A radiant companion to Like the Moon Loves the Sky, featuring a parent's wishes for their child inspired by the poetry of Rumi.
Mashallah your love warms like the glowing sun.
Mashallah your life's book has only begun.
Inspired by the words of Persian Sufi poet Jalal al-Din Rumi, Hena Khan's gentle rhyming verses celebrate a parent's wonder as they watch their child grow into the person they are meant to be.
Throughout the story, the refrain “mashallah”—an Arabic phrase used by Muslims to express admiration and gratitude—honors the qualities that make each child special. Paired with Nabila Adani's expressive illustrations, Like the Sun Lights the Day is a tender tribute to the hopes we hold for those we cherish.
- CELEBRATION OF A CHILD'S LIGHT: Affirming verses capture the joy of watching a child grow, discover the world, and become more fully themselves.
- FROM ACCLAIMED AUTHOR HENA KHAN: The award-winning creator of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and Like the Moon Loves the Sky brings her warm, accessible storytelling to another picture book rooted in Muslim family life and tradition.
- INSPIRED BY MYSTIC POETRY: Sufi poet and scholar Rumi is celebrated worldwide for writing that explores spiritual devotion and human connection. Khan drew on his work to shape this heartfelt tribute to childhood.
- THE MEANING OF “MASHALLAH”: The repeated refrain introduces an Arabic expression that translates to “God has willed it” and is commonly used by Muslims to show appreciation while recognizing life's blessings.
- ART BY NABILA ADANI: Richly colored illustrations echo the book's imagery of warmth and sunlight, bringing visual energy to every page.
- A MEANINGFUL GIFT TO SHARE: A lovely choice for Muslim families, Rumi admirers, fans of Hena Khan, and anyone seeking an affectionate read-aloud for bedtime, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or other family celebrations.
Hena Khan is the author of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors, Like the Moon Loves the Sky, and many other books for children. She is a native of Rockville, Maryland, where she lives with her husband and their two sons. You can learn more about her at henakhan.com.
Nabila Adani originally studied product design and worked as a product designer in Japan and Indonesia before moving to the United States to study children's book illustration. Now back in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she grew up, she has illustrated many books for children, and she also holds art classes and grows mini libraries for kids near her home.