A couple of months back I received an email from a very humble lady at Shade 7 publishing, asking if I would be interested in reviewing their children’s book here on my blog.
The moment I went through the mail I knew I wanted to do this. For two reasons, Reason #1, Both of our girls absolutely love being around with books. I say being around because they are too young to read everything on there own. They enjoy flipping the pages over and over again, staring at colourful pictures and may be reading a word or two.
Reason #2, Husband and I have been searching for good and simple Islamic books for our children for a long time now. We did buy a few books in India and carried them all the way to Doha, when we moved here. And this book seemed like a perfect addition for our stash.
About Shade 7:
Shade 7 is a global, multilingual publisher of premium Quranic pop up books and 3D digital interactive apps that help children learn about all religions but primarily Islam in a fun and engrossing way.
The company has partnered with READ, a charitable foundation, with a pledge to donate 25 books for every 1,000 copies sold, in order to make them accessible to children in all circumstances; we believe that education should not be a privilege, it is a necessity.
Currently, Shade 7 have an ambitious publishing schedule of 30 titles including 3D digital app versions of each of our publications coming soon.
About The Story of the Elephant:
The Story of the Elephant, is the first Quranic pop-up book by Shade 7 publications, which tells the much loved story of Surah Al-Feel from chapter 105 of the Holy Quran.
So this book narrates the incident as described in one of the most beautiful verses in the Holy Quran. It’s basically a story that talks about Allah, the Almighty’s immense strength.
It’s undeniable that the pictures that keep popping up from the book make everything so real and simple for little children to understand. We as parents, try to read the story to our girls, one part at a time but may be since they aren’t big enough at the moment, they don’t understand a lot of it but they still enjoy the lively illustrations.
The Big Thing, has memorized the names of the people and places in it. And the Little Thing, who will be 2 next month, very quickly recognizes Kaaba (This is my favourite part).
Apart from many other beautiful illustrations like the huge green bird, hands joined together in dua, the page with a huge elephant in chains is everyone’s favourite. The best part is that children get to pull the long card attached to the elephant and it moves up and down and children thus understand that the elephant is chained and can’t moved beyond that point.
At the end of the book, there is a little quiz for children, followed by all the answers. We haven’t taken up the quiz yet because I thought it’s too early for their age. Plus they haven’t memorized the whole story, to be able to take it up on their own.
Last but definitely not the least this lovely pop-up book comes with a huge envelope attached at the back with an antique letter seal. This envelope contains some cards of elephants and a huge print out of map of the place where this story is based. I have saved this, for both the girls to grow up a little so they can both sit down together and do some fun activity.
What I like about the book, The Story of the Elephant:
- The huge size of the book, that catches your child’s attention instantly.
- Beautiful and lively illustrations that improves child’s imagination and creatively.
- Activities that come along with the book, especially the elephants on the card which are extremely travel-friendly. (You can remove them and pop into your diaper bag, throw in a few crayons and you are sorted for your next flight).
What I don’t like about the book, The Story of the Elephant:
I’m so glad that there isn’t a single thing that I don’t like about the book. (This doesn’t happen too often with me! Anyway :))
Do I recommend this book to other children?
Yes, I strongly recommend this book to all the parents who are keen on instilling Islamic foundations in their young children in a very fun yet interesting way. I’m sure your child will enjoy it as much as my children are.
Also I have to admit that I received this book approximately two months ago and my children still haven’t had enough of it. Every time I bring it out, I see their little faces light up with joy. That excitement to learn something new everyday is remarkable.
And this book is definitely going to stay with us for years to come. And I really hope Shade 7 comes with loads of other such fun, interesting and educational books for young minds.
My Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
** We were sent the book in exchange of a fair and honest review. I was not paid to write this post. All the opinions and images are my own.
Chandra Lawrie says
The illustrations are fantastic, that is half the battle in a kids book, Hopefully the story matches, and from your review it just may! We are reading Don’t Stick Sticks In Your Ears! Don’t Stuff Stuff Up Your Nose! by Jerald Altman MD, dontstickdontstuff.com is his site. A really fun read that has a learning curve as well, good stuff!
Haajra Fareen says
It’s indeed a wonderful book! I will also check out the link your shared. Thanks 😊