Letters from a Prophet

AUTHOR: KRISTEN OBARSKY

Letters from a Prophet, by Zimarina Sarwar and illustrated by Giorgio Bacchin, is an interactive lift-the-flap picture book and the recipient of the Muslim Book Award in 2023 for best nonfiction. It explores the letters sent by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to various neighboring leaders inviting them to Islam. The cover is somewhat plain, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the pages inside were very engaging, colorful, and informative, with fun little flaps to lift and explore the information more in-depth. 

The book takes us on a journey following the letters to the leaders of Byzantium, Egypt, Abyssinia, and Persia. Through these letters, we learn about both history and geography. The author provides a detailed account of the leaders’ and the citizens’ reactions, highlights the importance of the person delivering the letters, and examines the social and political issues of these neighboring lands. There are some excellent reflections on the letters, and as a convert to Islam, I found this book particularly thought-provoking. It stirred up feelings about where someone’s heart is when they accept that call, and I felt a little hurt when people turned away and did not accept. 

When I first picked up the book, I expected a typical picture book with shorter sentences and simpler vocabulary; however, the book has denser paragraphs, making it suitable for older children aged seven to eleven. It would work well as a curriculum resource in a school setting, weekend school, or homeschool environment. Children and adults will enjoy the illustrations and playing with the flaps, but younger children will likely need someone to read it to them. I was so pleasantly surprised by the book, and I hope you enjoy it.

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