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"Mommy's Khimar"

By Jamilah Thomkins-Bigelow                Illustrations by Ebony Glenn   
Image Source: Amazon
        
        When looking through the pages in "Mommy's Khimar", they are filled with wonderfully warm and vibrant images that include patterns and texture throughout to mimic all of the colorful and unique khimars, or hijabs, that Mommy has. The illustrations help enhance the playfulness of the girl as she uses her imagination while wearing Mommy's khimar. Throughout the spreads the color tones are warm and inviting while she goes through her day and we meet the diverse people in her community. Even in the pages that are a darker blue to represent night time are a warm blue that does not give the feeling of fear or discomfort.
        The words in the text also help support this welcoming community. When we meet Mom-Mom, the girl's grandmother, she is not wearing a khimar and goes to a Sunday service, while the girl and her family go to a mosque. The warmth and emotion on this page is beautifully juxtaposed with the text, "We are a family and we love each other just the same". The conversation is lively and credible as the author, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, is a Black muslim woman and can draw on her own experiences. 
        I think that this is an incredibly important book to share with children because it helps educate children about khimars and hijabs. It also is a great way to introduce muslim girls to the idea of wearing one themselves. This book is also a beautiful example of a diverse community or people and religions accepting and welcoming each other. This is another great picture book that was professionally reviewed by Kirkus Reviews that I would absolutely add to my personal collection.


Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah. Mommy's Khimar. Salaam Reads, 2018. 32 pages. Tr. $17.99, ISBN 9781534400597.
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