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Most Magnificent Mosque
Visitors to the mosque at Cordoba are plagued by the tricks of three naughty boys: Muslim Rashid, Jewish Samuel, and Christian Miguel. As punishment, the boys are forced to work in the mosque gardens, where they develop a deep sense of the building's beauty and significance. Years later, when the Christian king threatens to demolish the Islamic mosque and build a church in its place, the three friends reunite to hatch a plan to save the great mosque. Ann Jungman's moving story and Shelley Fowles's captivating images show how cooperation and respect for others can lead to great things.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2004
3 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Ann Jungman
148 books8 followersAnn Jungman was born in London, of German Jewish refugees. She grew up in North London, had a very ordinary childhood and there were certainly no signs of interest in, or particular ability at, writing. After studying law at Exeter University, she read for the Bar at Gray’s Inn. To get some money while studying Ann did some supply teaching. This seemed much more fun and challenging than law, so she decided to train to become a primary school teacher. She says the best bit about this was reading books to children.
Ann began to invent her own stories; the children liked them and she was encouraged enough to write them down. After some years she got one published, ‘Fang the Fiery Dragon’. When a friend invited her to go on a weeks holiday to Romania she found herself in Vampire Land - Transylvania - and there ‘Vlad the Drac’ was born. Vlad has been a huge success and in all six books have been written, translated into many languages, and broadcast on radio and television.
Ann has also written about wolves, witches, trolls, dragons and Frank N Stein’s Monster. “Monsters are fun!” she says, “You can do what you like with them, reality doesn’t have to be taken into account. Anyway, all my monsters turn out to be nice really.” Ann’s books range from picture books to full length novels and cover an age range of three to thirteen. Recent books include the much praised ‘The Most Magnificent Mosque’, and a trilogy about World War II, ‘Resistance’, ‘Betrayal’ and ‘Siege’. Ann is currently writing a novel about the Australian Gold Rush, as well as running her publishing company Barn Owl Books. Barn Owl Books is an independent publishing company that re-releases out-of-print children's books, publishing 8 books a year.
Ann began to invent her own stories; the children liked them and she was encouraged enough to write them down. After some years she got one published, ‘Fang the Fiery Dragon’. When a friend invited her to go on a weeks holiday to Romania she found herself in Vampire Land - Transylvania - and there ‘Vlad the Drac’ was born. Vlad has been a huge success and in all six books have been written, translated into many languages, and broadcast on radio and television.
Ann has also written about wolves, witches, trolls, dragons and Frank N Stein’s Monster. “Monsters are fun!” she says, “You can do what you like with them, reality doesn’t have to be taken into account. Anyway, all my monsters turn out to be nice really.” Ann’s books range from picture books to full length novels and cover an age range of three to thirteen. Recent books include the much praised ‘The Most Magnificent Mosque’, and a trilogy about World War II, ‘Resistance’, ‘Betrayal’ and ‘Siege’. Ann is currently writing a novel about the Australian Gold Rush, as well as running her publishing company Barn Owl Books. Barn Owl Books is an independent publishing company that re-releases out-of-print children's books, publishing 8 books a year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 18, 2014
The Magnificent Mosque by A.Jungman and S Fowles.
This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and based on a true story in historical Cordoba, a city in southern Spain. The people of Cordoba were proud of their mosque and the gardens full of orange trees that surrounded it but three boys from three different faiths, Rashid- Muslim, Samuel- Jewish and Miguel- Christian enjoyed playing pranks in the garden by throwing oranges at the local citizens. When caught the Caliph punishes the boys by ordering them to work in the garden as cleaners. It is then that the boys begin to appreciate the magnificence of the Mosque, its courtyard and garden.
The story then moves forward in time and the city of Cordoba is taken over by Christian rule. When the Christian King Fernando threatens to destroy the Mosque and turn it into a church the three boys (now men), unite together and manage to persuade the King that; the citizens of Cordoba would like the Mosque to remain, to which the King agreed. The three boys with their respective faith united as one voice in the face of power.
