M.O. Yuksel

Author • Educator • Speaker

M.O. Yuksel

Author • Educator • Speaker

M.O. Yuksel

Author • Educator • Speaker

In My Mosque

Title: In My Mosque
Release Date: 03/23/2021
Published by: HarperCollins
Contributors: M. O. Yuksel (Author), Hatem Aly (Illustrator)
Genre: Picture Book
Pages: 40
ISBN13: 978-0062978707

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Don’t miss out on this beautiful celebration of Islam and mosques as spaces for spiritual gathering!

Step in and discover all the rituals and wonder of the mosque in this lyrical debut picture book from M. O Yuksel, with gorgeous artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator Hatem Aly. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom, this book is perfect for fans of All Are Welcome and The Proudest Blue.

No matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone is welcome here. From grandmothers reading lines of the Qur’an and the imam telling stories of living as one, to meeting new friends and learning to help others, mosques are centers for friendship, community, and love.

M. O. Yuksel’s beautiful text celebrates the joys and traditions found in every mosque around the world and is brought to life with stunning artwork by New York Times bestselling illustrator Hatem Aly (Yasmin series, The Proudest Blue, The Inquisitor’s Tale). The book also includes backmatter with an author’s note, a glossary, and more information about many historical and significant mosques around the world.

Praise for In My Mosque

This personable, sensory love letter to a range of children’s mosque experiences will engage new learners and resonate with those already familiar. Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
This marvelous, welcoming book on mosques, Muslims, and Islam is a must, offering foundational knowledge on the world’s second largest religion. School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Young readers are welcomed to a mosque brimming with faithful family, friends, and community. Both text and art convey some tenets of Islam and emphasize the mosque’s role as a place for faith and celebration. Horn Book
Joyful characters describe what happens in simple, poetic language. Both a celebration of and an introduction to the mosque. Kirkus Reviews
Joyful celebration of mosques around the world. Themes of family and friendship prevail, along with references to spirituality. Providence Journal
In My Mosque draws readers into the Muslim house of worship to show how it is so much more than a place to pray. . . Aly’s illustrations echo the warmth of Yuksel’s text, depicting loving, happy communities, rich in diversity of all sorts. The striking use of geometric patterns found in Islamic art and architecture might inspire classroom art projects to complement a narrative study of houses of worship. Booklist

Awards and Honors

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Mosques featured in this book

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Featured Mosques

Pronunciation Guide for Some of the Glossary Words

Allah (AL-LAWH): Arabic word for God.
Allahu Akbar (AL-LAWHU AK-Bur): God is the greatest.
As-salaamu alaykum (As-SALAAMU a-LAY-kum): A greeting that means “peace be upon you.”
Bismillahir-rahmanir-rahim (BIS-mil-LA-hir RAH-MAA-nir RA-heem): In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful.
Imam (E-maam): A person who leads prayers.
Mihrab (MIH-rawb): An ornamental niche on the wall of a mosque that shows the direction of the qibla.
Muezzin (MU-ez-ZIN): A person who calls Muslims to prayer.
Subhanallah (sub-HAN-AL-LAWH): Glory be to God; God is perfect.

Reading Guide and Activities


Reader’s Guide

Reading Guide for In My Mosque
  • In My Mosque, Reading Guide


Coloring Page

Make your own art piece by coloring in the picture.
  • Activity, In My Mosque


Word Search

Print and find words from In My Mosque
  • Activity, In My Mosque

Colorful wooden blocks and In My Mosque book


STEM Activity

Use different kinds of blocks and tiles to build your own mosques, and patterns. Instructions and photos are from TinkerWonderPlay’s blog.
  • Activity, External, In My Mosque


Jigsaw Puzzle Online

A fun digital jigsaw puzzle of the cover of In My Mosque
  • Activity, External, In My Mosque


Watercolor Resist Mosque Painting

Draw and color a mosque with the watercolor resist technique. Photo and instructions from IslamiMommy
  • Activity, External, In My Mosque

Paper Bag Mosque


Paper Bag Mosque

Cut and paste colorful shapes onto a brown paper bag to create playful gift bags. Instructions on Hello Holy Days.
  • Activity, External, In My Mosque


Anti-Islamophobia Teaching Resource, Grades K-2

Wonderful activities prepared by Muslim Educators of Toronto Association (META)
  • Activity, External, In My Mosque


Anti-Islamophobia Teaching Resource, Grades 3-5

Age appropriate activities focusing on how to be an ally and not a bystander. Prepared by Muslim Educators of Toronto Association (META).
  • Activity, External, In My Mosque

Student Artwork inspired by IN MY MOSQUE

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Doves decorated by students of Orchard ES in VT

Thank you to Orchard Elementary School, VT for this fantastic school-wide read aloud and lobby entrance display of doves decorated by their students after reading IN MY MOSQUE.


Dove Garland by Ellington ES students


Thank you to Mrs. Sahagian and her wonderful students for the beautiful dove garland made by K/1st grade students at ​Ellington Elementary School. A special thank you to author and friend, Nadia Salomon, for sending it to me.

Mosque illustrations by students of Simcoe County District School Board, Canada


Thank you to students of Ms. Savoia’s Grade 4/5 class of Simcoe County District School Board, Canada and especially Ms. Savoia, Evelynn Ellis, Emily Hearns, Khadijah Douglas-McLeish, and Waylon Nickson for sharing your beautiful mosque illustrations.

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