Dear Muslim Child, by Rahma Rodaah/Illustrated by Aya Ghanameh, (Feb. 2024, Balzer + Bray), $19.99, ISBN: 9780063091993
Ages 4-8
Rodaah, the author of Dear Black Child (2022), creates a lyrical ode to inspire Muslim children everywhere. Rodaah reveals the miracle of their birth “Before Allah spoke the universe into existence, He wrote and nestled your name between ours” and shares the beauty of the Islamic faith, encouraging children to live in and invite the peace of their faith into all areas of their lives. Softly illustrated digital artwork shows a diverse group of children and adults, some in hijab, reading, learning, and caring for one another. Rodaah emphasizes the history of the Muslim faith and their ancestors, and touches on the prejudice that Muslims experience, advising them to “let go out any hurt and resentment” and “fill yourself with hope, forgiveness, and resilience”. A warm story about a peaceful religion, with attention on tradition, family, and history. A gentle and affirming love letter to Muslim children everywhere, and an important book for all children to read and gain understanding.
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 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.
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