📚 The Prince of Stars 📚
Author: M.O. Yuksel
Illustrator: Zelma Firdauzia
Publisher: @harperkids
Age: 4-8
Islamic Content: Ulugh Beg’s Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons – ‘Seeking knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and woman.’
Concerns: None
Review:
The moment you crack open a book, and the words have the ability to carry you into a world of wonder and curiosity, be thrown into another dimension without making you feel foreign, you know you are holding a spectacular piece of literature in your hands.
Every time I read M.O. Yuksel’s work, I am pleasantly perplexed at how skillfully she is able to bring such incredible non-fiction gems and turn them into a masterpiece to allure the eyes, mind and heart of the readers. Furthermore, how Yuksel is able to weave Islamic information so naturally and perfectly into the story is just beautiful.
This book is a biography of a Muslim astronomer in Samarkand, Ulugh Beg. Curiosity is what drove him to ask endless questions, and persistent in his work, he made numerous scientific discoveries. I just love that with every passing year we have more uncommonly known Muslim contributors and scientists from the past come to light. The illustrations are able to give us a glimpse of the cultural background of Ulugh Beg in that time.
The story includes a translation of the hadith above about seeking knowledge. it also clarifies the definition and distinction between astronomy and astrology.
The inside cover includes a map of the Timurid Empire 1370-1507. The back matter includes a more detailed biography, glossary, timeline of Ulugh Beg’ legacy and bibliography. This is a book that needs to be in every Muslim library.
#gifted
Muslim Kids Book Nook 