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6 Children's Book With Hijab Representation
Times have changed. The days when children would sit quietly, flipping through the pages of picture books for education are behind us. Technology and gadgets have significantly transformed our children's daily lives. As Muslims, we care deeply about how our children are influenced by the world around them. That’s why it’s so important to have authentic representation that reflects our values and experiences, not just for us, but to help others better understand our community.
No matter your family's background or traditions, it's essential for our children—especially young girls—to understand and take pride in their identity. Representation in books plays a key role in helping them embrace who they are, making their cultural or religious practices feel like a natural, celebrated part of life, rather than something distant or isolating.
At VELA, we celebrate the significance of the hijab and encourage every Muslim girl to feel beautiful, valued, and confident in their identity, no matter your background, age or ethnicity. If you are a mother, aunt, sister, or part of the hijabi community seeking effective ways to educate young girls about the hijab, here are six children books that feature perfect hijab representations.
1. Leena Mo, CEO by Deena Shakir
Written by girl boss, Deena Shakir, this 40-page picture book is perfect for kids aged four to eight. It teaches important ideas about leadership, business, support, and dreaming big. The story follows Leena Mo, who loves to come up with new ideas and inventions. She eventually builds a robot named Helmy, which impresses her neighbors with its shoveling skills. Most importantly, Leena has a supportive mama in Iraq, who proudly wears a hijab and sends her encouraging texts like "MashaAllah and Habibty." This book is a wonderful gift to inspire young girls to dream big.
2. Hana’s HUndreds of Hijabs by Razeena Omar Gutta
How many is too many? Razeena Omar Gutta crafted a brilliant book about a girl with an abundance of hijabs, and there's no reason to feel ashamed of it! When Hana realizes she has too many collections of hijabs and accessories, she chooses to organize and share her treasures with her community. This is a delightful tale of a young girl who embraces her identity as both a hijabi and a fashionista. It's an entertaining and clever read for young girls.
3. Does Allah Know I’m Sad? by Heba Subeh-Hyder
A story that merges the struggle of navigating the meaning of life, sadness of losing the one you love, while adhering to the belief as a Muslim—seriously, what more could you ask for? Author Heba Subeh-Hyder invites young readers to learn that feeling sad doesn't mean Allah is against you. On the contrary, it shows that with trust in Allah's plan, some prayers, and the love of friends and family, you can get through the pain of losing someone special. This book contains a lot of Muslim representation from different backgrounds and ethnicities.
4. Under My Hijab by Hena Khan
As a young girl who observes the women in her life covering her hair in a different way, writer Hena Khan brought her experience to life with 'Under My Hijab'. A story of a girl that dreams of the possibilities in her own future and how she might express her personality through her hijab. With cheerful rhyming text by the author of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, and charming illustrations from a talented newcomer, Under My Hijab provides a friendly introduction to hijabs and celebrates the many Muslim women and girls who choose to wear them.
5. Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane
Writers Kelly Cunnane and Hoda Hadadi have elevated the conversation around the significance of modesty in Muslim culture. Their book eloquently portrays the desire to comprehend and embrace the Malafa, the veiled cloth worn by the young girl’s mother and older sister. Through her journey of understanding the reasons behind wearing it, she discovers that the garment symbolizes beauty, mystery, tradition, belonging, and faith.
6. Not Now, Noor! by Farhana Islam
A story that follows a young girl named Noor, who is curious about why the women in her life wear headscarves. Eager to learn, she tries to ask her busy family, but they don’t have time to help her. Just when Noor thinks about giving up, her mother comes home and has the perfect answer. This touching and humorous story by Farhana Islam celebrates Muslim women, inquisitive kids, and the love of family.
- Tags: children devoted hijabi education hijab hijab representation hijabi inclusive sizing Muslim Women parenting perspective of Muslim Women
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