This is an excellent book that can stimulate discussion amongst children and can be used as part of Citizenship, PSHE or RE lessons at KS1 and KS2. It teaches children about tolerance and mutual respect between members of different communities.
This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and based on a true story in historical Cordoba, a city in southern Spain. The people of Cordoba were proud of their mosque and the gardens full of orange trees that surrounded it but three boys from three different faiths, Rashid- Muslim, Samuel- Jewish and Miguel- Christian enjoyed playing pranks in the garden by throwing oranges at the local citizens. When caught the Caliph punishes the boys by ordering them to work in the garden as cleaners. It is then that the boys begin to appreciate the magnificence of the Mosque, its courtyard and garden.
The story then moves forward in time and the city of Cordoba is taken over by Christian rule. When the Christian King Fernando threatens to destroy the Mosque and turn it into a church the three boys (now men), unite together and manage to persuade the King that; the citizens of Cordoba would like the Mosque to remain, to which the King agreed. The three boys with their respective faith united as one voice in the face of power.
This is an excellent book that can stimulate discussion amongst children and can be used as part of Citizenship, PSHE or RE lessons at KS1 and KS2. It teaches children about tolerance and mutual respect between members of different communities.
September 8, 2011
The Most Magnificent Mosque
Ann Jungman has written a book which tells a story of how people of different faiths can co-exist and live happily and peacefully with one and other.
The book is a historical fiction story set in Cordoba, Spain, and starts in the 8th century AD where Arabs had conquered the city and pulled the church down, replacing it with a mosque. Christians re-conquered the city in 1236 and replaced the mosque with a church. Tired of the upheaval and friction between people of different religions, three boys, one of Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths, put their differences to one side and became close friends.
There is a wonderful moral to this story which makes it a perfect book to be read by young children and touches on many aspects relevant to Citizenship lessons. Jungman’s story promotes tolerance and respect between people of different faiths or cultures. This book is ideal for all children, particularly those living in multi-faith communities such as London.
Ann Jungman has written a book which tells a story of how people of different faiths can co-exist and live happily and peacefully with one and other.
The book is a historical fiction story set in Cordoba, Spain, and starts in the 8th century AD where Arabs had conquered the city and pulled the church down, replacing it with a mosque. Christians re-conquered the city in 1236 and replaced the mosque with a church. Tired of the upheaval and friction between people of different religions, three boys, one of Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths, put their differences to one side and became close friends.
There is a wonderful moral to this story which makes it a perfect book to be read by young children and touches on many aspects relevant to Citizenship lessons. Jungman’s story promotes tolerance and respect between people of different faiths or cultures. This book is ideal for all children, particularly those living in multi-faith communities such as London.
September 10, 2020
Ages 4 and up. Based on a true story, a tale of interfaith cooperation among three Christian, Jewish and Muslim men who cherish the awe-inspiring Mezquita in Spain and stand up to the new Christian King Ferdnando when he wins the war and orders it destroyed. He ultimately compromises and builds a chapel in the middle of the Mezquita while letting people of all faiths enjoy the building and the gardens.
This is a departure from the facts - Ferdinand and Isabella were the instigators of the Spanish Inquisition that forced Jewish Spaniards to convert or leave the kingdom. Requests from Muslims today to worship at the Mezquita have thusfar been rejected by the Vatican. But the happy ending presented here is an appropriate fairy tale for preschoolers for learning the value of religious tolerance and interfaith friendship.
This is a departure from the facts - Ferdinand and Isabella were the instigators of the Spanish Inquisition that forced Jewish Spaniards to convert or leave the kingdom. Requests from Muslims today to worship at the Mezquita have thusfar been rejected by the Vatican. But the happy ending presented here is an appropriate fairy tale for preschoolers for learning the value of religious tolerance and interfaith friendship.
