Muffins

  Author:  Uthman Hutchinson

  Grade Level: 3

  Subject: Three tales

  Rating:  4 stars

“Muffins” by Uthman Hutchinson consisted of three stories: Muffins, Applesauce, and The Squirrel. Muffins is about Fatima’s desire to have a pet.   Having a pet is a big responsibility. In their desire to have a pet, a child might easily overlook the responsibilities involved. When Fatima asked her parents to allow her to get a kitten she was sure that she was ready for the responsibilities involved. 

    Fatima was so excited to have a pet that she was willing to assume all the chores that came with it.  After picking up the lovable little kitten, Fatima soon realized the troubles she would have to deal with. But these obstacles wouldn’t get in her way.   She was too excited about having a pet. Despite all the hardships Fatima learned a valuable lesson, even when she lost sight of the importance of sharing her kitty with her brothers. 

    This story provides a lesson about the importance of the relationship between children and parents, but also between siblings and each other. Also, the responsibility of having a pet. Applesauce is an unforgettable story about terrible disease of racism within our Ummah. I am always amazed when I meet children and adults who are proud of their Muslim identity. They are proud to say, “I am a Muslim.” 

    Often times we hear I am from this or that country. Sadly, many children are exposed to the disease of racism as Fatima was. It is very important that we as adults can offer our Muslim children the proper response in situations when they are the victims of racism or when they are just curious about something they heard someone say.  Read this story to find out how Fatima’s mom handled this problem.  This story is a real gem.

    The Squirrel was about Fatima’s lesson in making friends with two squirrels in her backyard. She was drawn to them because “they were so cuddly and cute.”   After a lot of time and effort, Fatima had the squirrels eating out of her hands.  However, she ends up learning a painfully valuable lesson.

    The illustrations are simple, but the stories are wonderful. I think that they will help children to identify with the same situations that they may face.   This book is appropriate is children ages 7-9 years of age. 

Reviewed by Sr. Anna