In preparation for an author interview with Sana Rafi, both Noureen and Amna read and reviewed Little Seeds of Promise. The following are their takes on this lovely picture book.
Review: Little Seeds of Promise
Rafi, Sana. Little Seeds of Promise. Illus. by Renia Metallinou. 2021. 48p. The Innovation Press, $15.99. (ISBN 9781943147939). Grades K-3
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Amna’s Review
In this memorable and beautifully illustrated title by Sana Rafi, we see how Maya, the main character adjusts to life as an immigrant. The transition to a new country and the challenges of meeting people, is illustrated by her constant awareness that she is now ‘here,’ as opposed to ‘there,’ where she had a strong sense of security. She misses her grandmother, Nani, and the feeling of being connected, loved and safe. Her Nani gives her seeds before she leaves, and tells her to “bloom where you are planted,” which is something very unusual to Maya, who feels that her new ground in ‘here’ is as cold and unfriendly as the people in her school.
Although never specifically stated, she seems to be Muslim as there are mentions of the call to prayer, the Adhaan, the greeting of Salaam, and praying in the flowers. She also seems to have moved to a multiracial and multiethnic country as seen in the diversity of the other children in her class that have different shades of hair and skin.
The illustrations are especially stunning and the colour palette of blues and pinks rotating between each page really help to tie all the elements of the story together. The contrast between the two countries is even more evident in the vibrant colours shown in Maya’s home country as opposed to the greys and blacks in Maya’s new home. Even Maya’s wardrobe, once so colourful, is now just a sea of gray and blue. We relate even more with Maya as she fondly remembers her grandmother’s wise words of letting herself stretch, grow, and accept some kindness. The message, of learning to accept oneself and accepting others, is an important one and is well explained in this story. It may work best for ages 4-8, as a shared story or even as a read-aloud.
Noureen’s Review
New immigrant Maya, struggles to adapt to a new place and make new friends at school in this sweet intergenerational and universally relatable story. Simple, yet powerful text, and beautiful illustrations have readers empathize with Maya’s sadness from the very first page. The world around her feels cold, unfriendly, and lonely. At the heart of the story is the bond between Maya and her Nani (maternal grandmother). When Maya left her country of origin, her grandma gave her special seeds, and advice to “bloom where you are planted.” The seeds are analogous for new life, growth, and embracing change. Ultimately, they remind Maya that with warmth, care, and patience, new life will sprout even from hard and stubborn soil. The memories of her Nani helps her stay patient and let go of what is holding her back from blooming in her own way.
The seed analogy is possibly an overreach for very young readers (the targeted age is listed as 3-7) and may be better understood conceptually with elementary students or require an adult to more fully explain how successfully planting seeds in hard soil is analogous to coming out one’s comfort zone and opening up to new experiences.
The book is rich with cultural and religious references, such as waking up to the adhan (call to prayer), people greeting each other by saying “As-salaam-Alaikum,” praying among flowers, playing in the monsoon rain, and the inclusion of a night watchman.
This reference brought back fond memories from my own childhood, when the night watchman on our street would call out with an assuring voice, “Jagtaay Raho” (stay alert), and we could sleep peacefully knowing he would stand sentry through the night. These cultural references offer the opportunity for readers, particularly South Asian readers of the current generation, to learn and connect with parents and grandparents about these cultural references, some evergreen and others, like night watchmen that are relics of the past.
Another tie, both universal and culturally specific, are the memories of grandparents. Maya’s sweet Nani, with “a thousand wrinkles on her face” always smells like jasmine flowers. The jasmine is the national flower of Pakistan, and many households have a jasmine plant. Often worn as an adornment by married women in older generations and special occasions, like weddings, it so naturally fits in with the depiction of Maya’s grandmother and the nostalgia of the story’s setting.
The illustrations are intricate and detailed, further enriching the story, and patterns on the clothing, colors, and jewelry are a beautiful representation of elements commonly seen across South Asia. Additionally, the depiction of Maya without hijab is refreshing. Despite hijab being a religious marker that is most associated with adult women and Muslim girls that are post-pubescent, it is often shown in children’s literature on pre-pubescent girls as a way to emphasize the ethnicity, religion, or develop the story line when it is not always in a religious setting or age appropriate.
Verdict: Filled with hope and tenderness, this book will resonate with immigrant children and children facing transitions of any kind, and create opportunities for connection and empathy. It gently encourages and ensures readers that adjustments and acclimation to new environments comes with time, patience, and loving support.
Listen, Layla
Gr 8 Up–Layla, a 14-year-old Sudanese Australian, has just finished Year 8 of school and has exciting summer plans, primarily preparing for an international design competition and working toward becoming a world-class inventor. Those plans are abruptly upended, however, when her grandmother becomes ill and her family must travel to Sudan. Afraid to lose her spot on the school’s championship design team, Layla secretly attempts to balance family and team obligations, all the while reconciling the Sudan of her imagination with its realities and questions about her own identity: Is she Sudanese or Australian? Can she be both? When the Sudanese people take to the streets demanding change, Layla is determined not to be left behind, even if it goes against her parents’ wishes. She learns that she must draw strength from the regal legacy of her ancestors and listen to the impulses of her heart and the wisdom of her elders. Arabic phrases, Islamic references, and Australian slang contribute to the authenticity of the well-paced narrative. Shining a light on Sudan’s oft-forgotten history and the current challenges facing the nation, this novel will resonate with those working to make sense of multiple identities. Dialogue about gender roles between Layla and her grandmother, as well with friends and family, offers fodder for discussions about gendered expectations for women across the world. A glossary of Arabic terms helps to make the work accessible.
Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero
Nadiya Hussain, the 2015 winner of BBC’s The Great British Bake Off, has been captivating fans everywhere with her charisma and creative recipes especially in her shows, 
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This review was originally published in 
Gr 2–4—It’s Friday, Musa’s favorite day of the week—the day his family, including his mother, father, siblings, and grandfather walk together to attend Jummah prayer service at a local masjid and have a special meal together afterward. After weeks of waiting and enduring some food mishaps, it’s finally Musa’s turn to choose the family’s post-Jummah treat.
He knows exactly what he wants: halal hot dogs from a stand near the masjid, topped with Salam sauce, of course.