I am honored to be speaking about Muslim children literature at the Children Book Academy 2021 Picture Book Palooza conference this upcoming weekend, including this list of kids books about the hijab.
I will be on the Sunday September 19th panel at 10am on Jewish, Muslim and Christian KidLit. These authors and I will look into our similarities while sharing our culture and religion with our readers. Nancy Churnin, Vivian Kirkfield, Melissa Stoller, Shirin Shamsi & Callie Metler Smith show how similar we all are in their books!
I will discuss how I have dedicated my life to promoting a positive image of Arab culture and the Muslim world. Because I couldn’t find any Libyan children’s books after searching the Eric Carle Picture Book Museum for 4 days, I decided I needed to write some. It is my hope that once I publish books from my heritage, all kids will benefit from learning something new.
Over the years, I has created a 1000+ book database of children’s books with Muslim or Arab kids or themes. As part of the Palooza, I will be sharing some of these fascinating books and resources with participants. Including this book list of children books about the hijab or books that have a hijabi on the cover. You may click on the title to be taken to a description of the book.
The word Hijab comes from the Arabic root word ‘Hajaba’, which means to conceal or cover. In Islam it refers to the dress code to be worn by Muslim women from the age of puberty, if they choose to do so. It is required to be worn during the five daily prayers.
Abou-Eid, Amal and Samira Abou-Eid (Illustrator). Why Does Mum Wear A Hijab?
Abdul-Haqq, Khadijah. Nanni’s Hijab.
Azar Art Books. Hijab And Niqab Coloring Book.
Bahram, Razaida, Asbah Alaena (Illustrator). I Love My Mama’s Hijab.
Edwards, Hazel and Ozge Alkan. Hijabi Girl.
Huq, Priya. Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin’s Hijab.
Hussein, Asmaa. Nusaiba And The 5th Grade Bullies.
Ibrahim, Fatimah Ashaela Moore. The Beauty Of My Hijab.
Ibrahim, Hudda. What Color is My Hijab?
Ibrahim, Yasmin. I Can Wear Hijab Anywhere.
Ibtihaj, Muhammad, S.K. Ali and Hatem Aly ( Illustrator ). The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family.
Jaber,Sahar and Jana Elhosseini (Illustrator). But Why Is The Hijab So Special?
Kemal, Zinet A.. Proud in Her Hijab: A Story of Family Strength, Empowerment, and Identity.
Khan, Hena and Aaliya Jaleel (Illustrator). Under My Hijab.
Khan, Michelle. The Hijab Boutique.
Said, Hodan. My Hijab Party: All About Feelings.
The Sincere Seeker Collection. My Big Sister’s Hijab: My Journey to Learning About Hijab and Loving It.
Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah. Mommy’s Khimar.
Umm Yaleena, J. I Love My Hijab!
Abdel-Fattah, Randa. Does My Head Look Big in This?
Emara, Rania. Hijab is Fab!
Faruqi, Reem. Unsettled
Haswaréy, Shaylene. The Hijabi Club
Imran, Yousra. Hijab and Red Lipstick.
Muhammad, Ibtihaj. Proud (Young Readers Edition): Living My American Dream.
Warga, Jasmine. Other Words for Home.
I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
