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Muezza and Baby Jaan: Stories from the Quran
An incongruent pair and their illuminating friendship. Join Baby Jaan as she listens to Muezza's mesmerizing tales and soak in the wonder of rare, enlightening nuggets of Islamic lore. A djinn in the form of a baby camel and Prophet's favourite cat come together in their shared exploits and a mutual education. As their chance meeting and tender bond is delicately explored, we are offered a fascinating array of teachings from the Quran that is sure to captivate children of all ages. Savour some enthralling gems about Nuh's ark, God breathing life into the first man and woman, Iblis the djinn-turned-angel, the gift of free will, the ninety-nine names of God, the blessed she-camel, the mighty King Sulaiman and much, much more. Charmingly whimsical and breathtakingly illustrated, Muezza and Baby Jaan is a read like no other.
168 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2016
About the author
Anita Nair
118 books482 followersAnita Nair is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of the novels The Better Man, Ladies Coupé, Mistress, Lessons in Forgetting, Idris: Keeper of the Light and Alphabet Soup for Lovers. She has also authored a crime series featuring Inspector Gowda.
Anita Nair’s other books include a collection of poems titled Malabar Mind, a collection of essays titled Goodnight & God Bless and six books for children. Anita Nair has also written two plays and the screenplay for the movie adaptation of her novel Lessons in Forgetting which was part of the Indian Panorama at IFFI 2012 and won the National Film Award in 2013. Among other awards, she was also given the Central Sahitya Akademi award and the Crossword Prize. Her books have been translated into over thirty one languages around the world. She is also the founder of the creative writing and mentorship program Anita’s Attic.
Anita Nair’s other books include a collection of poems titled Malabar Mind, a collection of essays titled Goodnight & God Bless and six books for children. Anita Nair has also written two plays and the screenplay for the movie adaptation of her novel Lessons in Forgetting which was part of the Indian Panorama at IFFI 2012 and won the National Film Award in 2013. Among other awards, she was also given the Central Sahitya Akademi award and the Crossword Prize. Her books have been translated into over thirty one languages around the world. She is also the founder of the creative writing and mentorship program Anita’s Attic.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 12, 2017
A delightful read! I loved the illustrations, and the heartwarming friendship between Muezza, and Baby Jaan. I am sure I would revisit this book in a few years.
https://worncorners.com/2017/07/12/mu...
https://worncorners.com/2017/07/12/mu...
Did Not Finish
June 28, 2021The illustrations in the book are really awesome.
April 27, 2018
I have to give it to the author... to pick a subject as such and to write it with such authority. It must’ve taken plenty of research and cross checking to ensure it doesn’t offend anyone.
For me, personally, the stories were a tad disappointing because I’ve grown up listening to most of these and I’d heard them from the world’s best story teller- my grandmother. So nobody could possibly match up to that.
But what I LOVED was the illustration- my fav being queen bilquis. It added so much character to the book. And obviously the publisher’s belief to turn it into such a great quality book.
It’s a job well done!
For me, personally, the stories were a tad disappointing because I’ve grown up listening to most of these and I’d heard them from the world’s best story teller- my grandmother. So nobody could possibly match up to that.
But what I LOVED was the illustration- my fav being queen bilquis. It added so much character to the book. And obviously the publisher’s belief to turn it into such a great quality book.
It’s a job well done!
July 17, 2019
Do you know the name of Prophet Mohammed's mother?
Well, I didn't know it myself unless I read this book. We know the mother of Rama and Krishna, we even know the mother of Jesus Christ, but we hardly know much about Prophet Mohammed.
This book by Anita Nair (of Ladies Coupe fame) is a collection of stories from the Quran. I have not read the Quran, but I am glad, I read this book, a simplified version of the Holy Book.
A cat called Muezza and a baby djinn called Baby Jaan in the form of a baby camel find themselves stranded in a desert. Muezza, the cat of Shahir (the Prophet himself), has learnt quite a lot from being in close proximity to his master. She narrates stories to Baby Jaan, to keep her amused or the djinn would gobble her up. These stories are enlightening gems about Genesis, Adam and Hawwa (Eve), Iblis, Nuh (Noha) and its ark, Al-Kibblah, King Sulaiman, so on and so forth.
