Ten terrific picture books with hijabi characters

Published on: 21 March 2023

Not Now, Noor! author Farhana Islam shares her top ten picture books that celebrate girls and women who wear a hijab.

Author Farhana Islam holds a copy of Not Now, Noor!

Hana’s Hundreds of Hijabs by Razeena Omar Gutta

Hana’s hijab is her canvas and nothing will stop her from expressing herself through her collection of beautiful, bright fabrics. But what happens when Hana’s hijabs (hundreds of them!) begin to take over her home? Razeena’s fun and heart-warming story highlights Hana’s love for her hijab, faith and creativity.

I am Muslim by Safoo Publications

I am Muslim is a beautifully illustrated, rhyming picture book that fosters a love for Muslim identity. The easy read effortlessly combines story telling with the basic principles of Islam, thus making it a useful addition both in the classroom and at home.

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali

The Proudest Blue is so much more than a story about a young girl receiving her very first hijab. It’s about sisterhood, identity, acceptance and facing daunting experiences. Ibtihaj and S K Ali have beautifully captured how many young Muslim girls feel as they start their hijab journey.

Read our review of The Proudest Blue

Illustration from The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S. K. Ali

Pepperoni, Pitches (and Other Problems) by Shaifa Saltagi Safadi

Amira loves all things cheese pizza and baseball related, and life was going great until Amira started her new school. Shaifa’s language and tone is perfectly pitched for our youngest readers, and opens a conversation about making kind decisions and being respectful.

Mommy’s Khimar by Jamila Thompkins-Bigelow

Mommy’s Khimar exudes warmth on every page through its beautiful illustrations. The story emphasises the beauty of a young child’s wonder, curiousity and imagination when it comes to her mother’s khimar (hijab). It is a thoughtful celebration of family love and self-expression from the eyes of a child.

Under My Hijab by Hena Khan

Under my Hijab follows a young girl as she explores the lives of the powerful, inspiring, hijabi women that surround her. To many, Hena’s storytelling is a celebration of hijab and mirrors the lives of many young Muslim girls, as well as providing non-Muslims with a reality different to their own.

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to his Daughter by Mark Gonzales

Written as a tender, love letter to his daughter, a father introduces his child to the many, many facets the world has to offer. He highlights the importance of social harmony and cultural identity all whilst empowering young readers in the most sincere and beautiful way.

Yo Soy Muslim by Mark Gonzales

I Love My Mama’s Hijab by Razaida Bahram

I Love my Mama’s Hijab is an endearing story about the relationship a mother has with her hijab and faith through the lens of her child. Razaida does a wonderful job intertwining the true meaning of hijab with the curious mind and nature of a young child.

Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani

Mama Shamsi is a tender, heart-warming story following Samira and her sweet Grandmother as they visit the local bazaar in Tehran. Samira, like any child, can’t help but worry about getting lost and comes up with a plan that involves hiding in Mama Shamsi’s veil. Without a doubt, it is culturally rich and the beautiful illustrations allow readers to get a peek inside a somewhat unfamiliar but equally recognisable world.

Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane and Hoda Hadadi

This beautifully illustrated story shows us the love a young girl has for the malafa (a veiled cloth) the incredible women in her life proudly wear. It’s hard not to see the beauty from the young girl’s eyes as she watches in awe and dreams to be like the women that have raised her.

Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane and Hoda Hadadi