In My Mosque

A big-hearted global celebration of mosques and the diverse worshippers that they welcome every day!

My mosque feels safe like home.
In my mosque, we pray for peace, love and joy.
You are welcome in my mosque.

WINNER! English Association English 4-11 Picture Book Awards, Non-fiction 4-7 Category!

Do you go regularly to a mosque? Or perhaps you’ve never been inside one? This joyful book invites everyone – worshippers and newcomers alike – to step inside and meet warm, welcoming mosque communities all across the world. Join young Muslim children, their families and friends, as they learn, pray, eat, help others … and play!

Joyful illustrations from award-winning illustrator Hatem Aly (The Proudest Blue) bring to life this simple and heartfelt introduction to life inside the mosque!

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2021

‘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

‘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

‘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

Author Biography

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.