Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So
Written by Rhonda Roumani
and Nadia Roumani
Illustrated by Olivia Aserr
Published by Holiday House
Ranya wants to go to the park. “Insha’Allah,” her mom tells her.
But doesn’t that just mean no? Ranya’s mom says “Insha’Allah” when Ranya asks to make cookies. She says it when Ranya wants to sleep over at Jayda’s house. She says it when Ranya begs to go to Disneyland.
This might sound familiar to parents and caregivers . . . It’s hard to know what to say when you can’t promise anything! Sometimes grown-ups say “Maybe” or “We’ll see.” And in millions of Arab and Muslim homes around the world, families use the phrase “Insha’Allah” when talking about the future.
So, what does “Insha’Allah” really mean? In this warmly illustrated picture book, Ranya and her mom tackle the meaning of the powerful phrase and ponder the best way to talk about their hopes and dreams—and maybe, sometimes, the things they want to put off. (Like cleaning up toys!)
Cozy art and joyful, loving characters make this a perfect family read aloud.
Primary ISBN: 9780823454419
Publication Date: May 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older
Community Represented: Arab/Arab American, Muslim/Muslim American, Syrian/Syrian American
Themes: Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Cultural Empowerment, Family Relationship: Parents, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Muslim
Setting: Unspecified
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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