A-Z Challenge: F is for The Farmer's Wife

Title: The Farmer’s Wife

Author: Idries Shah

Illustrator: Rose Mary Santiago

Publisher: Hooppe Books, June 2005

Suitable for: 3 and up

Themes/Topics: Culture: Afghanistan, Folktale/lore, Problem-solving,

Opening:

Once upon a time there was a farmer’s wife. One day when she was picking apples from a tree, one of the apples fell into a hole in the ground and she couldn’t get it out.

Brief synopsis:

This is a cumulative tale about a woman's efforts to retrieve an apple from a hole in the ground. Children will enjoy learning the highly predictable lines by heart. But when a surprise event changes the direction of the tale, their expectations will be jolted in a most amusing way, and they will have learned its valuable lessons about the nature of problem solving and discovery. Rose Mary Santiago’s striking illustrations evoke the story’s origins and, at the same time, add a uniquely playful atmosphere to this funny tale.

Links to resources:

Activity and discussion ideas. 

*What was the moral of the story? Have your child(ren) discuss what they got out of the book. 

*This story can be used to talk about problem solving. Let your child(ren) discuss alternative ways the farmer’s wife could have retrieved the apple from the hole. 

*Talk about the importance of treating animals with kindness. Is it ever okay to have one animal hurt another? 

*Notice the dress of the farmer’s wife? Where is she from? Have your child(ren) guess where she is from. This story is an Afghani folktale. Where is Afghanistan? Have your child(ren) look up the country and research the culture.

*Afghani girl cultural dress coloring page. 

*Read the story online.

Why I like this book:

This was a really cute tale that reminded me of the stories I grew up reading like the Old lady who swallowed the fly, the napping house, etc. I always loved a story that started off, “Once Upon A Time.” :D Those are the classics. There is always a lesson to be learned in a ‘once upon a time’ tale! In this story children learn that being persistent will sometime lead to remarkable outcomes. For young children, it helps to have the repetition in the story. It helps them anticipate the rest of the story and encourage early literacy skills. The illustrations were playful and hilarious! I loved them.  Another neat thing about the books is that it is translated into Spanish as well. I took Spanish in college and tried reading and well let’s just say I need to go re-learn the language! :(

Book Giveaway Winner: Going to Mecca

The winner of Going to Mecca by Na'ima B Robert is.......................

Hafsa!!

Congratulations Hafsa! 

A-Z Challenge: E is for The Empty Pot

Title: The Empty Pot

Author: Demi

Illustrator: Demi

Publisher: Square Fish, September 15, 1996 

Ages: 4 and up

Theme/Topic: honesty, bravery, Integrity, consequences, virtue,

Opening:

A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. Anything he planted burst into bloom. Up cam flowers, bushes, and even big fruit trees, as if by magic!

Summary:

When the Chinese emperor proclaims that his successor will be the child who grows the most beautiful flowers from the seeds the emperor distributes, Ping is overjoyed. Like the emperor, he loves flowers and anything he plants bursts into bloom. But the emperor's seed will not grow, despite months of loving care, and Ping goes before the emperor carrying only his empty pot. The emperor ignores the beautiful blossoms brought by the other children and chooses Ping, revealing that the seeds he handed out had been cooked and could not grow.

Resources:

This site has wonderful extension ideas and activities.  Homeshare has another wonderful lesson plan to go with this book. (Note, I believe this may be a Christian site as they have a section bible related but it includes lots of fun activities for math, science, social studies and more.)  More lesson activities including a fill in the blank worksheet. 

Lessons about honesty 

Why I like this book:

I love folk tales from other cultures. This one teaches children to be honest and the importance of integrity, honesty and accountability. I love that the father encourages the son to accept the fact that he worked really hard on trying to grow his seeds and to accept that he did his best. He did not suggest for Ping to cheat but to take his empty pot to the emperor. Children learn about consequences as well. The children who cheated did not win the emperor’s approval or his throne. But Ping won through his honesty, integrity and virtue.

A-Z Challenge: D is for The Day of Ahmed's Secret

Title: The Day of Ahmed’s Secret

Author: Florence H. Parry & Judith Heide Gilliland

Illustrator: Ted Lewin

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, April 25^th, 1995 

Ages: 6 and up

Theme/Topic: Egyptian culture and lifestyle, 

Opening: Today I have a secret, and all day long my secret will be like a friend to me.  Tonight I will tell it to my family, but now I have work to do in my city

Summary: Ahmed drives his donkey cart through the streets of Cairo, delivering butane gas cylinders to his father's customers. He knows everyone and has a part to play in the life of the city. He is proud to be strong enough to help his family, but most of all he is proud of his precious secret, a secret that he keeps until the end of the day. The book reveals a lot about Ahmed's life, and finally his secret - that he can write his name.

