“This is the masjid Kamal loves. / These are the friends / Who come to the masjid Kamal loves. … These are the feet / That wiggled in shoes / That belong to the Friends / Who come to the masjid Kamal loves.” A cumulative narrative patterned on “The House That Jack Built” details a brown-skinned Muslim boy’s time at the masjid for Jumu’ah prayer. But Kamal’s time at the masjid is not just about prayer; it’s about the learning that takes place in the context of this supportive community through the teaching of the Imam and the modeling of other adults. It’s also about the joyful sense of community itself. An author’s note talks more about these elements in an affirming, child-centered story set against digital illustrations with deep hues that show a diverse Muslim community. (Ages 4-7)

From the author of Not Quite Snow White comes a story about a young Muslim boy celebrating the many reasons he loves going to his local masjid in this jubilant and playful picture book perfect for fans of Mommy’s Khimar and Abdul’s Story.

Friday is Kamal’s favorite day of the week because he gets to go to the masjid for Jumu’ah prayer. The masjid is where he can be with his friends, hear the teachings of the imam, and pray with the community that he loves so dearly. He just can’t help the bounce in his step, the smile on his face, or the joy bubbling up in his chest every time Friday rolls around!

Inspired by the famous nursery rhyme “This Is the House That Jack Built,” each spread in this buoyant picture book builds on the rhythmic list of things Kamal loves about the masjid.