By Nurah Tape-Sallie

Children learn through play. As Plato, the Greek philosopher said: “Not by force shall the children learn, but through play.”

With this philosophy in mind, we penned our debut children’s picture book titled We Love to Play Pray.

This 28-page full colour and beautifully illustrated book was launched on Saturday 5 March 2016 at Timbuktu Books in Cape Town.

We Love to Play Pray follows three siblings as they think up a new game of play pray and in the process learn about the Qibla and how to calculate the times of prayer.

Some of the reviews we have received so far:

• Amazing format and storyline! Kept me riveted from the beginning and took me on a journey with Suhaib, Yusuf and Maryam. It’s informative, fresh and educational in a fun, gentle way! Well done of producing the first of what will hopefully become many more books to explain Deen to children. My kids love it and so do I. Five stars and then some! Rhoda Combrink of OohNagi.com

• Learning through play has always been one of my favourite modes of educating my kids. Therefore, We Love to Play Pray is a welcomed addition to our home library. It captivates all my kids as they can so clearly relate to the animated dialogue. As a parent, it is always a challenge to encourage children to participate in religious activities without resorting to serious dogma. Not only does this tale encourage praying but also explains how to determine the time for Salaah, a practice slowly being lost in this digital era our kids are growing up in. Umm Assiyah Muhammad, author of A Muslim Princess and homeschooling mum of four

• I am seriously impressed. I absolutely love the fact that you have taken the complete professional approach. Amien Ahmed, former station of Radio 786

This book was inspired by our three children who would collect all the prayer mats in the house, lay them down in neat rows in their room and mimic what they’ve seen their parents do, with our eldest son taking on the role of the Imam.

We sincerely hope that We Love to Play Pray will become a favourite in your and your child’s collection of books to read.  If it has already taken up that role, then please do drop us an email to tell us what you and your child or children think of the story.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy, We Love to Play Pray is now available from Timbuktu Books in Sybrand Park, Sawants Creations in Rylands and Top Boutique in Gatesville. Alternatively, you may also purchase via our online store at www.redkufi.com. We now ship worldwide.