June 17, 2012
This is a great book that tell the story of how visitors to the mosque at Cordoba are plagued by the tricks of three naughty boy; Muslim Rashid, Jewish Samuel, and Christian Miguel. As punishment for their behaviour, the boys are forced to work in the mosque gardens where they develop a deep sense of the building's beauty and significance. Many years later when the Christian King threatens to demolish the Islamic mosque and build a church in its place, the three friends reunite to hatch a plan to save the great mosque. The book can be used in RE or PSHE lesson to teach children of all ages about the importance of respect for others, and how by working together a positive outcome can be achieved.
July 8, 2021
Baca di Scribd, tapi dapat yang isinya saja, hanya satu ilustrasi. Padahal ini picture book yang sepertinya bagus ilustrasinya melihat dari sampul. Tapi karena penasaran, nggak ada lah baca ceritanya saja, meski nggak puas :)
Ceritanya cukup menarik, tentang tiga anak berbeda agama yang bersahabat. Rashid (Muslim), Samuel (Yahudi), dan Miguel. Mereka tinggal di Cordoba yang saat itu dipimpin oleh Kesultanan Islam dan terkenal dengan la convivencia atau co-existed, ketika Muslim, Yahudi, dan Kristen, hidup rukun berdampingan. Sebuah kejadian membuat mereka dihukum oleh khalifah, membersihkan taman di Masjid Agung Cordoba selama beberapa bulan. Hukuman itu menyadari mereka keindahan La Mezquita de Cordoba. Mereka tumbuh besar, masing-masing memiliki profesi; Rashid sebagai dokter, Samuel seorang penjelajah, dan Miguel pemilik lahan pertanian.
Hingga suatu hari kekuasaan Kristen menguasai kembali Cordoba. Raja Fernando yang saat itu berkuasa akan menghancurkan La Mezquita. Kabar itu didengar oleh Miguel yang mengenal raja. Miguel pun mengabarkan pada kedua sahabatnya. Kemudan mereka bersepakat melakukan sebuah rencana. Apa rencana itu? Apakah raja tetap akan menghancurkan La Mezquita?
Endingnya tentu bisa ditebak. Namun menurut saya, banyak detail yang agak dikaburkan. Bagaimana pun, kekuasaan Kristen saat itu telah menghancurkan kultur la convivencia pada masyarakat Cordoba, dan Andalusia umumnya. Apalagi sejarah menorehkan, bagaimana kekuasaan Kristen mengusir Yahudi, bahkan menghabisi Muslim dan memaksa untuk menjadi penganut Kristen, dengan lembaga inkuisisi. Meskipun sejarah juga mencatat masih ada sekelompok kecil Muslim (Morisco) yang tetap hidup di Spanyol dan mengamalkan Islam sehari-hari walau harus menyamar sebagai penganut Kristen.
Eh, tapi kan ini buku anak ya? Hahaha. Yaah, memang sepertinya difokuskan pada pesan utama tentang persahabatan dan toleransi. Hanya saja terkesan Raja Fernando sangat baik hati dan toleran, padahal kenyataan sebenarnya tidak begitu.
Ya udah deh, 3,5 stars (tetap 4 stars di rating :D), karena belum banyak picture book yang mengangkat tentang Masjid Cordoba.
Ceritanya cukup menarik, tentang tiga anak berbeda agama yang bersahabat. Rashid (Muslim), Samuel (Yahudi), dan Miguel. Mereka tinggal di Cordoba yang saat itu dipimpin oleh Kesultanan Islam dan terkenal dengan la convivencia atau co-existed, ketika Muslim, Yahudi, dan Kristen, hidup rukun berdampingan. Sebuah kejadian membuat mereka dihukum oleh khalifah, membersihkan taman di Masjid Agung Cordoba selama beberapa bulan. Hukuman itu menyadari mereka keindahan La Mezquita de Cordoba. Mereka tumbuh besar, masing-masing memiliki profesi; Rashid sebagai dokter, Samuel seorang penjelajah, dan Miguel pemilik lahan pertanian.
