One Italian Imam, is going to the park, it’s a lovely day, he’s off to pray to lead the Eid salaat.
Two joyous Jamaicans step out and follow on, so full of cheer they make takbir as they both walk along.
Three bright Brazilians bound out of number three, the little one stops to tie his shoe and then shouts, “wait for me!”
The residents of Ummah Street are off to Eid salaah at the local park. They are excited as they get ready to celebrate the end of the month of fasting, Ramadan. They come from various backgrounds: an Italian, two Jamaicans, a few Brazilians, some Hungarians and others. But by the time they all get there they discover that there is a problem. Could the park be too small for all the Muslims?
The Jolly Jamaat is a picture book that introduces counting using rhyme and bright, colourful illustrations. It will appeal to young children ages 2 to 4. The author has attempted to produce a rhyming prose and it works well. The illustrator wonderfully captures the excitement of the people when they emerge from their homes with smiles on their faces and eagerness in their step as they head to the park for the open air prayer (a practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)). In terms of layout, the font type and the size of the illustrations tend to crowd the page at times making it somewhat difficult to read the text.
Talking Points: This book presents an opportunity to discuss the multi ethnic nature of the Muslims who live around the world. My son and I used a world map to locate the countries mentioned in the book. My son enjoyed seeing the various families dressed in clothing representing their native country. We talked about the fact that no matter what we look like or where we come from, we are all Muslims; while we might appear to be different we are in fact very similar and united by our belief in Allah. The unexpected ending of the book delighted my child and we talked about what the Muslims could do if the park was too small.
Title: The Jolly Jamaat
Author: Suzanne Stone
Illustrator: Marianne Hunter
Publisher: The Seerah Foundation
Date: 2008
ISBN: 9780907052517
Ummah Reads 
A great favourite with my kids – this book is fun and lively with rhyming text and colourful pictures. The author has recetly published a number of other excellent pre-school books. Please see http://www.stonefaruq.com/booksforchildren/ for more!