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Item Barcode | Collection | Call Number | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33607003513408 | Picture Books | AZIZ | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
Musa has the perfect idea for his special Jummah treat, but things don't go according to plan. Will Musa be able to get a yummy Jummah treat for his family?
Included in USA Today's 12 books for kids to read during Ramadan!
"Musa's enthusiasm for halal hot dogs is infectious, and this portrait of a family and community that takes joy and pride in their identity and traditions is refreshing . . . . A joyful celebration of street food and Muslim American culture."-- Kirkus Reviews
"An enjoyable tour of food, faith, and family."-- School Library Journal
Every Friday after Jummah prayer at the masjid, Musa's family has a special Jummah treat. They take turns picking out what the treat will be, but recently the choices have been . . . interesting. Week one, Mama made molokhia. It's perfect for sharing, but gives us molokhia teeth for days! Week two, Baba burned the kufte kebabs on the grill. Week three, Seedi made his favorite riz b'haleeb-creamy rice pudding with pistachio sprinkled on top with an unexpected ingredient. Last week, Maryam brought jellybeans. . . . Finally, it's Musa's turn to pick, and he picks his favorite-halal hot dogs! But actually getting to eat this deliciousness turns into a journey riddled with obstacles. Will he ever get his favorite tasty treat?
Author Notes
Susannah Aziz is a former teacher, freelance writer, and third-generation Palestinian-American Muslim. Through reading to her own children, Aziz felt humor was missing in the majority of traditional Islamic children's literature. So she picked up a pen one day. And she wrote. Fun, silly stories. Susannah aims to depict the lives of average Muslim children in her work: fun-loving, enthusiastic, and delightful children. Aziz is an advocate and fundraiser for the UNRWA-the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East-which strives to provide support for the psychosocial health of refugee children living in the Gaza Strip. Aziz currently resides in Staten Island with her husband, three children, and her mischievous orange tabby cat, Chickpea.
Born and raised in Jamshedpur, India, Parwinder Singh has been drawing ever since he can remember. First as a classical 2D animator and then as a children's book illustrator, drawn in by its beauty and vibrance. Now a full-time freelancer with a love of motorcycles, he enjoys exploring new styles, meeting new people, and traveling beyond the horizon.
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--It's Friday, Musa's favorite day of the week--the day his family, including his mother, father, siblings, and grandfather walk together to attend Jummah prayer service at a local masjid and have a special meal together afterward. After weeks of waiting and enduring some food mishaps, it's finally Musa's turn to choose the family's post-Jummah treat. He knows exactly what he wants: halal hot dogs from a stand near the masjid, topped with Salam sauce, of course. This lively tale chronicles Musa's Friday adventure through the streets of his vibrant urban neighborhood. Bright cartoon illustrations contribute to the feel of the story. While the family's ethnic identity isn't explicitly identified, references to dishes such as molokhia and kefte, and mentions of cultural traditions (debke, a folk dance popular in Palestinian and Lebanese communities), as well as depictions of family members wearing traditional dress, offer an unabashed representation of a loving and positive Middle Eastern family. Community members at the masjid and in the neighborhood are depicted in various skin tones, shapes, and sizes, with names representing diverse ethnic backgrounds. A glossary of Arabic words and terms and an explanation of halal laws provide additional context. VERDICT An enjoyable tour of food, faith, and family.--Mahasin A. Aleem, Oakland P.L., CA
Publisher's Weekly Review
Inspired by her Brooklynite son's love of halal hot dogs, Aziz's buoyant text follows light brown--skinned Musa and his family, who "share a special Jummah treat" every Friday after prayer at the masjid. Since the past few treats have been "interesting"--Baba's kufte kebabs turned out "perfect... for playing soccer with"--Musa is determined to secure the perfect treat when it's his turn to choose: halal hot dogs from the stand near the masjid. But when long lines and a mix-up cause apprehension, Musa must problem-solve. Employing Musa's conversational narration, Aziz weaves in details from the family's masjid experiences, from dancing dabke on the way there to listening to the khutbah. Singh illustrates in a vibrantly colored, digital animation style, showcasing an inclusive multiethnic community. A delightful look at one contemporary Muslim family's weekly tradition. Back matter includes an author's note, a glossary of Arabic words and terms, and an explanation of halal laws. Ages 4--8. (May)