What I liked about the stories is the simplicity of its narration. The conversations between the cat and baby djinn are interesting and keep you engrossed. There are a few illustrations, but they are not in color. The reader will also find a glossary to help him with difficult words from the Arabic language.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who has not read Quran. It's a delightful book. Oh, and the mother of Prophet Mohammed was called Amina.
Age Group: 10+ years
Well, I didn't know it myself unless I read this book. We know the mother of Rama and Krishna, we even know the mother of Jesus Christ, but we hardly know much about Prophet Mohammed.
This book by Anita Nair (of Ladies Coupe fame) is a collection of stories from the Quran. I have not read the Quran, but I am glad, I read this book, a simplified version of the Holy Book.
A cat called Muezza and a baby djinn called Baby Jaan in the form of a baby camel find themselves stranded in a desert. Muezza, the cat of Shahir (the Prophet himself), has learnt quite a lot from being in close proximity to his master. She narrates stories to Baby Jaan, to keep her amused or the djinn would gobble her up. These stories are enlightening gems about Genesis, Adam and Hawwa (Eve), Iblis, Nuh (Noha) and its ark, Al-Kibblah, King Sulaiman, so on and so forth.
What I liked about the stories is the simplicity of its narration. The conversations between the cat and baby djinn are interesting and keep you engrossed. There are a few illustrations, but they are not in color. The reader will also find a glossary to help him with difficult words from the Arabic language.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who has not read Quran. It's a delightful book. Oh, and the mother of Prophet Mohammed was called Amina.
Age Group: 10+ years
Read
July 19, 2019@anitanairauthor writes a masterpiece that is very different from her earlier works of fiction in her all new Muezza and Baby Jaan - Stories from the Quran
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I can almost hear aloud your topmost query. Why would I read Quran stories to my baby? .
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Well, this book was inspired after the horrific Nairobi shootout in 2013 during which Muslims where spared and others succumbed. The author decided to show the world - the children ; that Quraan taught tolerance and love and this is what the Prophet truly taught.
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This book follows the Prophet's favourite cat -Muezza through a journey in the dessert. Baby Jaan is a lost camel and convinces Muezza to narrate short stories through their journey.
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Amazing stories, a total of 28 in number, are spun including one where we find out why Eid is celebrated. Each one has a morale and preaches a beautiful emotion and is very sensitively written.
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Eventually the author portrays how the cat and the camel of different philosophies reluctantly interact and end up forming a beautiful friendship. The book is an epitome projection of acceptance and tolerance! Kudos to that.
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Age: 10 plus.
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I can almost hear aloud your topmost query. Why would I read Quran stories to my baby? .
.
Well, this book was inspired after the horrific Nairobi shootout in 2013 during which Muslims where spared and others succumbed. The author decided to show the world - the children ; that Quraan taught tolerance and love and this is what the Prophet truly taught.
.
.
.
This book follows the Prophet's favourite cat -Muezza through a journey in the dessert. Baby Jaan is a lost camel and convinces Muezza to narrate short stories through their journey.
.
.
.
Amazing stories, a total of 28 in number, are spun including one where we find out why Eid is celebrated. Each one has a morale and preaches a beautiful emotion and is very sensitively written.
.
.
Eventually the author portrays how the cat and the camel of different philosophies reluctantly interact and end up forming a beautiful friendship. The book is an epitome projection of acceptance and tolerance! Kudos to that.
.
.
Age: 10 plus.
July 23, 2019
"Wouldn't you look like the brightest star in the sky if you found out you have God's breath in you?"
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A beautiful thought that has gone behind the making of this book called "Muezza and baby Jaan- stories from the Quran", is to reveal what Quran contains, apart from the teachings of the religion. The preface in itself will stir something inside you. A slow paced book, which reminds you of the work of Paulo Coelho and the likes, it's about Muezza , a cat , and baby Jaan- a camel ( actually a djinn). .
