Prolance

Mel: And His Trouble With One Thousand Shoes — A Review

Posted on by Papatia

Assalamu aleikum!

mel 1

Summary: “And do not walk on the earth proudly…”  Quran 17 : 37 

Mel the millipede collected one thousand shoes. They were his prized jewels. He wore them and walked around with his head held high. He looked proud and arrogant as he passed by. The other bugs warned him of his obsession. Snail told him that humbleness is more important than fashion. When Mel was in trouble trying to save his shoes from a flood, Moth flew to his rescue and they became buds. Mel learned to appreciate friends more than elegance. And that being grateful is better than arrogance.

Author: Somayeh Zomorodi was born in Iran and spent most of her childhood in her grandfather’s garden among colorful flowers and trees. Adventure games and the world of imagination gave her a happy childhood. She was later inspired by that and wanted to share this childish pleasure to not only her lovely three children but all the children of the world. She has a bachelor`s degree in English literature and a master’s degree in Translation studies and is teaching and doing research in the field of children’s literature. She wishes for all children to have happy and safe childhoods. She dreams to create big smiles on their faces and wisdom through her stories and poems.
*
Illustrator: N.Broomand
*
Review: It’s so easy for confidence to spill into arrogance. As we all know, arrogance only belongs to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. So, to this end, Mel: And His Trouble With One Thousand Shoes is to help us remember golden Islamic maxims and about remaining humble in the face of having a lot of blessings for our success is only by Allah. While we may want others to be happy for us at times when we reach certain milestones, that can also border on showing off.
Overall, Mel: And His Trouble With One Thousand Shoes is a colorful tale that is wonderfully illustrated with a great lesson. Adults and children can all learn from this tale as accumulating unnecessary worldly gains can weigh a person down.
Sneak peak…
mel 2
Rating: 5/5

Thank you for reading,

~ A Ducktrinor Mom ~

Advertisement

Four New Children’s Books Releases by Prolance

Posted on by Papatia

Assalamu aleikum!

four new releases prolance

1. My First Surahs

Author: Hajar Ashmawey currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her family. She is a full time wife, mother, and mental health professional. Hajar earned her
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health/Counseling from Oakland University in Michigan. She enjoys spending time with her family and working with children.

Illustrator: Jenny Reynish is an artist and illustrator working mainly in children’s publishing and has created a wide variety of illustrations for US and UK publishers. Her individual and decorative style was sparked by a Persian rug from Isfahan, inherited from her aunt. She loves the colors and decorative patterns of the Middle East and India, and finds much inspiration from living by the sea. She works in watercolor, oil, and linoprint. www.magiccarpetpics.co.uk

Summary: Enjoy reading seven surahs of the Quran, written against seven beautiful pieces of art. Contemplate each surah as you recite it to your little ones while enjoying the artistic backgrounds. Plus! Each surah includes a lesson to implement into everyday life.

Thoughts: The book offers simplistic lessons to take away from seven short surahs of the Quran. It’s also imperative that as parents we supplement these concise summaries with in-depth tafsirs of these surahs. For instance, al Fatiha is not only about only worshiping the one true God or seeking His help alone, it’s also about not following in the steps of those who were given books before us. In short, al Fatiha is also about correct guidance seeking.

Sneak peak inside the book…

surah Naas

Rating: 4/5

2. Salaam World

Author: Samia Khan is a Muslim American writer and high school English teacher.  She is the author of The Shapes of Eid, According to Me. Samia was first inspired to write by her experience of becoming a mother, and continues to turn to her children for creativity. She currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago.  You can learn more about Samia by connecting with her www.instagram.com/booksbysamiakhan.

