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Book Review: My Ramadan Dua’ Book

Book Review: My Ramadan Dua’ Book

May 22, 2018 | Books, Ramadan

It’s been a while since we have had a book review! Here’s one to change that 

When i was asked if i would like to review this one, I grabbed the opportunity as a) I love anything to do with books and b) I know so many people would love and benefit from this one!

My Ramadan Dua’ Book is the second book by Desi Doll Company creator, Farzana Rahman (the first one is Don’t Forget to Say Bismillah). What is unique about these books – especially in the Muslim market – is the incorporation of sound, which makes it great for reaching the different learning styles that children may have.

So what’s the story line? Well… it’s Ramadan, and Fatima and Ali are excited to be fasting for the first time ever. In the book, kids can follow their journey through the holy month. Fatima and Ali go through all the normal stuff kids do, such as take out their water bottle to take a sip before realising they are fasting, and having their mum insist they take a nap . They have incorporated lots of beautiful themes eof Ramadan into the story, such as sharing the iftar with non-Muslim friends, collecting items for the food bank, and paying special attention to Laylatul Qadr.

At different points, children can make the links between the story and the buttons on the right and enjoy pressing and hearing the different clips – from the dua’ for beginning the fast to the dua’ for the new moon at the end, as well as some just for fun! (Mmmm…. brownies!)

It’s a great way to introduce or consolidate the learning of these duas, and they can be heard in Arabic or the English meaning. They are recited by children, and so will be relatable to the young ones reading the book! Desi Doll Company have even thought ahead and included the (replacable) batteries so they can start reading and listening from the get go 

There are few great extras in the book such as the Eid Takbir which is written out, how to say Happy Eid in different languages and a yummy Brownies recipe at the end!

The best part is that in tthe spirit of Ramadan, Desi Doll Company have partnered with PennyAppeal and £2.50 of every book sold will go to Orphan Kind, so this is a book that gives in many ways!

Ideal for children up to 8 years I would say, but even older ones will enjoy having a quick read! Younger ones will love being read to as they press on the buttons when prompted (or just whenever ).

Check it out here: https://desidollcompany.com/produ…/ramadan-story-sound-book/

 

Book Review: Raising Children – Tahera Kassamali

Book Review: Raising Children – Tahera Kassamali

Dec 28, 2015 | Books, Parenting

Have you seen this gem of a book? Packed with Islamic wisdom and sound advice on raising our children 🙂

“The duty of every parent is to train the child in the right way. Training means teaching and guiding. Training also means producing required changes in a person. It is not enough for parents to cater for the physical needs of the child. They need to give the child an awareness and knowledge, help him gain good characteristics, and develop a virtuous personality. Such training of children has great benefits for the child as well as for the society in which he lives. Although many people have an influence on the training of a child, the first and most important trainers are the parents.

The guidance that a parent gives his child is vital for the progress of the child. Although the child may not appreciate it at the time, a loving parent knows that it is incumbent upon him to make his child learn from his own knowledge and experience. This enables the child to avoid the mistakes the parent may have made, and benefit from his wisdom. Imam ‘Ali (a) wrote a will to his son Imam Hasan (a), advising him on how to live in this world. In the will he explains why he felt it necessary to advise his son:

I found you a part of myself, rather I found you my whole, so much that if anything befell you, it was as though it befell me, and if death came to you, it was as though it came to me. Consequently your affairs meant to me as my own matters would mean to me. So I have written this piece of advice as an instrument of help . . .

Certainly, the heart of a young man is like uncultivated land. It accepts whatever is strewn on it. So I hastened to mould you properly before your heart hardens up and your mind gets occupied. So that you may be ready to accept through your intelligence, the results of experiences of others and be saved from going through these experiences yourself.
Nahjul Balagha, Letter 31″

Read the book at: http://www.al-islam.org/raising-children-tahera-kassamali

Book Review: Princess Siyana’s Pen

Book Review: Princess Siyana’s Pen

Jun 24, 2015 | Books

I had promised a review on Princess Siyana’s Pen a while back – here it is!

Great for Eid gifts perhaps?! 😉

“This recently published picture book is a keeper! With beautiful colour-rich illustrations and a gripping story line to boot, it is sure to captivate young and old readers alike – I know I certainly wanted to know what happened. 🙂

The story follows the tried and tested formula of many fairy tales, and so in essence will be familiar to children – however, there are morals and values infused within every page, adding that oh-so-special Islamic essence. Princes Siyana is a captivating main character, who charms as well as leads through example and character; her bravery and courage makes her a great role-model for all our children, but our daughters in particular. Shargor is the typical evil villain, with a plot to gain power and riches, impoverishing others as he does. And I love the touch of the side-kick, Pepe the parrot, who adds light humour to it all! It is clear that Zainab has drawn on her own experiences to write this story, which makes it all the more personal and endearing.

As the story progresses, several concepts are touched upon in a subtle way – talking to Allah through the heart as well as the pen, hijab and the importance of inner beauty, trusting in Allah, kindness, helping others and forgiveness, amongst others. All in all, with these concepts weaved in to an adventure story with remarkable characters, Princess Siyana makes an ideal book for our children’s bookshelves.”

Book Review: House of Ibn Kathir

Book Review: House of Ibn Kathir

Apr 6, 2015 | Books

Boarding school stories grip young readers in a unique sort of way – with the majority of children not going to boarding schools, it provides an insight into a totally different world; indeed, some of the greatest series have been based in boarding schools, Harry Potter, The Worst Witch and Malory Towers to name a few!

Alhamdulillah Muslims ventured into this world through Khadija Academy (See: http://www.bibipublishing.co.uk/Zahra-s-First-Term.html), and now here is one based on a boarding school for boys!

“It’s Yusif’s first time away from home. The Dar Al Ilm Academt seemed to be the ideal place for him to pursue his studies and achieve one of his lifelong ambitions – to memorise the Qur’an, or so his parents had decided…

However, just when he thought he was settling in, Yusif finds himself with more on his hands than he had bargained for. When mysterious events start happening around the school, it begins to seem as if Dar Al Ilm has more in store for him than he had ever imagined.”

My 9 year old loved this book and devoured it in a few hours – we look forward to the sequel!