In the book Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah (Balzer + Bray, February 6), Muslim children all over the world are encouraged to celebrate their faith and traditions in this inspirational and lyrical ode to Islam. The book is perfect for those eager to teach their children about Islam and the beauty and diversity of the Muslim identity.
On a side note, the first school I taught at had a student population that was approximately 75% Muslim students that were Somali immigrants. As someone who had grown up in a largely rural, white area without a lot of religious diversity, it was a wonderful experience to become more culturally aware. Even if you and your kids don't know any Muslims personally, it's important to learn about the diverse perspectives and cultures that make up our world. This book is a beautiful way to do that.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
Why is it important for children of all backgrounds to be able to have children's books that reflect their heritage?
It was important for me from the very beginning that my children be able to see themselves in the books I wrote and published. I remember how I felt growing up and never seeing myself in the books I loved reading, I felt left out and as if my existence was not valued or seen. Therefore, the positive
Why is it also beneficial for children to read books that celebrate a variety of backgrounds?
When children read authentic representations of different cultures in literature, they are able to learn and understand that community in an intimate way; it's almost like when you travel to a foreign country, and you are submerged in the culture, food and customs of that country. I love it most when books don't explain too much but the reader is left to figure things out based on the context and what is provided within the text. In this way, children can learn new words and expressions without much effort. Such books also open dialogue and allow us to think about what is the same or different in our cultures or languages.
What is a misconception that people sometimes have about Islam?
The biggest ones are that Islam promotes violence or that Islam is oppressive to women. It was important in Dear Muslim Child to address both of these misconceptions in a gentle but powerful way. I wrote:
Islam is rooted in peace
so live in peace
inspire peace
and invite peace into your life
In Dear Muslim Child, we wanted to show the variation of hijab, showcasing the choice in this act of worship.
Hijab is a state of the heart.
It's a deep and personal connection,
and expression of faith and devotion.
What is one of your favorite traditions you love to celebrate as part of your faith?
As Muslims, we have two main celebrations called EID. They are big festive occasions where we are encouraged to wear new clothes and get-together with family members and host dinner parties. Some of my best childhood memories are of going to the Eid prayers and seeing the sea of Muslims in their best outfits all in one place. We prayed in these big, rented football field areas, and after the prayer, we would go back home for a big breakfast. We sometimes had gifts, we would miss school or work, and we watched movies all day. It was the best day of the year, and now that I am a mother, I take joy in organizing our Eid days.
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Bio: 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 the Rhode Island School of Design with a concentration in Literary Arts, and completed a year-long Children's Books & Gifts Design Fellowship at Chronicle Books. You can visit her online at ayaghanameh.com.
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