Illustrator: Teresa Abboud is a Georgia-based illustrator and a 2D animator.  She graduated from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Arts. She grew up in Lebanon in an artistic environment, in an atmosphere of integrity and disorder, war and liberty.  Teresa’s art reflects her inner feelings. Her aesthetic choices come directly from this atmosphere that marked her childhood. Teresa wants to tell stories, share feelings, express ideas, and transmit emotions through her art.
www.teresaafternoon.com

Summary: A greeting is an exchange between people that is perhaps one of the earliest forms of communication learned by children. This rhyming children’s book about the Arabic salutation of Salaam is a fun introduction to the concept of peace, for even the youngest of readers. A book that fosters diversity and inclusiveness!

Thoughts: Very cute and rhyming.

Rating: 4/5

sneak salam

3. Assmaa A. Andulsi: The Girl Who is Like No Other

Assmaa A. Andulsi: The Girl Who is Like No Other is about a modern Muslim American girl. Assmaa thinks she should be more famous than Snow White, Princess Aurora or Cinderella. Everywhere she goes, she carries two sets of herself. One writes in English from left to right while the other writes in Arabic from right to left. One goes to public school during the week, and the other attends Sunday school at the mosque.  One admires George Washington and Martin Luther King while the other loves the Prophet Mohamed. These two identities make her different, special, and a girl who is like no other. Sometimes she struggles to understand others. When she yells at her third-grade teacher for not fasting during Ramadan, super-duper trouble follows. Her mother explains that since her teacher is Christian, she doesn’t fast. Since Assmaa didn’t know how other people live and believe, others probably don’t know much about how her family lives and believes. She sets up a food drive to teach her fellow students about an important principle called zakat, the act of giving. The story briefly introduces readers to all five pillars of Islam: salat, or prayer; sawm, or fasting; zakat, charitable giving; hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca; and shahada, the declaration of faith.

Thoughts: This is a chapter book. Assmaa is a very enthusiastic young North-African American but more precisely a Tunisian-American who means well. The book can feel a bit like info-dump at times but it’s also a love letter to Assmaa from her father.

Rating: 3.5/5

4. Our Colorful World

sneak peak our colorful

The Author & Illustrator: Golnar Servatian is an award-winning Iranian children’s book and magazine freelance illustrator. She has been illustrating for kids since 2006 and won awards in international level. Publishing more than 50 books. She also enjoys painting and writing stories and poems. She has a Bachelors in Graphic Design and a Masters in Fine Arts. Visit www.instagram.com/golnarservatian and  www.golnarservatian.com  .

Thoughts: Colorful and rhythmic, the book depicts the un-matchable creations of al Khaliq.

Rating: 4/5 

Thank you for reading,

~ A Ducktrinor Mom ~

Did Musa St-St-Stutter Too? — A Review

Posted on by Papatia

Did Musa Stutter TOO

About the Book : Afraid of how his class will react to his stutter, Ibrahimi comes up with a plan to stay home from school, but his mother has something else in mind. After she reminds him that the beloved Prophet Musa saved a nation while speaking uniquely too, will Ibrahimi have the courage to face his fear?

Author : Keila Kaci

Illustrator : Andrea Lucci

Publisher: Prolance

Review and thoughts : This book teaches young believers a very powerful dua when they have to address an audience and their nerves get the best of them. It also teaches about a very important Muslim Prophet; Prophet Musa aleihi salam as he implored Allah in Surah Taha. After Little Ibrahimi’s Mommy tells him of this Nabi, Ibrahimi draws strength and resilience to face his ordeal; presenting his speech in front of his classmates fiercely. In all, Did Musa ST-St-Stutter encourages Muslim children to rely on dua in the face of any hardship. Good job, masha’Allah.

I received a free copy for my honest review.

sneak peak musa

Find it on the publisher’s site here or on Amazon here.

Rating : 4/5

Thank you for reading,

~ A Ducktrinor Mom ~

The Miraculous Life of Isa — A Review

Posted on by Papatia

Bilal Launch Poster

About the Book : Bilal and Mr. Shells are best pals and together they will overcome any obstacles. In this rhyming book, they will learn about a talking baby and his miracles. Read along and join in the adventure as it will teach you about an important figure. Prophets are our heroes and they teach us lessons to help our knowledge grow bigger.

