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Zain's Super Friday

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Zain's Super Friday

Hardcover

$19.95

Hardcover
$19.95

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Overview

Join Zain and his dad on a special visit to their local mosque to attend jumu'ah prayers in this heartwarming picture book from the author of Under My Hijab.

Early Friday morning, Zain leaps out of bed ready to save the world from alien invaders! But his dad has other plans for Zain on this special day of the week. Dad takes Zain to the mosque and guides him through his first jumu'ah prayers. But Zain's quest for a superhero adventure leads to supersize distractions. Can Zain rein in his powerful impulses and appreciate this special experience with his dad and community?

With spirited text by award-winning author Hena Khan and dynamic illustrations by artist Nez Riaz, Zain's Super Friday is a celebration of Muslim traditions, imagination, and the joy of community.

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About the Author

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781643794242
Publisher:	Lee & Low Books
Publication date:	10/10/2023
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	672,827
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Hena Khan is the author of many award-winning children's books, including Under My Hijab, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Amina's Voice, and the Zara's Rules series. She lives near Washington, DC, with her family. Please visit her online at henakhan.com and follow her at @henakhanbooks.

Nez Riaz is a Pakistani/Palestinian artist based in Virginia. She is the illustrator of the picture book memoir My Name Is Bana by Bana Alabed and enjoys storytelling, pineapple pizza, and monkeys. You can visit her online at nezriaz.com.

From the B&N Reads Blog

Page 1 of

Editorial Reviews

10/09/2023
On Friday morning, young Zain begins the day “ready to save the world” from aliens invading the kitchen, but his father says that they’re heading to jumu’ah prayers. Cloaked in a red superhero cape, Zain goes with his father to the mosque, stopping to suggest he use his “ultra speed” to see if aliens are hiding at the playground. His father says they must make wudu before prayer, and they arrive in time to perform the cleansing practice. Next, they listen to the khutbah, and when Zain goes to the front of the room, the child helps to lead prayer alongside the imam, before a surprise from Zain’s father results in an afternoon of play. Khan weaves Zain’s interests throughout, as when “heat powers” help him to dry his feet after wudu and a “super jump” helps him reach the mosque donation box. Riaz’s saturated digital illustrations likewise incorporate superpower-related emanata in a title that celebrates the bonds between a father and son, the power of imagination, and the strength of faith and tradition. Ages 5–8. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"A sweet affirmation of an enthusiastic kid's effort to learn patience while immersed in an important religious practice." — Booklist

"A title that celebrates the bonds between a father and son, the power of imagination, and the strength of faith and tradition." — Publishers Weekly

"Combining childhood fascination with superpowers and cultural traditions, this is an accessible purchase for picture book shelves." — School Library Journal

"Though Zain may be antsy, his patient father and the imam foster a warm community spirit—it's clear everyone is welcome here. Cartoon illustrations propel a fun and lively story that captures the spirited young boy's energy...A lovely tale of father-son bonding set against the backdrop of jumu'ah prayers at the mosque." — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

09/01/2023
Gr 1–3—When Zain wakes up on Friday morning ready to use his superpowers to capture alien invaders, he is disappointed that his dad keeps postponing his fun. Zain's father reminds him that it is Jumu'ah (Friday), which is a special day for those who practice Islam. As they head to the mosque to attend prayers, Zain brings his superhero cape with him. The father and son demonstrate to readers the elements of attending the prayer service, such as "mudu" when they must "carefully wash their hands and other parts of their bodies." Zain does his best to behave during the service, but he never leaves his superpowers behind. Both father and son are dark-skinned with brown hair. Words and symbolism are used to identify their culture and create an authentic representation of the prayer service. The digitally rendered illustrations with bright blues and oranges also include "superhero" images and callout shapes that represent Zain's childhood interest and focus even while attending mosque. The author's note following the story provides clear and helpful information about this Muslim tradition that is introduced to children at a young age. VERDICT Combining childhood fascination with superpowers and cultural traditions, this is an accessible purchase for picture book shelves.—Danielle Schwessinger

School Library Journal

2023-07-26
A young Muslim boy goes to the mosque with his father.
Zain wakes up ready to play at battling space aliens with his father. Disappointed that Dad must work, Zain busies himself with other adventures. When they head out for Friday prayers, Zain rushes to the playground, but his father gently guides him to the mosque. They perform wudu—the ritual washing up before prayers—and Zain’s attention wavers again as they remove their shoes, enter the prayer hall, and settle in to listen to the imam’s sermon. Zain is fidgety, and just as the congregation lines up for prayers, he makes a beeline for the front. The imam spots him and asks him to lead prayers with him. Zain prays with the imam, reining in his distractions, and his proud father treats him to a special reward after. Featuring a playful father-son dynamic, this tale explores Islamic rituals and traditions on the holiest day of the Muslim week, when Muslims gather for jumu’ah prayers. Though Zain may be antsy, his patient father and the imam foster a warm community spirit—it’s clear everyone is welcome here. Cartoon illustrations propel a fun and lively story that captures the spirited young boy’s energy. Zain and his dad are brown-skinned; their mosque is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A lovely tale of father-son bonding set against the backdrop of jumu’ah prayers at the mosque. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

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