While Muezza and baby Jaan wander through the unending desert to find their destination, the cat narrates the camel some whimsical tales of the Islamic folklore- about how God created Adam , Hauwaa and Iblis. Recommended for children above 10 years of age, this one is an award winning number by Anita Nair. There are some beautiful lines which I myself would love to read out to my son one day, and know his reaction on them.❤️ .
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.
.
A beautiful thought that has gone behind the making of this book called "Muezza and baby Jaan- stories from the Quran", is to reveal what Quran contains, apart from the teachings of the religion. The preface in itself will stir something inside you. A slow paced book, which reminds you of the work of Paulo Coelho and the likes, it's about Muezza , a cat , and baby Jaan- a camel ( actually a djinn). .
While Muezza and baby Jaan wander through the unending desert to find their destination, the cat narrates the camel some whimsical tales of the Islamic folklore- about how God created Adam , Hauwaa and Iblis. Recommended for children above 10 years of age, this one is an award winning number by Anita Nair. There are some beautiful lines which I myself would love to read out to my son one day, and know his reaction on them.❤️ .
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July 26, 2019
The book, aimed at tweens, teens and adults is a beautiful collection of stories from the Quran. I loved that a lot of animal stories were included and the whole premise between Muezza the cat and Baby Jaan the djinn showed so much growth, love and friendship.
I was brought up on these stories- from the Mahabharat, and the Old testament. I had a crisis of faith once, I struggled a bit, read a lot, and finally found it, inside me.
I'd like the same for V. I'd like her to be exposed to as many cultures as possible, and find her own relationship with God, whenever she is ready.
Stories have a way of doing that. They transform the listener as well as the narrator. I have become so much more mindful and consider a lot more perspectives thanks to my little audience.
And Muezza and Baby Jaan exhibits just that. Both the protagonists are transformed after about 4 days of storytelling.
Would recommend this book for adults or teens followed by a dollop of conversations.
I was brought up on these stories- from the Mahabharat, and the Old testament. I had a crisis of faith once, I struggled a bit, read a lot, and finally found it, inside me.
I'd like the same for V. I'd like her to be exposed to as many cultures as possible, and find her own relationship with God, whenever she is ready.
Stories have a way of doing that. They transform the listener as well as the narrator. I have become so much more mindful and consider a lot more perspectives thanks to my little audience.
And Muezza and Baby Jaan exhibits just that. Both the protagonists are transformed after about 4 days of storytelling.
Would recommend this book for adults or teens followed by a dollop of conversations.
July 23, 2019
Muezza and Baby Jaan by Anita Nair published by Puffin books of Penguin India is one gem of a book. It is a rare infusion of knowledge and entertainment. The book clearly makes a strong statement.
Muezza and Baby Jaan follows the story of a baby djinn and a cat called Muezza.
This book was a pleasant experience. I completed this book in single sitting. The stories were so involving that I stayed up all night to finish this book. Considering that it is children’s literature it is one gem of a book that you can bring for your child or gift it to kids without thinking twice.
More abt the book: https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
Muezza and Baby Jaan follows the story of a baby djinn and a cat called Muezza.
This book was a pleasant experience. I completed this book in single sitting. The stories were so involving that I stayed up all night to finish this book. Considering that it is children’s literature it is one gem of a book that you can bring for your child or gift it to kids without thinking twice.
More abt the book: https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
Read
July 31, 2019We all know stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Jesus and his life but little does a non-Muslim knows about the Prophet and Quran.
@anitanairauthor brings you Muezza and Baby Jaan, Stories from the Quran.
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This book has stories from Quran narrated by Muezza, Prophet Muhammad's cat and Baby Jaan, a camel who is actually a Djinn. Muezza and Baby Jaan are stuck in desert for 3days and the curious camel knows about various stories and morals of the Islamic lore, from the cat. As the stories unfold, they start bonding.
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Simple language and amazing stories makes it very interesting. There are 28 stories to be specific and this book has helped me know so much more about the Islamic lore and faith.
