Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by  Hena Khan (coauthor of Mars!, book 2 in the fantastic Worst-Case Scenario: Ultimate Adventure Series) with gorgeous illustrations by Mehrdokht Amini is a standout book for so many reasons. The first an most obvious one is that, as the subtitle tells us, this is a "Muslim Book of Colors." I know that there are picture books with Muslim themes, settings and characters out there. I have ordered them in at the bookstore where I work for the small religious community that exists in our town. These books are not part of our everyday stock because they do not sell well enough. Or, maybe they do not sell well enough because they are not part of our standard stock. Either way, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is going to become part of our stock. Khan's simple but melodic rhymes are perfectly paired with Amini's gorgeous illustrations that are a collage mixture of textures and patterns, all influenced by classical elements of Islamic art. While I have no doubt this book will be embraced by Muslims, I can easily imagine this book being read in classrooms and libraries all over the country to entranced audiences.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns begins, "Red is the rug Dad kneels on to pray, facing toward Mecca five times a day," and goes on - 

Blue is the hijab Mom likes to wear. It's a scarf she uses to cover her hair.

White is a kufi, round and flat. Grandpa wears this traditional hat.

Orange is the color of my henna designs. They cover my hands in leafy vines.

Silver is the fanoos, a twinkling light, a shiny lantern that glows at night.

The story ends with the narrator and her family and the words, "All of the colorful things we've seen make up the world of my faith, my deen."

The final page of the book is a wonderful glossary that gives more explanation to the words, customs and Islamic items that appear in Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns.

Source: Review Copy