Resources:

I found a couple of sites that have some good lesson ideas and plans that can be used to expand on the book. Homeschool Share has a lesson plan that includes social studies, language arts, science, math and art.  Here is another lesson plan that is for early elementary kids. Basic facts about Egypt. More facts about Cairo, Egypt. Photosof Egypt. 

Why I like this book:

This is a really moving tale about a boy named Ahmed who has learned how to write his name. Ahmed is a young boy who has to work to help his family out. In most third world countries poor families have to let their children work to support the family. Education is only for people with money.  But education is coveted, even by the poor. They do realize that their children would profit if they learned how to read and write but circumstances does not allow them to send their children to school. I saw this time after time when I worked overseas. I loved the illustrations. They transport you to Cairo, Egypt.  They are rich and vibrant as they paint the culture and day to day lifestyle of the Egyptian people in one of Egypt’s most popular cities. The book is written in the voice of Ahmed so you see the city through his eyes as he goes about his daily work routine and schedule.

Recommended Picture Book: Going to Mecca

Title: Going to Mecca

Author: Na'ima B Robert

Illustrator: Valentina Cavallini

Publisher: Frances Lincoln 

Suitable for ages: 5 and up

Opening:

"Come with the pilgrims 

As they set out on a journey,

A journey of patience

To the city of Mecca..."

Synopsis:

We are led on the journey of a lifetime to the city of Mecca - the pilgrimage known to Muslims as the Hajj. The pilgrims walk with heads bare and feet in sandals; they call to Allah; they kiss or point to the Black Stone, as the Prophet did. Arriving at Mecca, they surge round the Ka'aba, shave their heads and travel to Mount Arafat. Finally, though their bodies are tired and aching, their spirits are uplifted, knowing that with thousands of others they have performed the sacred pilgrimage.

This is a window on to a sacred journey for Muslims the world over - beautifully described and illustrated for younger children.

Resources:

Hajj Activity Bank  Find a variety of ideas arranged by curriculum subjects.

Online Jigsaw Puzzle 

Do the Hajj count Down  A variety of fun activities that relate to hajj.

Hajj Felt Story Board 

Mix-media Hajj Craft Activity 

Coloring pages here and here. 

What I like about this book:

I have not read too many books geared for children, especially for Muslim children, about Hajj that I really like. Most are boring with stiff text and the illustrations are unattractive. I was greatly relieved when I came by Na'ima Robert's book. Going to Mecca is a wonderful children's book that teaches little ones about the rites and rituals of Hajj. Na'ima Robert's lyrical prose invites the reader (parents and children alike) on a journey right along side the pilgrims on the page. I love the collage/textured feel of the illustrations. They are simple yet fun and child-centered. The illustrations bring alive the basic but important information in the text. This book can be a wonderful resource and introduction to learning about Hajj in both Muslim and non-Muslim classroom settings. It is especially ideal to include in multicultural curriculum. There is a glossary at the end of the book that explains important arabic words in the book. I highly recommend this book for every home and classroom.

A-Z Challenge: C is for The Color of Home

C is for change and colorful reminders of home.

Author: Mary Hoffman
Illustrator: Karin Littlewood
Publisher: Frances Lincoln, March 1, 2003
Ages: 6-9
Theme/Topic: Relocation, Somalia, Adjusting to new country and culture, healing through art,

Synopsis:
The Color of Home follows first-grader Hassan through his first few days at school. Hassan has only recently arrived in the United States after he and his family were forced to flee Somalia, and he deeply misses the colorful landscape of his former home in Africa. But with the help of his parents, an understanding teacher, and a school art project, Hassan finds that by painting a picture of his old home and sharing his story, his homesickness and the trauma of leaving a war-torn country are lessened. And he finds that there are many things to like about his new home in America. 


Resources:
This book can be used with students from pre-K, where there might be students that have experienced the same or maybe they are English learners. The Color of Home allows readers to understand how hard it might be for some people to relocate. You can also talk about different reasons of why people have to or choose to move from their home-country. You can also discuss what difficulties not knowing the language most people talk can produce, and how ESL students might feel while learning a new language. 

