Muslim Child – By Rukhsana Khan; Illustrated by Patty Gallinger

Muslim Child is a collection of short stories, poems and prose that examines the world through the eyes of Muslim children. Each story represents a tenet of Islam in a way which is both entertaining and enlightening. Non-fiction sidebars help to explain and amplify the Islamic references. Some stories are centred around the major Muslim celebrations such as Eid and Ramadan, clarifying the customs and traditions. Another story is about a child getting separated from his parents while on the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Others show Muslim children in non-Muslim societies struggling with the beliefs or practices of their religion such as the dietary restrictions or the early morning prayer. Some of the stories are funny, some are touching, but all are compelling tales of children learning and growing within their culture. With this collection, author Rukhsana Khan provides insight for children into everyday Muslim life.