A Whale of a Wish!

Let me just start by saying that I'm an English teacher and run a playgroup so I'm always so weary about Muslim children's books. Namely because they're really not child friendly at all...too much writing, too many difficult words and boring pictures. I have lost count of the amount of times I've bought books for my 4 year old and had to store them away for when he's older. I also struggle to find books I can read at the Muslim playgroup because, well....like I said, everything out there is either not childish at all or just plain boring. This one is different. The rhyming couplets are smart and catchy. The pictures are vibrant and engaging. The way the story is told is unique and simple at the same time. I would read this to members of the playgroup who range from ages 2-6 and I can assure you that none of them will lose interest or get lost in all the words. I can't wait to discover more books from this author who I happened to stumble upon by accident. Finally a Muslim children's book that is on the same level as the secular children's picture book industry. There are so few out there so this one is a keeper! I would just suggest that any future books by the author are a bit bigger. This one is ever so slightly smaller than A4 size which is great and very common for kids' books, but I guess it's just my personal taste, I like my kiddie books nice and huge haha. If you buy this you won't be disappointed and most importantly neither will your child. A great way to introduce a story from the Quran to little ones.

This is a very well written book with cute rhymes. My 7 and 4 year olds both love it!

Such a cute book! Every Muslim kid’s bookshelf should have a copy of this book. I’ve bought multiple ones as gifts and everyone has loved it so far! Would definitely recommend.

Really like this book! Would def recommend

This book has a lot of potential. it's clever rhyming prose reminds me of other authors such as Julia Donaldson. It's a simple short story about the story of Prophet Yunus but told from the whale's perspective. However in keeping the story short we have no back story. Why the Prophet was kept in the whale and why he was praying for forgiveness for many days and many nights. Without back story children begin to wonder why Allah was punishing the Prophet.

Cute story but would have loved a blurb about Prophet Yunus as well.

I like the approach taken with this book.

Book review: A Whale Of A Wish, by Razana Noor. A very unique interpretation of the famous story of Prophet Yunus (pbuh) by Razana Noor, retold in traditional rhyme-form and refrains from the often over-looked whale. This famous Abrahamic story aptly entitled 'A Whale Of A Wish', is well known in the three major faiths (story of Jonas) but interestingly, a first of how the story unfolded from the view of the very big whale. The story depicts the journey of the Whale who goes on a quest to help others in order to please God - a clear message to all. In his journey, he encounters many sea creatures finally feeling the call to save the special messenger Prophet Yunus (pbuh) by swallowing him up for a set period of time. The fantastic illustrations by the famous Rahima Begum, brings the story alive and keeps children captivated. Some of the language used needs to be broken down for the younger ones; here, a glossary would have been highly useful. However, the great art-work speaks volumes, crossing all language-barriers. The sing-song rhythm and references to Allah, are markers for discussion points with readers and could be effective in school assemblies as well as part of the school curriculum. The whale is usually depicted as a mysterious, dark and fearsome character; however, Razana Noor cleverly conveys the whale also has feelings and emotions. This is pivotal in this interpretation, creating empathy with readers and adults alike. The visual representation of the Prophet as a symbolic shining light, opens up important questions as to why Islam does not draw images of their special people. The only critique to be commented upon is the ending was quite abrupt and left a feeling of wanting more. However, that can only be a good thing, as the story was interesting enough for children to hear or read more. The story could have really delved into a rich adventure, reinforcing patience, forgiveness and the special prayer that is associated with this famous Qur'anic recount: “There is no God but You, Glorified be You! Truly, I have been of the wrongdoers.” The italicised words in the poetic narrative, generally assumed for emphasis, was over-used and purpose slightly confusing. A glossary or more simplistic vocabulary would have been very useful so children as young as three are able to access the book. All in all, a highly recommended book to add to any household or classroom, giving room to discuss our purpose in doing good only for the Sake of God; benefits of being kind and compassionate. The rich illustrations from the famous Rahima Begum combined with the unique angle of the book, really makes it a must-have. To quote a 7 year old reader, "I like that it is different, and about the whale. The whale is funny when it vomits, it doesn't do that in the original story. I especially love the pictures and like that it rhymes." NR