Facts about Somalia

World factbook

Why I like this book:


Many people do not know what it is like to leave the only home they have ever known to be in a new place with a new language, a new culture and new environment. It is also hard to know and understand what it is like to live in a war-torn country, the experiences and trauma that a person, especially a child experiences. Even more so, children do not know how to relate to or help new classmates and friends from poverty-stricken and war-torn countries. The Color of Home does a beautiful job of bringing to light the heart of Hassan's struggle as he learns to accept and embrace his new home.

A-Z Challenge: B is for Big Red Lollipop

B is for being a big sister and birthday parties!

Author: Rukhsana Khan

Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Publisher: Viking Children's Books, March 4, 2010

Topics/Themes: Greed, Temptation, Sibling Rivalry, Cultural differences in celebrations, Adapting to new cultures, Forgiveness
Ages: 4 and up

Synopsis:

Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can't convince Ami that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina's prized party favor, a red lollipop. What's a fed-up big sister to do?

Resources:

Why I like the Book:


I like this book because it deals with what most older siblings have to go through. I know I certainly had to tug my little sisters around. But this story is more than about siblings not getting along and making a disaster out of birthday parties, it also shows how children adjust, adapt and learn to love and help each other. It also has very subtle but illustrated hints of how many immigrant families adjust and assimilate into a new culture.

A-Z Challenge: A is for African Traditions: Ashanti to Zulu

 

April is here and so begins the blogging from A to Z Challenge! For the whole month, I will be blogging and sharing with you a variety of  wonderful picture books that have multicultural themes and backgrounds! Enjoy and Happy Reading!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A is for African Traditions in Ashanti to Zulu.

Author: Margaret Musgrove

Publisher: Puffin Books, July 15th, 1992

Topic/Themes: African Cultures and Traditons

Ages: 3 and up

Info about the book:

Artists Leo and Diane Dillon won their second consecutive Caldecott Medal for this stunning ABC of African culture. 

This Caldecott Medal-winning book gives fascinating facts about African tribes and customs. The different tribes are listed in alphabetical order, and the illustrations are rich and beautiful.

Why I like this book: 

This book brings back wonderful memories of my childhood. It was a family favorite to check out at the library. :) the illustrations are just amazing in detail and vibrance. Experience Africa and her many cultures as you flip through the pages from A to Z!

Good Deed Friday: Be Kind to Animals

Salaam and Happy Good Deed Friday! Today's good deed idea is being kind to animals. Whether you are an animal lover or not. Whether you have a pet or not, we should always be kind to animals. Ways to care and be kind to animals is to always make sure we are gentle with them. Speak nicely to animals. Make sure they have food and water, especially if they are your pets. Provide a safe and clean environment. But what if you don't like animals or are afraid of them? You can still be kind by leaving them be. If you see an animal you don't like, turn around and walk away from it. Don't be mean and throw things at it. Animals are creations of Allah too and we should be kind, caring and understanding even to them.

Recommended Picture Book: Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Title: Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Author: Jeanette Winter

Publisher: Harcourt, Inc, September 21, 2008

Suitable for: (ages) 3 and up

Themes/Topics:  Nature, Environmentalism, Women History, Women Empowerment

Opening:

Wangari lives under an umbrella of green trees in the shadow of Mount Kenya Africa.

Brief synopsis:

As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something. She starts with nine seedlings in her backyard. As her trees grow, so do her plans……

Links to resources:

Discussion Questions can be found here. 

Interview of Wangari of why trees are important: 

This is a very simple Smart Board lesson on parts of a tree.  Go to the site, then scroll

down to K-2 Templates, Parts of a Tree.

Trees are Terrific....Travels with Pierre

This site is presented in animated format and designed to help young children (5–8 years of age) gain an appreciation of trees, observe trees in their everyday lives and develop an interest in learning more about trees. 

National Geographic Kids

Colorful site with facts and photos of Kenya

Teach Using Wangari's Trees of Peace

Look here for lesson ideas and links to use with this book.

Activities for all ages that explore issues related to environmental preservation and sustainability. 

  

Why I like this book: This is a true story about Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She inspired great change in her native country by bringing back the native trees to Kenya. She is an excellent example of inspiration for children today. They will learn that with hard work, dedication and strong will, even one person can inspire change, they can make a difference. The illustrations are very simple but reflect well the text and story as they follow Wangari from her childhood living “under an umbrella of green trees,” and observing her environment as she helps her mother harvest their crop. When she gets older, she goes to study in America. When she returns, the green land she left was no more. No more trees, birds, or green remained due to deforestation. Wangari decides to replace the trees that were cut down. She faced great opposition from the government and was even jailed for her attempts to bring change. She enlisted the help of other village women to plant the seedlings she grew telling them, “We are planting the seeds of hope.” Through her Green Belt Movement, Wangari brought environmental change not just to Kenya but to thirty other countries in Africa. Her story and life is truly an inspiration and this book is great to help children understand her great efforts and success. It saddens me to learn she recently passed away. Her dedication and love for the environment and women’s empowerment will be remembered.

