Title: A Cup of Mint Tea: Short Stories to Warm the Heart (3 volumes)
Author: Iman al-Qaisi
Pages: each volume is roughly 80-100 pages
Availability:
- Volume 1 is available from Amazon
- All English and Arabic books are available from Noorart
- www.zaydpublications.com
The author, an Iraq-American, holds a B.A. in Islamic Law, possesses ijaza (license) in Quran, has taught for 27 years in Islamic schools, and served as a director for a Quran school.
She wrote the series of motivational short stories for ages 10-18 on the pattern of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
This is what I like about them:
- Short, simple, and easy to read
- Touches a lot of topics to keep things interesting
- Stories are mostly from Muslim tradition; but do not be surprised to read stories from Germany and Kansas!
- Stories based on hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or Islamic tradition are referenced
- Uses prophets as reference for moral lessons
- They come in an Arabic version as well for those interested in learning the Arabic language or supplementing the English books with the Arabic ones
- 50% of the book proceeds will go to benefit Syrian orphans through Islamic Relief USA
How can the books be used?
- Youth halaqas
- Weekend Islamic schools
- Quran programs
- Bedtime stories to tell children
I will like to see tashkeel (dialectical marks) on the Arabic books in the next edition for easy reading and utility for both Arabic and non-Arabic speakers.
Also, those opposed to hand drawings of animate objects will find a few animal pictures within the artwork.
Lastly, while the stories will be enjoyable to a younger audience, some of the lessons drawn can be more suited to older teens. You can easily skip what you like to fit your audience.
I was genuinely pleased by the set of books and welcome the wonderful addition to the Islamic library. May Allah reward sister al-Qaisi for her efforts.