Author : Farah Elmoudani

Illustrator : Hayam al-Abbas

Publisher: Prolance

Review and thoughts : In The Miraculous Life of Isa from the series Bilal and Mr. Shells, Bilal’s cat runs away. So, the young boy looses hope in finding one of his friend. His other friend, Mr. Shells—the turtle, advises him to be hopeful and takes him on a journey where Bilal learns about Prophet Issa aleihi salam.

The book teaches and breaks down the nuts and bolts of the life of this blessed Muslim Prophet to growing minds. If you are wondering about how to talk to your young Mumins about patience, miracles, and our true purpose as believers; worshiping the One true God, this book is a good way to start with the process.

I received a free copy for my honest review.

Find it on the publisher’s site here or on Amazon here.

Rating : 4/5

Thank you for reading,

~ A Ducktrinor Mom ~

The Most Precious Gift — A Review

Posted on by Papatia

Precious Gift Launch Poster

Summary : Join Ziyad as he learns ten benefits from the most precious gift from God…prayer. While all the animals in the jungle are busy preparing for a party, Ziyad asks each one of them what prayer does for them. They mention calmness, togetherness, and hope just to name a few. Before the party starts, Ziyad and his friends and family gather for Maghreb prayer, reminding each one that even though their party awaits, it is so important to reap the benefits of their daily prayers.

Author : Yasmine Abuzeid

Illustrator : Melani Putri

Publisher: Prolance

Review and thoughts : The Most Precious Gift is a very creative children’s book that introduces salat and dhikr to Muslim children. It also teaches them that prayer is the most precious gift from Allah that they need to value because it will always be a source of comfort, a shield, and a safe haven for them. See slides below for more details.

sneak peak 3 precious gift

Finally, it also gives them the name of the benefits of prayer in Arabic in the illustrations as well. For instance, silah for connection and saeda for happiness. That is very smart masha’Allah.

Find it on the publisher’s site here or on Amazon here.

Rating : 4/5

Thank you for reading,

~ A Ducktrinor Mom ~

Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s — A Review

Posted on by Papatia

Eid Abuelas Launch Poster

Summary: Join Sofia, her mom and dad who spend Eid – the Islamic holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan – with her Mexican grandmother, who is not Muslim but chooses to throw them a festive breakfast which includes traditional Mexican food, decorations, and activities. The book includes many Spanish words and a glossary as well to introduce the reader to simple words in Spanish and even Arabic.

Author: Mariam Saad was raised in Southern California by Egyptian parents. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. She worked at the family business for many years, with schools locally, and taught 8th Grade English abroad. With the birth of her son, her time and energy were focused at home while she surrounded him with reading materials and developmental toys. Before getting a taste for his board books, her son had taken interest in listening to her voice while he admired the images and felt the textures on the pages. This was the start of her inspiration in entering the world of children through story telling and lesson teaching.

Illustrator: Chaymaa Sobhy is a children’s book illustrator based in Cairo, Egypt.
www.linktr.ee/chaymaadraws
Instagram: @chaymaadraws

Publisher: Prolance

Review: Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s is a very cute story that reflects the diversity of the United States. Though, Grandma is Mexican and not Muslim, there are many Spanish speaking Muslim families who will see value in this book as their families are somewhat reflected in the book with the language. Religion tolerance is also portrayed in this book as well. Little Sofia who is cute as a button speaks Arabic, English and Spanish; therefore, she is tri-lingual. The illustrations are also evocative and the texts are simple. While the book centers around eid al-Fitr, it can be a very good read for eid al-Adha since both holidays deal with huge breakfasts in Muslim households. Get it here at the Publisher’s site.

Rating : 4.5/5

Thank you for reading,

~ A Ducktrinor Mom ~

I received a free eCopy for my honest feedback.  Check out the Sneak Peek Page below!

Sneak Page eid at abuela

Two Cute Books by Prolance You Need To Have!

Posted on by Papatia

Assalamu aleikum!

I have had the chance to read two children’s books recently published by Muslim Book Publisher Prolance, and I’m happy to share my honest thoughts with you. So here we go.

1. Friends of a Different Kind by Nayera Salam

Friends Launch Poster

Age Range: 3+

Author: Nayera Salam

Illustrator: Jenny Reynish

Publisher: Prolance

Summary: Chocolate Chum is the luckiest dog in the neighborhood! He not only has many doggy friends but he has many pals of a different kind. Frogs, gnomes, cats and more. Meet them all in this story that teaches kids about inclusivity and diversity. From beginning to end, children and adults will be intrigued by the book’s message, the enchanting creatures, and the vivid imagery. Plus fun activities! Visit http://www.kidsbooksbynayera.com. Read-aloud version available.

Thoughts: I really loved Friends of a Different Kind; from the painting style to the rhymes, it was simply a delight to read. This book will teach children to embrace those who are different from them. The book effortlessly achieves this purpose by showing the reader that the characters are animals and/or interesting creatures which have distinctive features.

If we don’t teach children how things around us are different and that’s the beauty of things, we do them a great disservice. The danger of thinking that a specific kind of anything is the standard needs to be resisted. Well done.

Rating: 5/5

 

2. Paradise is oh So Nice by Halimah Bashir

Paradise Launch Poster

 

Age Range: 3+

Author: Halimah Bashir

Illustrator: Laila Ramadhani Ritonga

Publisher: Prolance

Summary: Ever wonder what Paradise looks like in the eyes of a child? Giant milkshakes, chocolate castles and ice cream mountains are some of the things Manu and Aya can’t wait to experience. Come along on this adventurous journey where brother and sister’s imagination comes to life and whatever they wish for or desire will come true!

Thoughts: Paradise is oh So Nice is a beautifully illustrated book with vivid colors. The book has two versions; a regular one where Allah is mentioned as “God” and an Islamic version where Allah is mentioned as ” الله .”

This is a nice option in case you want to gift the book as a dawah effort. I also loved this book because it aims at raising young mumeens in a fun context and stretches their imagination.

What else can a Muslim mom like me who wants to raise a young Believer ask for? Hehe…

Rating: 5/5

Check out a sneak peek into the book below:

sneak peek paradise

I received free e-Versions in return for my honest thoughts.

Thank you for reading,

~A Ducktrinor Mom~

Believe – A Journal Review

Posted on by Papatia

believe cover

Summary: …a raw list…of the rules, obligations, guidelines, regulations, orders, directives, instructions (or however you’d like to perceive them) derived from the 114 chapters, 6,236 verses and 77,449 words in the Quran – the Holy Islamic book.

Author’s Name: A.E.

Publisher: Prolance

Review: Believe is 34 pages long. I thought it was about what to do and not do with the Quran. But Believe is a simple journal filled with Quranic verses to help the believer live and act by golden rules.

It can definitely be useful when looking for a quick Quranic verse to support a point because the book is divided into 5 easy categories:»»worship »»character»»giving & taking»»relationships »»eating & dressing. In the last section, I found it a bit peculiar that there is a lot of stress on Quran (24:31); I mean the verse is mentioned three times. It would have been better if Quran (33:35) was also added to balance out things. Even adding Quran (24:30) would have worked too. That said, the »relationships » part before the last part helps into smoothing things out because men’s duties are also highlighted.

Moreover, Believe can be used as a reflective tool. Having read the whole transliterated version of the Quran myself and working on reading the whole Arabic version, I recommend using Believe in addition of this short guide titled The 5 R’s of Tadabbur al-Qur’an: A Family Halaqah Guide by Umm Afraz Muhammed. Muhammed’s short guide is about sixteen pages including front and back covers. It’s also an easy and simple read. Check it out here.

