Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik
Interest age: 8 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Hodder Children's Books, 2019
About this book
Omar has just moved into a new house with his family: sticky-fingered little brother Esa, snooty older sister Maryam and his scientist parents.
Going to a new school turns out to be okay, apart from the fact that class bully Daniel tells Omar that because he's a Muslim, he's going to be kicked out of the country and will have to go and live in Pakistan. Understandably worried, Omar asks his cousin if that's true, and both hope it isn't, because there's a distinct lack of good pizza there. Plus, there's mean Mrs Rogers next door who complains loudly about Omar's mum frying onions.
Yet when mean Mrs Rogers has an accident, Omar's family is there to help. And when Omar and bully Daniel get stranded on a school trip in London, Omar realises that Danny isn't so tough after all...
Previously published as The Muslims, which won the Little Rebels book prize in 2018, this newly illustrated and reworked version of Zanib Mian's hilarious, sweet story is an absolute delight.
Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it's wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.
About the author
More books like this
-
Meet the Maliks, Twin Detectives The Cookie Culprit
by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Kyan Cheng
5 to 9 years
-
Planet Omar: Incredible Rescue Mission
by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik
5 to 14 years
-
Planet Omar: Unexpected Super Spy
by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik
5 to 14 years
-
The Big Bad Wolf Murder
by P.G. Bell
5 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books about Ramadan and Eid
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan all over the world, while Eid al-Adha follows later in the year. They are times for family, for community and for joyful festivities. Here’s our pick of the best children’s books about Ramadan and Eid.
-
Books about bullying for 8-12s
Almost everyone gets bullied at some point in their life – so if this is happening to your child, they are not alone. Here are some books to help older primary school children who may be experiencing bullying or finding it tricky to make friends.
-
Suggested reading for years 3 & 4: Autumn term
As children progress into Lower Key Stage 2 they continue to develop their personal reading preferences and begin to explore a wider range of books independently. During this period it is vital that reading for pleasure is encouraged and that children's enthusiasm for books and reading is nurtured.
-
Books with South Asian characters for ages 6+
These wonderful books celebrate South Asian culture through fantastic characters, inspirational true stories and superb storytelling for children in the primary school age range.