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“The Stars That Shine for You” portrays grief by taking a unique, poetic approach that highlights diverse practices and traditions around the world. By shining a light on different traditions, the story uncovers the boundless commonality among us. Written by Rishma Govani and illustrated by Tran Dac Trung, this is a beautiful book that is a must read for any library to start the conversation about losing a loved one. Read aloud with permission from Global Bookshelves International by Nadeen Sadiq, Leena Sadiq, and Janan Sarwar. Purchase the book where books are sold or visit: https://a.co/d/cNCmjXq

Read with permission from the creators and author, we are delighted to share a brand new story during this special month of Ramadan. Leena, Nadeen, Baba Hanable, and Mama Janan read aloud the story: "The Blessed Pomegranates: A Ramadan Story About Giving (Secrets of Divine Love)." There are Islamic lessons and ideals expressed in this delightful children's tale about giving. You can learn more about A. Helwa and her work below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.helwa_/?hl=en Amazon Book Listing: https://a.co/d/4b77hxo Author Website: www.authorahelwa.com Credit to Kabbalistic Village for the background song "Simplicity" https://kabbalisticvillage.com/; Wheels squeaking by Shamewap from freesound.org; plop sound by marokki from freesound.org; pop/plunk. by NicholasJudy567 from freesound.org; Female gasping by drotzruhn from freesound.org Special thanks to Nwachukwu Nwoko for editing this episode!

We are excited to share this amazing and inspiring story by Little Kids' Big Lessons: "Reach for the Stars Like Kalpana"! Kalpana was a determined young Indian woman who dreamt of becoming an engineer. She ultimately became the first Indian woman to go to space. Powered by determination, this story tells the story of perseverance. For more books in this series, visit: https://kaybpublishing.wixsite.com/mysite Intro and exit music from SlipStream "Farmer's Market" by Ellie. Sounds for this episode come from youtube.com under the Creative Commons license: Instrumental: Ascend by Erick L. D. DeVore.

This is a favorite story of ours! "Let's Go Yum Cha!" allows readers to learn about delicious Cantonese food and culture while teaching children how to say Cantonese phrases. Written by children's author, Alister Felix and read with his permission, this title is a vibrant story about a little boy's Dim Sum adventure as he learns more about his own Chinese culture. The book is illustrated by Yenna Mariana. You can find this book online! Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/let-s-go-yum-cha-a-dim-sum-adventure-alister-felix/17778349?ean=9780578328737 Feel free to visit the author Alister's website at: ⁠https://alisterfelix.com/ Episode sound details: Intro and exit music from SlipStream "Farmer's Market" by Ellie.Sound effects for this episode come from from freesound.org under the Creative Commons license: "Plates Clanking" by Lolamadeus; "Sniffing Short" by Inspector J."Sniffing" by Daalvinz"Squeak" by Joedeshon; "Squish" by Davidou.

Read with permission from Pikin Books, we are excited to read aloud this story by Vickie Remoe. Ami is finally getting a print dress. Her print will be tailor-made by Sisi Bisi, Freetown's finest seamstress and fashion designer. Join Ami and her mother Titi as they visit Sisi Bisi at Kabaslot Designs. "A Print for Ami" is part of an early reader series that celebrates African culture while helping children ages 3-6 learn phonics. Intro and exit music from SlipStream "Farmer's Market" by Ellie.Sound effects for this episode come from from freesound.org under the Creative Commons license: "Ignition And Drive Off" by The Plax;"Sewing Machine" by Taymline.

Written by R.C. Chizov and illustrated by Anastasia Yezhela, this charming story about an emu who learns the power of perseverance and never giving up! In old and charming Emu Town...an emu wins the emu-flap game every year. But when she loses her winning streak, she mopes around, saying "Nope!" to all games. Follow her journey as she finds inspiration to say "Yes" and win emu-flap again. With colorful illustrations and playful rhymes, Nope-Nope Emu proves that failure can be hard but getting back in there and trying again has its own rewards. It is the first in the picture book series, Emu Town Stories.

