The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship

It is picture day, and Sophie puts on her sister Asiya’s red dress while her classmate and friend, Sophie, has worn a closely matching dress with big red roses.

While in class, Mrs. Ramirez asks the children what kind of world they would like, writing all answers on the board. Then she asked everyone to draw the world they would like and to give it a name. Faizah suggested she would like a kind world, “a world of friends helping one another.”

At recess, Sophie and Faizah look for ways to “grow a kind-powered world”. They engage and help their classmates in all sorts of ways – playing ball, tag, and basketball, as well as tying bows and fixing bowties, putting band-aids on, and assisting a girl in a wheelchair.

When it comes time for siblings to have their picture taken, Sophie gives Faizah her sash to use as a hijab so she will match Asiya. Everyone is helpful to one another – the entire class is smiling for picture day! It’s the “most beautiful picture day ever”.

The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship is not only a story of friendship, but it is one of profound kindness and generosity of spirit. The effort of the children to be helpful and considerate to their classmates is truly inspirational, with the importance of sharing being highlighted as the author notes, “Whether it’s sharing a snack or advice, an everyday act of kindness can be big or small…..it serves as a beautiful reminder of how our own behavior can affect those around us.”

Hatem Aly’s illustrations are bold and bright with an abundance of detail against softly shaded backgrounds. As there are only a few sentences on most pages, the illustrations are clearly an important means to tell the story. Though character faces are simple, emotions conveyed through facial expressions, body language, and gestures are easily understood. There is lots of smiling, the atmosphere being one of happiness.

In The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship, the creators have produced a wonderful story that will be enjoyed by all.