There’s a sense of kindness and of people coming together in this bright, lively picture book. A young boy – clearly Harris J. in his trademark beanie – shares his umbrella with a stranger in the rain, triggering a torrent of good deeds. On each following page we see small acts of kindness, highlighted against vibrant splashes of sunshiny yellow. Meanwhile, sharp eyed readers will spot in the background people hurrying along with cans of paint; on the last spread we see they have painted a mural across a wall and the final image is of a long chain of people of all sizes and nationalities holding hands in front of it with the words, ‘Always be kind, always remind one another: peace on the Earth every day’. That’s the meaning of Assalamu Alaikum the book tells us, and the warmth and positivity of this message is perfectly conveyed.
From the Muslim Justin Bieber (NPR) Harris J comes a picture book that celebrates spreading peace, love, and happiness throughout the world, using the lyrics of his international YouTube hit of the same name.
Salam Alaikum means Peace be upon you. It is the greeting that Muslims around the world use to say hello and good-bye. International music sensation Harris J has taken that greeting and created a call to action. Spread peace on the earth... Treasure the love, let it surround us Always be kind, always remind one another Peace on the earth every day Using the lyrics to the hit song of the same name, and accompanied by heartwarming illustrations that depict the power of paying it forward, this sweet and charming picture book celebrates kindness and community.
Muslims often explain that their greeting of Assalaam alaikum means peace, but rarely is the idea conveyed so clearly as it is through words and pictures in this new picture book. Harris J's catchy lyrics...are a breath of fresh air sure to bring a smile to readers young and old....Fans of Harris J will be thrilled and will likely sing the verses happily as they read. Readers new to Harris J will come away with a lasting impression of this young Muslim's commitment to spreading world peace and love. A perfect choice to spread hope and fight stereotypes at the same time. -- Kirkus Reviews
The rewards of paying it forward are at the heart of this picture book adaptation of Muslim pop musician Harris J's 2015 song of the same title...Jenkins (Chicks Run Wild) provides a down-to-earth visual interpretation of the song's lyrics in cheery digital illustrations....there's no questioning the sincerity of the message about kindness and coming together. -- Publisher's Weekly
The story provides a positive depiction of Muslim ideals with which readers of all faiths can identify....Illustrations depicting diverse individuals and a community-centered message make this a timely purchase for libraries. -- School Library Journal
