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Children's Books

My published books are currently available at ruqayasbookshelf.com.


Chapter Books

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE
Ruqaya's Bookshelf, 2020

Salma is the middle child in a chaotic family. She often feels invisible amid fights over food, invasions of privacy, and endless shopping marathons.

When her little brother steals her stashed treats two days in a row, something inside her snaps! She destroys his most prized possession and makes herself scarce when he's being bullied at school.

But when the ambulance appears at the school's doorstep to take her brother away, Salma is plunged into an inner turmoil she never expected.


BLACKOUT!
Ruqaya's Bookshelf, 2017

Yusuf’s cousin Ahmed is a Syrian refugee. After the death of Ahmed’s father, Yusuf’s parents work hard to bring Ahmed and his mom to Canada.

When they’re finally on their way to Toronto, Yusuf is excited! He spends hours making sure everything is perfect for Ahmed’s arrival and plans to teach him all about life in Canada.

But when an ice storm hits during Ahmed’s first night and cuts off power for three whole days, Yusuf realizes that he’s the one with so much to learn.


LITTERING STINKS
Compass Books, 2017

When Aliyah moves with her family from Freshtown to Dumpton, she finds a smelly surprise! The residents of Dumpton are kind and generous, but they have one very bad habit: littering.

How will Aliyah convince her new neighbours to stop trashing their town?

A story of perseverance and believing that one person can sometimes make a bigger difference than she thinks.


Picture Books

ONE HUNDRED FLAVOURS OF ICE CREAM
Ruqaya's Bookshelf, 2019

A crowded playground. A lost soccer ball. Forgotten lunches.

Harun and his sister Heba are not expecting any of these things when they visit the park one afternoon.

But when they end up hunting for Harun's lost soccer ball in a nearby forest, they discover a place so peaceful it reminds them of Jannah.

The beautiful trees and running water make them forget their troubles--until they realize they're lost! how will they find their way out?


BILAL'S SECOND SURPRISE
Ruqaya's Bookshelf, 2019

When Bilal wakes up to find his parents missing and Grandma sleeping in their bed, he knows it might not be an ordinary day. But when Dad walks into the house in a tired daze, Bilal is confused!

Why is Dad brushing his teeth with a comb? Has Dad forgotten how to make wudu? Where is he trying to go on Bilal's tricycle? And most importantly, where exactly is Mom?

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