Review by Booklist Review
Little Zain may be small in stature, but he has an oversize imagination and heaps of energy. In his mind, he is a cape-wearing superhero, impatient to save the world, so he is in for a lesson in patience when, one Friday, he must wait and complete an important ritual before his dad will indulge his games. Jumu'ah prayers are a revered practice among observant Muslims. At the mosque, men and boys come together to pray and hear the wisdom of the Imam who leads it. Readers are invited along as Zain and his father perform the preparatory rituals and join the others for what can be, to a youngster, an inordinately long time. All the while, Zain's imagination leaps around, and he learns to resist acting on his impulses and to follow along. Colorful illustrations mirror the plot and provide culturally specific visual details. A sweet affirmation of an enthusiastic kid's effort to learn patience while immersed in an important religious practice.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
On Friday morning, young Zain begins the day "ready to save the world" from aliens invading the kitchen, but his father says that they're heading to jumu'ah prayers. Cloaked in a red superhero cape, Zain goes with his father to the mosque, stopping to suggest he use his "ultra speed" to see if aliens are hiding at the playground. His father says they must make wudu before prayer, and they arrive in time to perform the cleansing practice. Next, they listen to the khutbah, and when Zain goes to the front of the room, the child helps to lead prayer alongside the imam, before a surprise from Zain's father results in an afternoon of play. Khan weaves Zain's interests throughout, as when "heat powers" help him to dry his feet after wudu and a "super jump" helps him reach the mosque donation box. Riaz's saturated digital illustrations likewise incorporate superpower-related emanata in a title that celebrates the bonds between a father and son, the power of imagination, and the strength of faith and tradition. Ages 5--8. (Oct.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--When Zain wakes up on Friday morning ready to use his superpowers to capture alien invaders, he is disappointed that his dad keeps postponing his fun. Zain's father reminds him that it is Jumu'ah (Friday), which is a special day for those who practice Islam. As they head to the mosque to attend prayers, Zain brings his superhero cape with him. The father and son demonstrate to readers the elements of attending the prayer service, such as "mudu" when they must "carefully wash their hands and other parts of their bodies." Zain does his best to behave during the service, but he never leaves his superpowers behind. Both father and son are dark-skinned with brown hair. Words and symbolism are used to identify their culture and create an authentic representation of the prayer service. The digitally rendered illustrations with bright blues and oranges also include "superhero" images and callout shapes that represent Zain's childhood interest and focus even while attending mosque. The author's note following the story provides clear and helpful information about this Muslim tradition that is introduced to children at a young age. VERDICT Combining childhood fascination with superpowers and cultural traditions, this is an accessible purchase for picture book shelves.--Danielle Schwessinger
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young Muslim boy goes to the mosque with his father. Zain wakes up ready to play at battling space aliens with his father. Disappointed that Dad must work, Zain busies himself with other adventures. When they head out for Friday prayers, Zain rushes to the playground, but his father gently guides him to the mosque. They perform wudu--the ritual washing up before prayers--and Zain's attention wavers again as they remove their shoes, enter the prayer hall, and settle in to listen to the imam's sermon. Zain is fidgety, and just as the congregation lines up for prayers, he makes a beeline for the front. The imam spots him and asks him to lead prayers with him. Zain prays with the imam, reining in his distractions, and his proud father treats him to a special reward after. Featuring a playful father-son dynamic, this tale explores Islamic rituals and traditions on the holiest day of the Muslim week, when Muslims gather for jumu'ah prayers. Though Zain may be antsy, his patient father and the imam foster a warm community spirit--it's clear everyone is welcome here. Cartoon illustrations propel a fun and lively story that captures the spirited young boy's energy. Zain and his dad are brown-skinned; their mosque is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A lovely tale of father-son bonding set against the backdrop of jumu'ah prayers at the mosque. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
