A. Citation
Mian, Zanib. 2022. PLANET OMAR: ACCIDENTAL TROUBLE MAGNET.
Ill. by Nasaya Mafaridik. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers. ISBN
9780593109236.
B. Plot Summary
Omar is a smart, imaginative middle child who’s just moved to a new neighborhood
in London with his scientist parents and siblings. Starting at a new school is
hard enough, but it gets worse when he meets a class bully, Daniel, who makes
mean-spirited comments, especially about Omar being Muslim. A difficult
neighbor also makes unfair assumptions about Omar’s family, but through humor,
creativity, and support from his loving family and new friends, Omar finds his
footing. As the story unfolds, Daniel’s behavior is shown to be connected to
struggles at home, and by the end, there's an unexpected turn toward friendship
and empathy.
C. Critical Analysis
This book does a fantastic job of introducing readers to Muslim culture in a
natural, relatable way. Omar’s voice is funny, full of personality, and very
authentic. His thoughts and worries feel real, like being nervous about a new
school or annoyed by an unfair neighbor. Zanib Mian weaves in important
cultural elements such as prayer, Ramadan, food traditions, family roles, and
even misunderstandings around hijab-wearing with nuance and warmth. One of the
most powerful aspects is how the book gently addresses prejudice, like the
neighbor assuming Muslim families are "loud" or "troublemakers”
and pushes back against those stereotypes by simply showing a joyful,
thoughtful family living their daily life.
The characters are well-rounded and balanced. Omar is imaginative and
thoughtful, his mom is strong and smart, and even the bully, Daniel, turns out
to be more complex than he first appears. Rather than painting characters as
good or bad, the book emphasizes understanding and empathy. Set in London, the
story reflects the diversity of the city and the challenges immigrant families
may face while remaining light-hearted and hopeful.
Nasaya Mafaridik’s illustrations are full of energy and help young readers
engage with the story. The playful drawings, bold fonts, and expressive design
make the book accessible and appealing, especially for reluctant readers.
D. Awards & Review Excerpts
· USBBY
Outstanding International Book
· NPR
Best Book of the Year
· Kirkus
Best Book of the Year
· Middle
East Book Award Nominee
★ “Exploding with personality and imagination, Omar
is an easy character to love.” -Booklist
“A very kid-friendly and appealingly honest story about being different.” -The
New York Times
“Seamlessly weaves Islamic values and teachings through Omar’s narration.” -Kirkus
Reviews
E. Connections
· Related
Books:
o
The Night Diary by Veera
Hiranandani (identity, family, and cultural heritage)
o
Other Words for Home by
Jasmine Warga (Muslim identity and immigration)
· Activities:
o
Invite students to write or draw a story about a
time they felt like "the new kid".
o
Explore vocabulary and traditions from Ramadan
or Muslim culture.
o
Host a “Windows & Mirrors” classroom
discussion about books that reflect students’ own lives or introduce them to
someone else’s.
A. Citation
Flett, Julie. 2021. WE ALL PLAY / KIMÊTAWÂNAW.
Ill. by Julie Flett. Greystone Kids. ISBN 9781771646079.
B. Plot Summary
The picture book We
All Play demonstrates playful connections between children and animals through
rhythmic storytelling. The book shows animals doing different actions which
children then copy until the book states “We play too! / kimetawanaw mina.” The
story moves from active play to restful sleep which makes it suitable for
bedtime reading. The book establishes a peaceful atmosphere by combining soft
inviting elements with beautiful components.
C. Critical Analysis
The book delivers
maximum meaning through its minimal word count which I find most appealing. The
book presents a straightforward design which contains deliberate elements in
every aspect. The Cree words embedded throughout the book create a feeling of
exclusivity while the glossary and pronunciation guide at the end enhance the
meaning of the experience. Julie Flett uses illustrations that combine softness
with earthy tones to create a perfect balance of energetic and peaceful
elements. The animals in the illustrations are large and powerful yet the
children display boundless happiness and energetic movements. Flett dedicated
careful attention to depict diverse children in the illustrations because she
includes kids from various backgrounds and shows a character with a noticeable
limb difference which caught my attention. The story includes a small yet
significant moment of inclusion. Through her Cree Metis heritage, Flett
integrates her cultural background into the book. The story presents more than
play activities because it celebrates our bond with nature and our connections
with each other. The Indigenous perspective Flett brings to the book creates a
sense of authenticity and deep emotional connection.
D. Awards & Review Excerpts
· USBBY
Outstanding International Book (2022)
· Named
a Best Children’s Book of the Year by The New York Times,
Kirkus, School Library Journal,
and more
· Starred
reviews from major publications including Horn Book
and Publishers Weekly
E. Connections
· Try
with:
o
Birdsong by Julie Flett
o
We Are Water Protectors by
Carole Lindstrom
· Classroom
ideas:
o
Learn some of the Cree animal words and practice
saying them together.
o
Take a walk outside and observe how animals move,
then let kids show how they “play too”.
o
Draw or paint pictures of your favorite animal
from the book and how it plays.
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