Salat in Secret

PreS-Gr 3--Muhammad is Muslim, and on his seventh birthday he receives a rug to use when he performs salat, or praying. Salat follows a prescribed sequence of movements and occurs five times every day within stipulated time periods. One of the times for praying comes during the school day, and Muhammad is concerned about finding a secluded place in which to perform his prayers. He has watched his father worship alongside his ice cream truck and be laughed at by those who see him, and this makes the boy afraid to ask his teacher about a spot for him in which to pray. "Would Mrs. Baker think salat is funny?" Something happens one evening when he observes his father praying that results in the boy plucking up the courage to talk with his teacher. Cheerful illustrations in spreads and smaller vignettes show a multicultural town and school, as well as Muhammad's brown-skinned family, which includes his father, his mother in a hijab, and young siblings. VERDICT For anyone who has ever felt a little inhibited by a family or cultural ritual, this title will be welcome and even cherished; it will also inform some readers about Islam and explain a bit more about the practice of prayer.--Maryann H. Owen

On Muhammad's birthday, his father gives him a special gift: it's the Black Muslim boy's first prayer rug, one that features "fuzzy patterns and gold stitching" and a "too-sweet incense smell" that tickles his nose. With great joy, Daddy offers the gift, saying, "You're seven now... Old enough to pray five times a day!" Simple text from Thompkins-Bigelow (Hold Them Close) details Muhammad observing salat--the Islamic prayer that occurs five times daily--that evening. But memories of his father being laughed at for praying in public cause Muhammad to worry about where he'll pray at school, and the next day, he can't quite bring himself to ask his teacher for assistance. That evening, Muhammad and his dad go for a drive in the family ice cream truck, and as the sun sets, his father steps out to pray on the sidewalk. Muhammad watches as his father continues praying, despite the interruptions of passersby. His father's devotion inspires Muhammad to join him, and the next day, Muhammad asks his teacher to help him find a place to pray. Digital patterened art and vibrant backdrops by Aly (The Proudest Blue) depict the tale's ample emotions in this sincerely wrought celebration of family and faith. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Essie White, Storm Literary. Illustrator's agent: Alex Gehringer, Bright Agency. (June)