Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets

April 15, 2018
A beautiful picture book simultaneously explores shapes, Islam, and the cultures of the Muslim people.Ranging from simple (circle, rectangle, triangle, oval, diamond) to more advanced (cone, cube, hexagon, octagon, arch, crescent), various shapes introduce an object, architectural form, or concept related to Islamic faith or cultural practices. "Cube is the Ka'aba, / a most sacred site, / where Muslims worship / each day and night." The daff (a type of drum) is a circle; the minaret is a cone; an ayah, defined as "a verse of the holy Quran" in the glossary, is printed on a hexagonal tile, and diamonds adorn a new kaftan for Eid, "an Islamic holiday." Illustrations are elaborately adorned and ornamented, a characteristic of Islamic art, and depict Muslims of many races and ethnicities. However, Muslims dressed in noncultural clothes are largely (though not entirely) missing from illustrations, potentially reinforcing a stereotypical image for non-Muslims. This is partially remedied by the author's note that each spread represents a different country, but without a key or labels, it is difficult to discern which ones these are. The book successfully covers a wide array of concepts, cultures, and shapes, but Islam's vastness, rightly celebrated here, means that some choices in spelling ("mimbar" vs. "minbar"; "Ka'aba" vs. "Ka'ba" or "Ka'bah"), definition ("iftar" is not necessarily a "light" meal), and illustrative detail (the kaftan is not belted) may throw readers accustomed to other practices.A good accompaniment to the duo's Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, which featured a Western Muslim family (2012), in a collection of children's books with an Islamic theme. (Picture book. 3-7)

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July 1, 2018

K-Gr 4-A follow-up to Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors, by the same team, this appealing and well-designed picture book has great potential for cross-curricular use. Khan blends geometry terms (arch, hexagon, cone) and vocabulary about Islam in gentle couplets rich with sensory detail. Amini's vividly colored spreads use patterns and architectural elements from classical Islamic art, enlivened with whimsical additions, such as a tabby cat that appears on several pages. Although Amini's style is painterly overall, subtle photographic elements add dimensionality and specificity to clothing, meals, and setting, all of which shift at each turn of the page to depict different countries. A multiracial cast, large eyed and expressive in gesture, engages in ritual acts including washing before prayers (wudu), using a drum (daff) in celebration, and reading an ayah (verse) of the Quran. Khan's accessible text is lyrical ("square is a garden with sweet orange trees, a hint of jannah on its fragrant breeze") but simple enough for younger readers. A glossary gives clear definitions of the Arabic terms (although not the geometry words) and an author's note explains why shapes and patterns are so important in Muslim artistic traditions. VERDICT This affirming child's-eye view of Islamic religious practices will be a strong addition to most collections.-Miriam DesHarnais, Towson University, MD

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 15, 2018
Grades K-2 *Starred Review* As the author's note points out, images of God are prohibited and those of human or animal forms are discouraged in Islamic art, so architecture often incorporates geometric shapes and motifs. This introduction to that concept uses words (which will be unfamiliar to some readers or are in Arabic) juxtaposed against bold artwork depicting what the words describe. For instance, the first simple couplet notes, Cone is the tip / of the minaret so tall. / I hear soft echoes / of the prayer call. Dynamically designed conical tops appear on several minarets on the facing page. Each subsequent spread offers an example of a shape and how it can be used in an object that aids a religious pursuit. An octagonal fountain's water is used to make my wudu. The explanation?a ritual washing of various body parts?is given in the glossary, where at least one word from each spread is defined. Those already familiar with Islam will respond immediately to the material, while others will be intrigued enough to learn more. Amini, who illustrated Yo Soy Muslim (2017), once again offers eye-popping mixed-media illustrations. The design work is exquisite, but equally inviting is the array of people representing Muslims from around the world. A thoughtful, multilayered offering.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)