For a complete list of recommended picture books and resources that engage, educate, and entertain go to Perfect Picture Books at Susanna Leonard Hill's blog. 

Book Giveaway: Going to Mecca

 

• Title: Going to Mecca
• Author: Na'ima B Robert
• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (September 11, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1847801536
• ISBN-13: 978-1847801531

This is a wonderful window into the sacred journey for Muslims the world over - beautifully described and illustrated for younger children. Going to Mecca is a great addition to every bookshelf.

Good Deed Friday: Plant a Tree!

Salaam everyone and Happy Good Deed Friday! Welcome to another fun Good Deed Friday. Our tip for the day is one that can bring not only family and friends together but a whole community. Plant a Tree. Trees are very important for our health and survival. They give us shade, give us oxygen, and most give us fruits or nuts to eat. They are homes to many types of animals and insects. Not to mention, they add beauty to our yards, parks and cities. Trees are wonderful. Plant a tree today!

Check out how to plant a tree here and here.

Recommended Picture Book: In the Garden with Dr. Carver

Title: In the Garden with Dr. Carver 

Author: Susan Grigsby

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company; Sept 1, 2010

Suitable for: 7-9, Grades: 2-4

Theme/Topics: non-fiction, history, biography, botany, science.

Summary: Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grownups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including "chicken" made from peanuts. And Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby's warm story shines new light on an African American scientist who was ahead of his time.

Links to resources:

In the Garden with Dr. Carver Coloring Pages; 

In the Garden with Dr. Carver Teaching Guide. 

Why I like this book: Engaging, entertaining and education. I love the watercolor illustrations and the abundant depiction of nature in the story. The illustrations also tell a story of their own that are great for discussions after story time. The story is great to teach children the importance of how we treat and care for nature. It promotes love for science and botany. “Listen to the plants, they will tell you what they need.”

Find more perfect picture books here.

Recommended Picture Book: Hilmy the Hippo Learns to be Grateful

Title: Hilmy the Hippo Learns to be grateful

Author: Rae Norridge

Publisher: The Islamic Foundation, 2002

Suitable for ages: 7 - 11

Themes/Topics: Gratitude, Moving House, Finding a Home

Opening:

Hilmy was a large, happy hippo who lived at a quiet water hole. One day he decided that the water hole was too small for a hippo as grand as himself.

Brief synopsis:

What happens when you start to think you are too big for your cozy home? Hilmy doesn't like his home anymore. So he goes on a trip searching for a new home fit for a grand hippo. But this is not as easy as Hilmy thinks. He meets a lot of nice friends (and scary ones too) on his way and finds out the hard way that his old home was perfect for him all along.

Links to resources:

Word searches are great ways to re-enforce vocabulary. Create word searches with all the animals in the book. Visit some great sites to learn all about Hippos: what they eat, where they live and other fun facts. National Geographic, Science Kids and Zoo Books. I like Zoo Books because it has a virtual zoo and audio of different animal sounds along with lots facts and interactive games. Discussion Topics can include: Why did Hilmy want a new home? What were some of his obstacles? Did he find a new home? Why should we be grateful? Have you ever wanted to move to a different home? Why? What do you like about your homes?

Why I like this book:

Hilmy is sweet. And like all young people (and older people) he is learning the importance of being grateful and appreciating what we have. I love that he goes on this journey and finds out for himself that bigger is not always better. He also remembers to thank Allah (God) in the end when he realizes that the home he searched for was the home he left behind. The illustrations are wonderful and fun. I think children will love them and find them entertaining. There is an Arabic glossary to help with the non-English words in the book. I love books that connects children with faith and spirituality. While this book uses Arabic greetings and phrases, it does not

Recommended Picture Book: Noor Kids Discover their Blessings!

Title: Noor Kids Discover their Blessings!

Authors: Amin and Mohammed Aaser

Publisher: Noor Kids, Inc

Suitable for ages: 4-8

Topics/Themes: Gratitude, Being Thankful

Why I like this book/magazine: 

This is such a delightful edition. While technically, it is not a picture book, I still wanted to include it in the perfect picture book collection as it is geared for the little ones with its bright, colorful and attractive illustrations. Young children will learn about gratitude and thankfulness through the wonderful stories and activities in the magazine. My favorite story was "Turn Your Frown Upside Down." In this story children learn that no matter how bad a day can be, we are still blessed with so much!

