By M.O. Yuksel, illustrated by Hatem Aly. Harper. Ages 4-8. $17.99.
“In my mosque, we are a rainbow of colors and speak in different accents,” opens this joyful celebration of mosques around the world. Voices of children chime in with a few sentences per page while richly colored and detailed pictures show mosques of various styles, some domed and others with tall minarets. The children and adults, who have different skin and hair colors, wear a variety of clothes, often with gorgeous patterns and hues. Themes of family and friendship prevail, along with references to spirituality: “In my mosque, we end our prayers by greeting the angels on our shoulders who watch over us day and night.” The celebration concludes with the invitation, “You are welcome in my mosque.” At the end, those who want more information will find an author’s note, a short glossary, and an annotated list of historic mosques.