One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers

K-Gr 3–A young boy shares the rituals, customs, and blessings of his extended Muslim family as he introduces the daily observances of Islamic faith. Starting with the number one, represented by the morning sun, the day begins with the call for prayer. From there, each page features the next chronological number and attaches a significant religious custom associated with it. Rather than focusing on abstract religious theory, the author intentionally features the tangible elements of Islam the family encounters. This results in relatable content that works well as the structure for a counting book. The colorful illustrations capture the architecture, ceramics, calligraphy, and textiles of traditional Islamic art. They also do a remarkable job of depicting the blending of the past to the present. For example, the ten pairs of shoes pictured on the family’s carpet during salal (formal worship) range from ornately embroidered adult slippers to a pair of toddler’s sneakers. The illustrations also address the diversity found in Muslim culture by portraying various races, clothing styles, and food choices. The book’s back matter features a helpful glossary and author’s note.