Yasser and Zahra Meet the Animals in the Qur'an
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Yasser and Zahra are bored at home due to a global pandemic, with nowhere to go. They ask their Grandfather to take them on an adventure to the Animals of the Qur'an Zoo. Throughout their journey, they meet various animals like Jamal, Naaqa, Thu'baan, Nahla, Ankaboot, and Feel, each with their unique stories. The adventure spans from the ruins of Thamud to the ancient Egyptian pyramids, offering a whirlwind journey through past, present, and future.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
230 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Yasser and Zahra learned from each animal they met in the story?
How do you think the animals in the Qur'an can teach us about being better people?
If you could ask any of the animals a question, what would it be?
Which animal was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Alter your voice for different characters and animals to make the story more vivid and engaging for your child.
Connect to personal experiences: Ask your child if they have ever encountered an animal like the ones in the story and how they felt about that experience.
Encourage empathy: Discuss the traits and challenges of each animal in the story and relate them to emotions your child might feel, fostering a deeper emotional understanding.
Follow up with activities: After reading, consider engaging in an activity related to the book, like drawing their favorite animal from the story or researching more about an animal mentioned.
Praise participation: Encourage your child's involvement with positive feedback and show interest in their perspectives to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: Yasser and Zahra learn about the kindness many animals in the Qur'an show towards others.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice kindness and empathy towards animals and people in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards the environment
Explanation: The book illustrates how each animal plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of taking care of their environment and can apply this by participating in recycling or local clean-up activities.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Throughout their journey, Yasser and Zahra ask questions and seek knowledge about each animal, demonstrating a zest for learning.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore the world around them and ask questions about how things work, thus nurturing a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Unity and cooperation
Explanation: The animals in the book often work together, showcasing the strength of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can translate into children working cooperatively in group settings such as in school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Yasser and Zahra encounter a variety of animals, each with different roles and characteristics, teaching them to appreciate diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and celebrate differences among their peers and in their communities.