Women History Month Children Book Recommendation Part 3: Under My Hijab by Hena Khan

Continuing Women's History Month, this week we are going to discuss the following picture book:

Under My Hijab by Hena Khan

Under My Hijab is a 32-page picture book written by Hena Khan, which was published in 2019 for young children between the ages of 4 - 7 years old.

The story follows the perspective of a young girl who is influenced and inspired by the women around her wearing hijab in various situations and conditions when they do not. The author also touches on how unique each individual is when they are not wearing hijab as well as different personalized ways on how you can wear a hijab. Overall, the story informs the reader about hijabs, when and why women choose to wear them, and why people choose not to wear them. 

Overall, this story is beautiful as it touches on the importance of individuality/self-confidence, inspiration from women and role models, cultural diversity, religion, and many more. For example, in the book, the author reinforces the message of individuality by illustrating various important women in the little girl's life they can wear hijabs in various different ways; also, when they are not wearing hijabs, each woman has a distinctive look to their hair which represents their unique personality. Because of the little girl's influences, the girl becomes inspired by the women around her and wears a hijab at the end of the story representing her being proud in her culture and being able to express her personality through the hijab. 

All in all, the illustrations of this book are illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel. Looking at the illustrations, the art is very bright, rich, and vibrant, which brings the characters to life. The illustrations reinforce the message such as including small modern details within the background which indicates that Muslims share an American culture as well.