Colours of Islam. Dawud Wharnsby. Illustrated by Shireen Adams. Markfield, UK: The Islamic Foundation (Distributed by Kube Publishing, www.kubepublishing.com), 2013. 35 pp. [Includes a CD], hardcover, $22.95 (US). ISBN 978-0-86037-591-3. Grades 1-3 / Ages 6-8. Review by Inderjit Deogun. *** /4

Colours of Islam, by Dawud Wharnsby, is the follow-up to his book of poetry A Picnic of Poems: In Allah’s Green Gardens. Like A Picnic of Poems, this new collection of nine songs tackles a range of topics from acceptance to understanding to unity.

Crying himself to sleep, with no hope left for dreaming. Begging in the burning sun, holding out her hand. Palms held tightly on his ears to muffle all the screaming. Sitting where her house once stood, trying hard to understand.

     With each of his songs, Wharnsby sets out to illustrate the universal messages that make up the Islamic faith, such as diversity and love, and he imparts these messages with striking honesty. Though the issues Wharnsby gives voice to can be overwhelming at times, he brings balance to the book by not only incorporating rhyme but also interspersing lighter songs.

Allah made us all a different shade and colour. Nations and tribes recognise one another. ‘Cause every single person is your sister and brother. So many different colours of Islam.

     Shireen Adams’ vibrant illustrations beautifully echo the story of each song. “We’ve Scanned the Sky (The Ramadan Song)” is the perfect example because it places the song in a time and place that is familiar to readers - an urban landscape at night. Colours of Islam is yet another educational read by Wharnsby that is sure to educate all young readers on the principles of Islam.

Recommended.

Inderjit Deogun is a communications professional in Toronto, ON.

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