Hingga suatu hari kekuasaan Kristen menguasai kembali Cordoba. Raja Fernando yang saat itu berkuasa akan menghancurkan La Mezquita. Kabar itu didengar oleh Miguel yang mengenal raja. Miguel pun mengabarkan pada kedua sahabatnya. Kemudan mereka bersepakat melakukan sebuah rencana. Apa rencana itu? Apakah raja tetap akan menghancurkan La Mezquita?
Endingnya tentu bisa ditebak. Namun menurut saya, banyak detail yang agak dikaburkan. Bagaimana pun, kekuasaan Kristen saat itu telah menghancurkan kultur la convivencia pada masyarakat Cordoba, dan Andalusia umumnya. Apalagi sejarah menorehkan, bagaimana kekuasaan Kristen mengusir Yahudi, bahkan menghabisi Muslim dan memaksa untuk menjadi penganut Kristen, dengan lembaga inkuisisi. Meskipun sejarah juga mencatat masih ada sekelompok kecil Muslim (Morisco) yang tetap hidup di Spanyol dan mengamalkan Islam sehari-hari walau harus menyamar sebagai penganut Kristen.
Eh, tapi kan ini buku anak ya? Hahaha. Yaah, memang sepertinya difokuskan pada pesan utama tentang persahabatan dan toleransi. Hanya saja terkesan Raja Fernando sangat baik hati dan toleran, padahal kenyataan sebenarnya tidak begitu.
Ya udah deh, 3,5 stars (tetap 4 stars di rating :D), karena belum banyak picture book yang mengangkat tentang Masjid Cordoba.
February 21, 2018
This book shows three boys living in Cordoba- one is Jewish, one is a Muslim and one is a Christian. The three boys play together in the grounds of the mosque but end up causing trouble and getting caught. They are punished and forced to work in the gardens for three months. Every night they would go into the mosque together. Samuel who was Jewish and Miguel who was a Christian did not realise how beautiful the mosque really was until they went inside. They began to love working in the garden and truly appreciated the beauty of the mosque.
Years later when they learnt that the mosque was in danger they came back together to help save it. The book tales the story of three different religions working together for the same thing. This is a truly lovely story with a very important message.
Years later when they learnt that the mosque was in danger they came back together to help save it. The book tales the story of three different religions working together for the same thing. This is a truly lovely story with a very important message.
January 1, 2024
Meet three boys who have a lot in common and develop even more.
At the time of the story, back when Moors ruled southern Spain, these boys were pranksters. Rashid (a Muslim), Samuel (a Jew), and Miguel (a Christian)— got caught pulling pranks on visitors to the Mosque of Cordoba. Their punishment was to garden together. Thus, a fast friendship was forged.
Years later, the king was about to pull down the mosque. But the three friends begged him to9 reconsider.
Incidentally, this story could have taken place any time between 711 and 1492. Because that's how long Moors ruled southern Spain.
FIVE STARS for a beautiful, uplifting tale of friendship.
At the time of the story, back when Moors ruled southern Spain, these boys were pranksters. Rashid (a Muslim), Samuel (a Jew), and Miguel (a Christian)— got caught pulling pranks on visitors to the Mosque of Cordoba. Their punishment was to garden together. Thus, a fast friendship was forged.
Years later, the king was about to pull down the mosque. But the three friends begged him to9 reconsider.
Incidentally, this story could have taken place any time between 711 and 1492. Because that's how long Moors ruled southern Spain.
FIVE STARS for a beautiful, uplifting tale of friendship.