The 5 5s of Tadabbur al quran

Below is a sneak page for Believe. Each of these pages is followed by a page to jot down thoughts or ideas.

sneak page of do and donts of the quran

You can purchase Believe here.

Thank you for reading,

~ A Ducktrinor Mom ~

Bedtime Sunnahs: Emulating the Prophet one night at a time – A Review

Posted on by Papatia

Bedtime Sunnahs Launch Poster

Summary: This rhyming book outlines several nighttime Islamic practices for kids —and even adults— to implement before going to bed. Fostering a love for the Prophet’s Sunnah, as well as teaching children to practice good deeds consistently. Also includes references to associated hadiths, an explanation of Islamic terminology, and additional advanced practices.

*

About the Author: Alia G. Dada was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and a Minor in the Spanish Language. Shortly after, she moved to Cairo, Egypt. After privately studying Arabic she went on to obtain her degree in Islamic Law (Shariah) from the Al-Azhar University. Blessed with a child who has a love for reading, she was inspired to write a book that would help caregivers water the seed of faith and Islamic literacy in the hearts of young Muslims.

The Illustrator: You can read more on Robin Boyer here.

Publisher: Prolance

Review: Bedtime Sunnahs is a colorful, rhyming, and informative children’s book. Young and old can learn something anew on bedtime sunnah practices insha’Allah. It shows and portrays many Muslim families of  diverse background. Bedtime Sunnahs is definitely inclusive and a must-have for every Muslim household masha’Allah! I give this free review copy a 5 stars! You can buy it at Prolance here.

sneak peek bedtime sunnah

 

Thank you for reading,

~A Ducktrinor Mom~

Review of ‘Muslim Girl-Growing Up – A Guide To Puberty’

Posted on by Papatia

Muslim Girl.png

Summary: “How can I prepare her for this new phase? I wanted to find a resource that can explain the details of this special stage while also integrating the important aspects of it from the Islamic religion. Being from the West, most books I found only explained the physiological changes. But I found that Muslim girls, especially ones from Western countries, need to know more about the religious implications of this stage. So I decided to write this guide to help young girls understand the basic things a Muslim girl should know about puberty, including the religious aspects that come along with it. However, this guide is just a starter to the journey ahead.  I encourage parents to talk with your teens and pre-teens about this important stage of life to have a full and thorough understanding.” – Natalia Nabil

*

About the Author: Natalia Nabil is a mother of two girls. She was born and raised in Egypt where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Mass Communications from Ain Shams University. Shortly after she began working in public relations and marketing. After marriage, she moved to the United States and is bringing up her daughters in, what she calls, unfamiliar territory. That is why she wanted to write this book, not only as a resource for her growing girls but for the many Muslim girls growing up who could use a guidebook on all things puberty-related.

About the Illustrator: Melani Putri is an illustrator based in Jakarta, Indonesia. After finishing her visual art education at Bandung Institute of Technology, she has been focusing on children’s book illustration and has won the National Folktale Illustration award in 2016. Her illustration works include children’s books, greeting cards, posters and stationery. Please visit her website at www.memels.com.

Thoughts: Muslim Girl, Growing Up is a good start point to use in helping a Muslim girl transition into adolescence. It covers topics of puberty, stages of puberty, menstruation, what a girl needs to know before, during and after puberty, hygiene, and privacy. Like I said, it’s very solid and succinct. Masha’Allah.

Now, just be aware that based on your madhab (Islamic doctrine or school of thought), you might not completely agree with everything from the scholars’ point of views (e.g. the steps of ghusl part) or even the author at times (e.g. braids and ghusl). Nonetheless, the book has a solid base on how to instruct Muslim girls from start to end about menstruation. Check out the sneak peek page below.

sneak peak page muslim girl

I received a free copy for my honest opinion. You can buy Muslim Girl, Growing Up: A Guide to Puberty on Amazon or at the publisher’s website here.

Thank you for reading,

~A Ducktrinor Mom~