M. O. Yuksel has attend many mosques around the world, from Turkey to Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan to Malaysia, Canada, and the United States, and is passionate about sharing the unique architecture and personality of each, as well as the feeling of serenity, peace and hospitality that is common to them all. She lives in New Jersey, USA, with her husband and three sons. Visit her online at www.moyuksel.com. Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator of the New York Times bestselling The Proudest Blue, written by Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad, and The Inquisitor's Tale, a Newbery Honor Book, as well as the bestselling Yasmin fiction series, written by Saadia Faruqi. As a child, he would imagine shapes forming on the mosque's carpet if he stared down long enough, which then swiftly disappeared and transformed into beautiful patterns when he looked up. In My Mosque is full of those same beautiful patterns. Hatem lives in New Brunswick, Canada with his wife, son, and more pets than people. Visit him online at www.metahatem.com.
'In My Mosque draws readers into the Muslim house of worship to show how it is so much more than a place to pray. Aly's illustrations echo the warmth of Yuksel's text, depicting loving, happy communities, rich in diversity of all sorts.' - Booklist 'This marvelous, welcoming book on mosques, Muslims, and Islam is a must.' - School Library Journal, Starred Review 'Debut author Yuksel writes a rich introduction to mosques, encompassing Muslim garb, ideals, and practices. Hatem's art offers a lush, multilayered appeal: golden world balloons with holy phrases; intricate, delicate-lined details; and inclusive scenes with people of varying abilities, ages, skin tones, and sizes. This personable, sensory love letter to a range of children's mosque experiences will engage new learners and resonate with those already familiar.' - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review 'Joyful characters describe what happens in simple, poetic language. [...] Aly's bright illustrations pair well with Yuksel's words, ending with a beautiful spread of children staring at readers, waving and extending their hands.' - Kirkus