - General    6. Islamic stories    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile Religion    9. Juvenile literature    10. Religion - Islam   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Reading
This book was so well written and to the point. You will find major ideas and principles of Islam put in a simple and understandable format for a child and adult together.Once opened, you will find it hard to put down. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Religion - World Religions    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Doctrines    4. Islam    5. Juvenile literature    6. Koran    7. Religion - Islam   

Reviews (4)

Youth view of a mosque
See "Celebrating Ramadan" by D. Hoyt-Goldsmith for photos as to how the Muslim prayer ritual is to be conducted.

Not as scary as you thought
A good introduction to Islam. The Inside Story on Mosques
This book is a wonderful way to introduce an elementary-age child to Muslim practices. The author provides simple explanations of concepts that Muslims take for granted, especially those details that mosque-goers forget to explain to visitors, like the presence of shoe racks and wudu sinks. I highly recommend this book for interfaith purposes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 = Religion - World Religions    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Islam    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Mosques    8. Pictorial works    9. Reference - General    10. Religion - General    11. Religion - Islam    12. Rituals   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Religion    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Islam    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Religion    8. Juvenile literature    9. Religion - Islam    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Islam