cover image In My Mosque

In My Mosque

M.O. Yuksel, illus. by Hatem Aly. HarperCollins, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-06-297870-7

Debut author Yuksel writes a rich introduction to mosques, encompassing Muslim garb, ideals, and practices. Employing the refrain “In my mosque,” she offers an observation on each verso page (“In my mosque, aunties’ hijabs sway like a sea of flowers as we move through our prayers”), with a child’s first-person perspective relayed on the recto (“I try to pay attention, although sometimes I get distracted”). Rendered digitally with scans of ink washes, textures, and patterns, Hatem’s art offers a lush, multilayered appeal: golden world balloons with holy phrases; intricate, delicate-lined details; and inclusive scenes with people of varying abilities, ages, skin tones, and sizes. This personable, sensory love letter to a range of children’s mosque experiences will engage new learners and resonate with those already familiar. Back matter includes more information about mosques, a glossary, an author’s note, and more. Ages 4–8. [em](Mar.) [/em]