Najma

Synopsis:

The story follows Najma and her mother (the astronomer) when they look through their telescope. Her mother tells her about the different types of stars there are (simple explanations). Then Najma asks WHY Allah made the stars, and the mother gives examples of how the stars help us.  I love how the author incorporates Scientific facts with Islamic values. The mom in the story so easily explains to Najma that Allah made them all.

Why I like it:

• The illustrations are really cute
• The name of the girl is Najma, meaning “Star” in Arabic. (So that’s one more Arabic word in your child’s vocabulary!)
• It encourages kids to learn about astronomy and star gazing
• The author brings in the concept that “Allah made the stars, Allah made everything” which is not present in other kids “Astronomy” books
• It includes a basic definition of Nebula, Protostar, Clusters, Constellations, Giant Stars, Dwarf Stars, Supernova, Neutron Stars, and Blackhole
• The illustration of constellations don’t reflect real constellations but theres pictures of a bear, dragon, lion and “flying horse” (But if you want to name them they would be – Ursa Major, Draco, Leo and Pegasus)
• The mother answers “Why Allah created stars” with examples of how stars are useful – the sun helps us/plants grown, other stars help tell direction and light the sky in the dark, etc.
• I like the illustration of Najma trying to collect star dust (it was my daughters favorite)
• I like how the mother is an astronomer, such a positive message!
• I like the “Kun Fayakun” lit up in the stars. Also  I LOVE this explanation for children, over “The Big Bang theory” mostly found in children’s space books.
• It ends on such a lovely notes – “Najma thanks Allah for the stars, and Mama thanks Allah for her Najma”

Activities:

• You can talk about various ayats in the Quran about space.
• Do constellation activities! You can start with the 4 depicted in the illustrations and add more to them
• The pinterest board has tons of ideas for space activities, crafts, sensory bins and printables you can pair with the books

Overall:

I love science, and Astronomy is a personal favorite. Like the fictional mother daughter pair, I love star gazing with my daughter. So when I saw this book I knew I had to order it! It brings the unique message that Allah created the universe/stars which isn’t present in contemporary books on the subject. (It’s a great alternative to teaching the Big Bang Theory!) I recommend it to be a part of every child’s library. It encourages children to look at the stars and reflect/learn more about the creation of Allah. It also empowers young girls to pursue science, and the mother being an astronomer sends a positive message!! For all homeschoolers, this is a MUST buy and belongs in a Space/Astronomy Unit.

Other Reviews:

Muslim Kids Book Nook