The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Franklin (review)

Going to the masjid is an experience of pure joy for Kamal, “A bubble-up joy causing wiggles and giggles, a percolating pride from sole to soul.” After excitedly greeting friends and family, Kamal heads into the masjid, where he and others prepare to spend their time in prayer, guided by the imam and reveling in their jubilant sense of community. Echoing the familiar structure of “This is the House That Jack Built,” the third-person narrative introduces each new element of Kamal’s experience by building on the previous, and the ultimate result is a buoyant, rhythmic celebration of the place, people, and religion that create an atmosphere of warmth and support for Kamal. While the digital illustrations are mostly flat and static, multiple visual stories unfold throughout the book, highlighting the theme of community as readers see Kamal’s young friends getting into some mischief, parents corralling youngsters, and happy families chatting and hugging. An author’s note provides further information on the masjid’s role in the Muslim community and the five pillars of Islam. This has multiple uses for inclusive storytimes or discussions of religious traditions, and it offers both a chance for young Muslims to feel seen and respected and an accessible entry point for others to learn more about the religion.