Resources:
This book is a filled with activities that children will love to do, from coloring books, learning arabic words, question and answers, fill in the blanks and word searches. there is so much to do packed in this little magazine.

Good Deed Friday: Family

Salaam and Happy Good Deed Friday! Today's good deed idea is actually two wrapped in one. Reading the Qur'an helps us become closer to Allah (swt). Reading with our family helps us become closer with our parents and siblings. So reading Qur'an with our family is even more rewarding! :) The best time to read Qur'an with your family is after the Fajr and Isha prayers when everyone is together.

Book Giveaway: Islamic Rose Series

Salaam and Greetings! 

Welcome to another book giveaway on Family-Ship Experience. Linda D. Delgado will be releasing her latest book in the Islamic Rose Book series. Reunion is the final book in the series and will be releasing soon. To celebrate her good news and wonderful accomplishment, I am giving away the first four books before they last is released! And here they are: The Visitors, Stories, Hijab-Ez Friends and Saying Goodbye. Please fill out the form below to enter for a chance to win the complete set (minus the 5th book soon to be released.) 

Book Details:

 Not everyone in Rose's family is happy about the two Saudi Arabian police officers staying at Grandma's house. Nine-year-old Rose and grandma help the officers with English lessons and the officers share their culture and Islamic religion. The officers' kind ways and good manners soon win the hearts of Rose and her grandparents. Rose becomes confused and worried by her dad's continued avoidance of Fahd and Abdul and his warnings to stay away from the masjid. Rose is determined to change her dad's mind about his dislike and distrust of the Muslim officers. She creates one unique plan after another and refuses to become discouraged when her plans backfire and she gets into problems with her dad. Rose designs an ingenious new PLAN. Its success or failure will have a lasting affect on Rose, her family and new friends.

  Stories is a treasure chest of wonderful stories about Islam and the lives of Rose, her family members and Hijab-Ez friends. Readers join Rose and the Hijab-Ez as they delight in stories Fahd and Abdul tell them about famous Muslims from Islam's history. Rose and her friends apply the wisdom they learn from these stories to problems they face at school and home: Islam's famous Woman Warrior removes doubts that arise when Rose learns about Christina's struggle with a family problem. Camelia's story about the Kitten Man helps provide the solution needed for some unexpected arrivals. Rose's anger over the intolerance directed towards Camelia is close to erupting into a PLAN that spells real trouble for the Hijab-Ez. Abdul's story about how Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) averted a war helps Rose devise a peaceful PLAN that results in justice for her best friend. Rose has questions about the mother who left when she was a baby and family stories from the past help Rose in her search for answers. Rose's curiosity about names results in a family discussion about the importance of a person's name and Grandpa surprises everyone when he relates a family story about his middle name. 

 I don't want to go to public school! I don't need diversity! Ten-year-old Rose protests to Dad and Grandma. What is diversity, anyway? she wonders crossly.

Rose's dad wants her to meet kids of different races, cultures and religions. He says the new school will be an adventure. No way! Only a grown-up would tell a kid that going to a new school is an adventure. But, could he be right?
It doesn't take Rose long to find out. The first week of school, Rose befriends Camelia, a Muslim Egyptian-American, Ruby, a Protestant Vietnamese National and Christina, a Catholic Hispanic- American. Who knew diversity could be so much fun?! Not all of Rose's classmates like her new friends. Operation Proof is Rose's PLAN to nab a bully. Another PLAN almost lands Rose and friends in big problems when they visit Meteorite Crater. Rose faces losing a dear friend with courage and struggles with sadness when old friends seem to change. Old, new, young and family friends-mark Rose's life. She realizes that being a friend is as important as having friends.

 Saying Goodbye is often more than the wave of a hand, a cheery "See you tomorrow," or an As Salaam'Alaykum. Sometimes these everyday words and gestures are taken for granted. Rose is about to learn there are many reasons for saying goodbye.

As the school year ends, a kaleidoscope of unexpected events throws Rose into a tailspin! The Hijab-Ez Summer Plan is wrecked and the Hijab-Ez must cope with a loss. Tragedy strikes and Rose must say a forever-kind-of-goodbye. Fahd consoles Rose and gives her hope when he says, "Allah willing, you will get something better to replace what you have lost."
Rose needs courage and hope to overcome her sadness when saying goodbye to Fahd and Abdul who are going home to Saudi Arabia. Just when Rose thinks nothing else could possibly happen to change her life, Grandma reveals her secret to the whole family and saying goodbye takes on a whole new meaning for Rose.