Picture Book Review - Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan

I bring books home from the library pretty much every day, and it's become part of our nightly ritual for Sprout to dig into my work bag looking for new stuff to read. A few weeks back he was doing just that and came across tonight's pick, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan. Well, it's not at all an exaggeration to say that he was completely mesmerized. He immediately wanted to stop and read the book -- like, right away, even though I was in the middle of dinner and all the weeknight craziness. And, with a cover like this, who could blame him? I did the same thing when it showed up on my hold shelf!

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns follows one small girl as she identifies color in the world around her. It's a lovely way to honor Islamic culture and introduce it to readers who may not already be familiar with some of the various aspects and symbols. The colors become focal points for the girl to talk about the things she sees and how they relate to traditions and people she loves. So blue is her mother's hijab; brown are the dates she eats for Ramadan; red is her father's prayer rug. A final spread pulls all the colors together, and provides a glossary for all the terms used in the text - a thoughtful addition.

I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the illustrations here, because as terrific as Hena Khan's text is, the illustrations are even more spectacular. I've seen plenty of informative books ruined by flat, lifeless images. Such is not the case here - Mehrdokht Amini pulls out all the stops for pictures that are not only vibrant and enticing, but also full of texture and shade. Some of the images seem to come right off the page at the reader, so you can practically feel the embossing on the Quran or the engraving on the dome of the mosque. It is so lovely, really -- I can't in any way do it justice, you just need to get your hands on a copy pronto. Trust me.

If you're looking to add a little depth to your story time, check out Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns. You'll not only get a glorious visual experience, you'll also get a concept book that goes far beyond the norm - one no reader is likely to forget!

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan, published by Chronicle Books
Ages 2-5
Source: Library
First line: "Red is the rug Dad kneels on to pray, facing toward Mecca, five times a day."
Highly recommended

Religion Around the World - Books to Share Faith with Kids

Kids are a curious bunch, aren't they? Just when you think you've heard it all from your little one, they'll suddenly take up with a topic seemingly out of nowhere. The questions will begin to fly fast and furious. I know as a parent this has already happened with me, and as Sprout grows the topics will get even more complex - and controversial. Not looking forward to some of those conversations, believe you me!

For many parents, the topic of religion may be a tough one to discuss with their kids. Faith is a tricky thing, even harder to explain than it is to hold on to. And while it may be hard to describe one's own beliefs, defining those of another religion or group can be much more difficult. After all, religions are founded on deeply personal tenets and incorporate traditions from many cultural systems and communities. Those beliefs inspire passion and honor, making them seem like subjects that are vast and hard to define.

Still, many of us want our children to grow up understanding and respecting the belief systems of people around the world. A keystone of tolerance is an appreciation of the ways others live their lives, the beliefs that guide them and the ideologies they hold dear. And as parents raising global citizens, learning about religion is a first step in understanding cultures and people around the world.

Two terrific books to help parents begin the discussion about world religion are available from noted children's publisher DK. If you're familiar with the DK list, you know they produce quality offerings. Lavishly illustrated with inviting photographs and written in clear, straightforward fashion, the books on DK's publishing roster are the cornerstone of every well-rounded nonfiction collection, home or classroom.

A great place to start learning about faith is with DK's A Faith Like Mine, written by Laura Buller. This title is of course filled with intriguing photographs of people from all walks of life, engaging in the various traditions and ceremonies of their faith. Through the perspective of children just like them, kids can learn about what members of religious traditions believe and how they practice those beliefs on a daily basis. In the pages of Buller's book we meet 10-year-old Hasini, a Buddhist from Sri Lanka; 13-year-old Erin, a Jewish girl from the U.S.; and 9-year-old Leena, a Muslim from Jordan, just to name a few. Even very young children will enjoy flipping through this title and looking at all the amazing photos, which is a great way for discussions to begin naturally; parents and children will learn a lot from this well-researched and well-rounded title.

For kids who are ready to begin thinking and talking about the philosophical aspects of various religions, DK's book What Do You Believe? is a natural next step. Beginning with a discussion of why religions exist in the first place, this title examines the major faiths as well as many alternate views. I love that this book considers multiple perspectives on the same issue, and talks about how the practicalities of our lives -- how we dress, what we eat, how we celebrate -- are influenced by our belief systems. Even the origins of religious traditions are discussed, and native religions are also part of the conversation. Tolerance, peace, and the collision of conflicting beliefs is included here too, as well as a nicely rounded glossary to help define some of the basic terms. Visually, this title is incredibly impactful, and raises the same questions you might find in a comparative religion course, so it's a great educational tool.

Look for these titles, and others like them, to spark some lively debate and help you consider your own philosophies more deeply, as you examine the spectrum of belief with your children. You can use these books as a way to begin introducing complex topics with your kids, to see what they believe and to help them begin to comprehend the world around them. Yes, religion is complicated -- but never more so than when we try not to understand.

What books about belief does your family read? Have you thought about how broadening your bookshelf could strengthen your own faith?

12 Days of Christmas Picture Books - The Road to Bethlehem: An Ethiopian Nativity by Elizabeth Laird

It's Day 10 of our 12 Days of Christmas Picture Books series. Christmas excitement is at an all-time high around here, as we're feverishly counting down the last few days of our advent calendar and wondering when some presents are going to appear under the tree. Meanwhile, Santa and Mrs. Claus are trying to sneak in opportunities for gift-wrapping when our little elf is asleep - easier said than done as we no longer have the luxury of naptime for chores like these!

Today's pick is one for our fellow Ethiopian adoptive families. I ran across this book almost exactly a year ago, and have been excited to share it as part of this year's Christmas books countdown. For adoptive families looking for ways to keep their children connected to their heritage, understanding and appreciating the religious traditions in their child's birth country is essential. While there are several great children's books by and about Ethiopians, there aren't a whole lot that center around the Orthodox tradition in Ethiopia. It's a shame, really, because Ethiopia's connection with religious traditions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) are fundamental to its identity as a nation.

So on to today's book -- The Road to Bethlehem: An Ethiopian Nativity by Elizabeth Laird. This book is special because it really reveals the unique heritage of the Christian church in Ethiopia, both through its text and through its illustrations. Laird takes her inspiration from the text from ancient manuscripts, many of which are reproduced in the paintings in the book. She takes the long view of the nativity story, telling us of the Holy Family's origins as well as what happens after Jesus's birth. Those more familiar with Western Christianity may find some aspects of the story are related differently, but there are many similarities here as well. And the artwork -- it's soulful and stirring, full of the details and colors that make Ethiopian art distinct from other religious iconography.

This is a long title and one that will be best shared with older children. I can see older adoptees in particular finding a conection with this title, both through the stories Laird tells and through the art that is included. Adoptive families may consider tracking down a copy (it's out of print, sadly, but you can find used copies through some sources) and making it part of their annual Christmas tradition. It's a wonderful bridge between cultures that honors all parts of the Christmas story.

The Road to Bethlehem: An Ethiopian Nativity by Elizabeth Laird, published by Henry Holt
Ages 6-12, or read to the whole family
Source: Library
Sample: "Mary grew to be full of grace. She was of medium height, with a face the color of ripe wheat. Her eyes were brown and bright, and her eyebrows black and arched. Her face was oval and her nose was long. She spoke clearly and fearlessly, and was seldon angry. She was simple, and humble, she wore plain, homespun clothes, and she listened to people when they talked to her."
Recommended