REVIEW: IT’S WORLD HIJAB DAY!

​Today’s holiday is for honoring Muslim women who wear the hijab. Today’s picture book recommendation is told from the point of view of a child who celebrates the ways her family members wear their hijabs in public, as well as the ways they express themselves in private in:

​TITLE: UNDER MY HIJAB
AUTHOR: Hena Khan
ILLUSTRATOR: Aaliya Jaleel
PUBLISHER: Lee & Low Books/2019
OPENING LINES: 
 
Grandma peeks into the oven as a brown loaf of bread starts to rise. 
Her hijab is carefully folded like the crusts on my favorite pies.
 
When she’s at home in her kitchen, Grandma fixes her hair in a bun. 
We mix up some chocolate cookies and share a sweet treat when they’re done.

In this rhyming picture book, a young girl observes the way six females in her family wear their hijabs in public, as well as the ways they express themselves in private without hijabs. Hena Khan’s lyrical text (and supporting back matter), combined with Aaliya Jaleel’as expressive illustrations, result in a great read-aloud which has potential to be both a mirror to Muslim children and a window to non-Muslim children who may unfamiliar with the custom of wearing the hijab. A great addition to your bookshelf!
 
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