Read with permission by Debbie Blackington and Pebbleton Press, “Gracie’s Ears” is a heartfelt rhyming picture book based on a true story. This story introduces you to an adorable little girl named Gracie who is just like every other kid in school, except her ears are sleeping. Listen in as we share how her doctors and family help her and an introduction to hearing aids. Intro and exit music from SlipStream "Farmer's Market" by Ellie. Sound effects for this episode come from from freesound.org under the Creative Commons license: "Footsteps running" by WhiteFire43; "Computer-sound" by Gowler Music; "Do-re-mi-fa-so" by Pogmothoin Marimba; "People laughing outdoors" by Martina Leitschuh; "Birds Singing" by Dcpoke.; "Birds Singing Forest Scotland" by Burghrecords; "Car Horns" by 2hear. "phone-ringing" by Audacitier.

Written by Kimberly A Biddle and read with her permission, Leena and Janan had the opportunity to read the wonderful story “Darlene’s Double Dutch Dreams.” An interesting note is that Darlene's mom had Multiple Sclerosis and that part of the story was edited out. The printed version of this story is available on Amazon and the font helps people with Dyslexia be able to read the book. However, all people can read the font! Many thanks to our new editor Chuks for his work editing this episode!

Janie Reinart is a UNICEF affiliate author who is raising awareness of the plight of BIDIBIDI refugees in Uganda. Explore how the children create their own toys, and solve problems that affect them. Please visit https://www.clearforkpublishing.com/product-page/when-water-makes-mud-a-story-of-refugee-children where you can order the book. A portion of the author's profits are donated to helping with refugee crisis. For more information and to view a message from the author, please visit https://tinyurl.com/yc7zzmyc. Sound effects from freesound.org, under the Creative Commons license. Some sound effects were taken from benztownbranding.com which is a paid site for audio producers. To participate in future readings, suggest titles to read, or connect with us in any way, please contact us at salaamstorytime[at]gmail[dot]com. Salaam!

Rosie Pova is a multi-published and award-winning author. Her stories are written to love, laugh, and uplift others. Originally from Bulgaria and now residing in Texas, we had the honor of connecting with Rosie to celebrate the book-birthday for her imaginative title "Sunday Rain"! This lovely title is illustrated by Amariah Rauscher and published by Lantana Publishing. The delightful read tells you about a little boy named Elliott who uses his imagination, as he ventures out into his new neighborhood for the first time. Special thanks and attribution to Scott Holmes Music for the background song Happy Days, and intro and exit music from SlipStream "Farmer's Market" by Ellie. Contact us at salaamstorytime [at] gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you and participating with you! 

Read with permission from the amazing author, Rishma, we were taken on a trip around the world with the main characters of the book "Sushi and Samosas: A Trip of Tasty Transformations." "The Soul Bossa.mp3" Intro, exit music, and background sounds from SlipStream "Farmer's Market" by Ellie and background song from "The Soul Bossa.mp3".  For questions on how to get your story featured on Salaam Storytime, please contact salaamstorytime(at)gmail.com and don't forget to enter our recipe contest, which closes 12/31/2021! Please visit the link below: https://tinyurl.com/salaambananas Qualifying recipe developers will be eligible to enter a chance to win a $100 gift card, recipes accepted worldwide!  Thank you for listening and until next time!

From an Intro to "A Kids Book About Racism," Jelani Memory asks readers to think about all the things grownups are responsible for teaching kids - from things like ABCs, riding a bike, and when to say "please" and "thank you."  But what about important topics like racism?  What age is too early for kids to learn about racisk? When is it "too soon" to learn how to treat those who look different from us? And who is supposed to help kids learn about racism? In this story, aimed at age 6 and up, Leena learns how to define racism and I am glad we had the conversation about friendships and hate and what it means to stop someone when you see or hear something racist. Many thanks to Publisher and Author Jelani Memory who was so kind, responsive, and open to us sharing this with our listeners. If you have other books we should read to learn about antiracism or any resources to share with other parents, please contact us at SalaamStorytime (at) gmail.com or send us a DM on Instagram @SalaamStorytime. Thank you and let us know if you would like to collaborate!