Picture Books To Encourage GOOD CHARACTER In Muslim Children

The books we read to our children affect them. The words and the images linger in their minds, especially before they fall asleep. The stories resonate in their hearts and  can leave a lasting impression. Such books have the power to teach a child life-long lessons, in particular, good character.

Below are a list of some of my family’s favourite picture books that encourage upright character and good morals. 

These books do NOT contain the stories of the Prophets (pbut) but are works of fiction. Truly the best of characters was that of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and the other Prophets of Allah (pbut), and to them we should look for the best example. A list of my favourite Islamic children's books will be published soon insh'Allah.  

This is NOT a sponsored post. These are genuine recommendations and are books that I read to my own children.

Whilst all the books listed are suitable for any child, those marked with a (M) are specifically targeted at Muslim children.

Montmorency’s Book Of Rhymes by T.J. Winter (M)

T.J. Winter (Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad) has written this charming collection of rhymes. With it's fantastic characters and beautiful illustrations, rich language, and subtle moral undertones, it is a timeless classic that should be a part of every Muslim child's collection.

‘The Masjid Mouse he has a house

Inside a minaret,

Because his roof is high and dry

Above the rainclouds of the sky,

His home is never wet.’

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Williams and Mohammed

A heart-warming story of two girls and their friendship in a refugee camp in Pakistan. 

‘In the morning Lina went to do the washing, wearing beautiful sandal. She picked her way to the stream, careful to keep her sandal out of the filth. Her old shoes has been ruined on the many miles of walking from Afghanistan to Peshawar, the refugee camp in Pakistan. She had carried her brother, Najiib, no bigger than a water jug then, but just as heavy.’

The Librarian Of Basra by Jeanette Winter

Based on a real story, this is the tale of a librarian's struggle to protect the city's books during the war in Iraq. One cannot help but be moved by her love of knowledge and literature.

‘All through the night, Alia, Anis, his brothers, and shopkeepers and neighbours take the books from the library shelves, pass them over the seven-foot wall, and hide them in Anis’s restaurant.’

Wangari’s Trees Of Peace by Jeanette Winter

Based on a real story, a woman's fight to save the trees of Kenya, and restore the natural order in her homeland.

‘…Wangari returns to her Kenya home and sees a change. What has happened? She wonders. Where are the trees?’

The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson

A fun and silly book, for those fun and silly moments! George wishes he wasn't the scruffiest giant in town, so he buys himself a new outfit..a new outfit that will help a lot of other animals in ways you wouldn't expect!

‘As he hopped, he sang to himself,

“My tie is a scarf for a cold giraffe,

My shirt’s on a boat as a sail for a goat,

My shoes is a house for a little white mouse,

But look me up and down –

I’m the smartest giant in town.”’

Hilmy The Hippo Series by Rae Norridge (M)

This series follows Hilmy the hippo as goes on adventures, learning from his mistakes a he goes.

‘“Hilmy,” said the large hippo. “There has been no rain for a very long time. Our waterhole has dried up. You must be kind to us and allow us to share this beautiful waterhole.”’ (Hilmy Learns To Share)

The Perfect Gift by J. Samia Mair (M)

A story about appreciating nature and living in submission to Allah.

‘Sarah thought that the woods had never looked more beautiful. Sarah took her special path to the right that only she knew about. The path led to a stream that meandered silently through the woods.’

Thank You O Allah! By Ayesha bint Mahmood (M)

This book is aimed at children under 6. It encourages gratitude to Allah for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

‘So dear younger Muslims,

Indeed we must say,

“Thank you O Allah!”

Each night and each day.

For beautiful blessings,

That Allah does give,

Let’s keep thanking Him

As long as we live!’

What books would you add to this list? I would love to know. Please leave me your recommendations in the comments below.

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