Book Summary
When Yasmin spends time with her grandmother whom she calls "Teta." Because she sees her grandmother praying, she wants to be able to pray in the same way. When she tells her grandmother there is no mosque where she lives, her grandmother replies, "We'll figure a way, Habibti." Her grandmother takes her to a fabric store and allows her to choose the fabric for her prayer clothes. Her Teta also buys Yasmin a prayer rug. She teaches Yasmin all the rituals for praying. When Yasmin returns home, she admits she doesn't always pray five times a day, but she is learning.
My Impressions
When I was teaching I had a young Islamic girl in my class who desperately wanted to fit in. This kind of book would have meant so much to her. When I get to choose books for my own library, I will definitely include books for all ethnic groups. The art by Ned Gannon is beautiful with many vertical lines. I also appreciated the Arabic translation. I cannot read it, but I think it shows respect to a different culture. I can only imagine the joy a grandparent must feel when their beloved granddaughter asks how to pray. I think the relationships in today's world get lost. Grandparents fill a special place in a child's life. The author, Maha Addasi, is a young woman who writes these types of picture books for young children. She gives Muslims a face other than the one depicted in the news every night. After reading this one, I also want to read White Nights of Ramadan.
Professional Review
Cool, Kathleen. (2011). Time to pray. Library Media Connection, 29(5), 60.
While Yasmin is visiting her grandmother in the Middle East, she observes her taking part in the Muslim prayer rituals, Her grandmother teachers Yasmin the importance of prayer, the proper way to pray, and how to get ready. She sews her prayer clothes, buys her a prayer rug, and takes her to the mosque. They practice their prayers together so Yamin will be able to do them herself when she returns. Once home, as Yasmin puts her prayer clothes away, she discovers a present from her grandmother, a special prayer clock that will chime at the five prayer times. Yasmin's story is a wonderful introduction to the Islamic religion. Each page has the Arabic translation below the English Words. Through the story of Yasmin and her grandmother, Addasi explains the significance of prayer to Muslims. Gannon's detailed illustrations are vibrant. His portrayal of the Muslim culture shows readers the customs of a society they may know nothing about. There is a detailed description of Muslim prayer times. Purchase this title to fill a need for books on the Islamic religion.
Library Uses
1. At some time in the year, have displays that recognize all religions, be they Christianity, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, etc... In a history class setting students could compare them and recognize we are more alike than we are different.
2. Share with students on Grandparent's Day. Ask them to share what their grandparents or someone special in their lives have taught them. It could lead to a collection of stories that can be locally "published" and kept in the library to share with future students.
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