@anitanairauthor brings you Muezza and Baby Jaan, Stories from the Quran.
.
This book has stories from Quran narrated by Muezza, Prophet Muhammad's cat and Baby Jaan, a camel who is actually a Djinn. Muezza and Baby Jaan are stuck in desert for 3days and the curious camel knows about various stories and morals of the Islamic lore, from the cat. As the stories unfold, they start bonding.
.
Simple language and amazing stories makes it very interesting. There are 28 stories to be specific and this book has helped me know so much more about the Islamic lore and faith.
July 24, 2019
Anita Nair has chosen a wonderful subject for a children’s book. As she rightly says, most people that aren’t believers of Islam, are unaware of the teachings of this ancient and revered religion.
Relating the wise tenets of Islam through stories, is the ideal way to increase knowledge while also retaining the interest of the reader.
She picks many anecdotes about animals, which will certainly appeal to all children. The reader learns the importance of mercy, peace, respect and humility, among other fine qualities.
Her book is well-written and also subtly lays emphasis on the art of storytelling as well as teaching good vocabulary.
The two protagonists, the cat and the djinn/camel, make a lovely pair. I enjoyed their chemistry, light-hearted banter and beautiful friendship far more than the Quranic stories. I hope to see them again in future books!
However, I found the narrative style slightly annoying. The Quranic stories are fluidly incorporated in the protagonists’ storyline, which breaks the flow and lets the mind drift. I found myself losing interest on a few occasions. This may have been different, had a “Vikram-Betaal” style of storytelling been established, where the protagonists make an appearance only at the beginning and end of a chapter.
THE VERDICT:
Despite the slightly disconnected narrative, the book was interesting and thought-provoking. It is a wonderful way to introduce your children to a world they may know nothing about. I certainly didn’t know most of these Quranic stories, and I’m glad I’ve read them now.
The book is aimed at children above the age of 7, but people of all ages will enjoy it.
Relating the wise tenets of Islam through stories, is the ideal way to increase knowledge while also retaining the interest of the reader.
She picks many anecdotes about animals, which will certainly appeal to all children. The reader learns the importance of mercy, peace, respect and humility, among other fine qualities.
Her book is well-written and also subtly lays emphasis on the art of storytelling as well as teaching good vocabulary.
The two protagonists, the cat and the djinn/camel, make a lovely pair. I enjoyed their chemistry, light-hearted banter and beautiful friendship far more than the Quranic stories. I hope to see them again in future books!
However, I found the narrative style slightly annoying. The Quranic stories are fluidly incorporated in the protagonists’ storyline, which breaks the flow and lets the mind drift. I found myself losing interest on a few occasions. This may have been different, had a “Vikram-Betaal” style of storytelling been established, where the protagonists make an appearance only at the beginning and end of a chapter.
THE VERDICT:
Despite the slightly disconnected narrative, the book was interesting and thought-provoking. It is a wonderful way to introduce your children to a world they may know nothing about. I certainly didn’t know most of these Quranic stories, and I’m glad I’ve read them now.
The book is aimed at children above the age of 7, but people of all ages will enjoy it.
July 23, 2019
Are you looking for stories to read to your child or gift to your nephew or niece? Why go for the ones that have been circulated for generations? Instead chose this gem that has more than 2 dozen wonderful stories that are filled with deep thoughts but written in simple language for children around 10+ years.
A lovely read by Anita Nair
A lovely read by Anita Nair
July 14, 2019
A beautiful and heart warming read for adults and children alike. Teaches us a lot about friendships, mercy, peace, love and many more aspects of life. It also teaches us a lot of things about the teachings from Quran, not known to a lot of us.
July 23, 2019
A beautiful book with stories from the Holy Book Quran narrated beautifully through Prophet's cat and a shape shifting Jinn in the form of a white camel. This book has my heart. Stories from this book will always stay close to my heart.
July 25, 2019
It's a beautiful book, which talks about folklore and tales from Quran,it is well written and is a good read for any one.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews