Picture books with Muslim characters for ages 0-5

The Kindest Red

Author: Ibtihaj Mohammed and S. K. Ali Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-5

Faizah wants the world to be kind – and she and her class set about being kind to each other.

Mae athrawes Faizah yn gofyn i'w dosbarth pa fath o fyd hoffen nhw ei gael. Mae rhai eisiau byd hufen ia neu fyd uncorn; hoffai Faizah fyd caredig, felly aeth hi a'i ffrind Sophie ati i greu un yn yr ysgol.

The Proudest Blue

Author: Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

Faizah sees her sister as a princess wearing her beautiful blue hijab, but not everyone at school sees it this way. Inspired by the experiences of Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad, this is a beautiful and powerful story about the bond shared between siblings and being proud of yourself and your beliefs. 

Salat in Secret

Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 6-8

Muhammad is delighted when he receives his very own salat prayer rug for his seventh birthday, but can he find the courage to pray in public? An engaging and touching picture book, with joyful illustrations.  

Not Now, Noor!

Author: Farhana Islam Illustrator: Nabila Adani
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 4-5

All the women in Noor’s family wear headscarves and she’s curious to find out why. Is a hijab worn to hide big ears or keep snacks safe? 

The Best Eid Ever

Author: Sufiya Ahmed Illustrator: Hazem Asif
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Eid al-Fitr is Aisha’s favourite festival. Every year, her family hide gifts in a treasure hunt for her Aisha and her brother Samir to find. But between the chaos and celebrations, will Aisha ever get her presents?

Can You Find My Eid Presents?

Author: A. M. Dassu Illustrator: Junissa Bianda
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 2-5

Hana can't find the family's Eid presents! She looks everywhere – will she find them in time for Eid? A fun search-and-find story.

Going to Mecca

Author: Na'ima B Robert Illustrator: Valentina Cavallini
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 8+

This evocative and accessible picture book invites youngsters to journey to Mecca and experience the joys, hardships and rituals of the Hajj with a Muslim family travelling from the West.

My Grandma and Me

Author: Mina Javaherbin Illustrator: Lindsey Yankey
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+

A true tale of a young girl in Iran, who idolises and follows her grandmother everything, this is a beautiful ode to family and lifelong memories, illustrated with wondrous and intricate detail.