Insha'Allah, No, Maybe So
Insha'Allah, No, Maybe So
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Publisher's Hardcover ©2024--
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Holiday House
Annotation: A sweet and playful picture book about a common Arabic word for life's uncertainties that will ring true for all familie... more
 
Reviews: 1
Catalog Number: #386610
Format: Publisher's Hardcover
Publisher: Holiday House
Copyright Date: 2024
Edition Date: 2024 Release Date: 05/14/24
Illustrator: Aserr, Olivia,
Pages: 1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN: 0-8234-5441-X
ISBN 13: 978-0-8234-5441-9
Dewey: E
LCCN: 2023034657
Dimensions: 26 cm
Language: English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews

A young girl is upset when her mother defers her promises.When Ranya asks her mother if they can go to the park, Mama replies, "Insha'Allah." Ranya fumes-that's what her parents always say when they mean no! Mama explains that the sky's looking overcast and adds that "insha'Allah" means "God willing." People say it when they hope for something that they aren't sure will happen: "Sometimes Allah has other plans." Ranya pries a little more: Is that why they didn't bake cookies last night? And why her sleepover with her friend Jayda fell through? And why her parents have never taken her to Disneyland? Mama replies that it was getting too late to bake and that Jayda's grandmother became sick, but she promises to take Ranya to Disneyland before she turns 18…insha'Allah. Ranya negotiates with her mother, who agrees that they can bake cookies later and Ranya can plan another sleepover. Mama notices the weather has improved and says they can go to the park. But first, she asks Ranya to clean up her toys. Ranya impishly replies, "Insha'Allah!" This is a sweet introduction to an expression often used in Muslim and Arabic-speaking communities. The playful banter between mother and daughter forms the heart of the story. Ranya and Mama are illustrated with warm brown skin tones; theirs is a diverse neighborhood. Homey illustrations in bold primary colors create a sense of coziness.Lively, funny, and child-friendly. (authors' note) (Picture book. 4-8)

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Kirkus Reviews
Reading Level: 1.0
Interest Level: P-2

A sweet and playful picture book about a common Arabic word for life's uncertainties that will ring true for all families.

Ranya wants to go to the park. “Insha’Allah,” her mom tells her. 

But doesn't that just mean no? Ranya's mom says “Insha’Allah” when Ranya asks to make cookies. She says it when Ranya wants to sleep over at Jayda's house. She says it when Ranya begs to go to Disneyland.

This might sound familiar to parents and caregivers . . . It’s hard to know what to say when you can’t promise anything! Sometimes grown-ups say “Maybe” or “We’ll see.” And in millions of Arab and Muslim homes around the world, families use the phrase “Insha’Allah” when talking about the future. 

So, what does “Insha’Allah” really mean? In this warmly illustrated picture book, Ranya and her mom tackle the meaning of the powerful phrase and ponder the best way to talk about their hopes and dreams—and maybe, sometimes, the things they want to put off. (Like cleaning up toys!)

Cozy art and joyful, loving characters make this a perfect family read aloud.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year!


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