November 30, 2023
A story about three boys who are friends a Muslim (Rashid), a Jew (Samuel) and a Christian (Miguel) who after misbehaving are forced to work at gardeners in the Mosque’s gardens in their hometown of Cordoba through the course of the story the boys learn and grow to understand its importance to the community and years later when the king threatens to demolish it the three will once again band together to save their magnificent mosque. The book was chosen so that the pupils could learn about other religions and how there is a variety of holy places (like a church).
October 12, 2020
KS2- Brilliant. Stunning, colourful illustrations, go with a wonderful story which shows us how, if we work together regardless of faith or background, we can preserve and protect our communities and keep what is beautiful in them. The story is also based on real historical events which adds another layer of interest for children. Brilliant for RS and PSHE discussions and explorations.
October 8, 2018
This book has some very important messages within it e.g the unity of religions that can be relevant across the whole school as well as equality between religions. With its beautiful illustrations, it can be used as part of Art lessons studying Islamic patterns as well as RE.
May 10, 2022
Breathtaking pictures! Really one of the most beautifully-illustrated children's books I've ever seen. The story wasn't particularly memorable though (cookie-cutter/boilerplate kumbaya), so three stars.
January 9, 2019
A lovely book of communities coming together
April 17, 2020
😭💕
*detail review later. Still wanna cry. This is great book
*detail review later. Still wanna cry. This is great book
October 16, 2020
A beautiful book that considers different religions. Teaches respect of other peoples beliefs in any exciting, enjoyable way.
September 7, 2021
A cute story about the diversity and the Mosque in Cordoba, Spain, which is a wonder!
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January 18, 2022I'm hesitant to share this because of the historical inaccuracies there may be...
July 12, 2020
Beautifully, beautifully illustrated. I enjoyed the moral of the story, but I wish it had just a bit more plot to it. Otherwise, it was a wonderful children's book.
May 5, 2014
"In the early 8th Century AD, the Arabs conquered southern Spain and transformed Cordoba into a centre of wealth and learning. They pulled down the church and began building their great mosque (La Mezquita) with its fountain, Courtyard of the Orange Trees and forest of columns supporting the roof. It became the second largest mosque in the Islamic world. When the Christians re-conquered Cordoba in 1236, they converted the building for Christian use. Spaniards now look back with pride at the tolerant rule of the Moors when three religions lived peacefully side by side. Cordobans do not say, "I went to Mass at the Cathedral", but "I went to Mass at the Mosque." This is a story of friendship between three friends, a Christian, a Jew, and a Moslem who works together to save the Mosque. Delightful story about tolerance and friendship across cultural lines.
November 22, 2011
I don't usually grant many books a five star rating but this book is one that I hope everyone has a chance to read and share with their children of all ages. The author tells the story of the Great Mosque of Cordoba in a manner in which is unbiased or swaying towards any of the three major religions represented in the story. I would encourage parents and teachers alike to use it as an introduction to the teaching of tolerance and acceptance both in the classroom and at home.
May 22, 2013
The Most Magnificent Mosque by Ann Tungman, illustrated by Shelley Fowles – Fascinating to jump back in time to 1236 Cordoba where Spaniards have historical pride when three religions lived peacefully side by side. How powerful is a story that has three religious communities “with one voice” are able to speak up to their new king to help all citizens. I’d share this voice in connection with units where you are talking about taking action and how a small voice can still be powerful.
November 24, 2010
The Most Magnificent Mosque tells the story of three boys who put their religions aside in favor of friendship and fun. This is a great story for children to acknowledge differences between one another and understand that no matter how different your beliefs may be, we can still learn to get along with one another.
March 5, 2016
Lovely book about three children -- one Christian, one Jewish, one Muslim -- who grow up playing together in the gardens of the Great Mosque in Cordoba, Spain. When King Ferdinand threatens to pull down the mosque, the three (now adults) band together to save the mosque. A much-needed story about interfaith friendship that isn't (pardon the pun) preachy.
August 12, 2009
i wish somebody cant wrote a book like this about HAGIA SOFIA, Istanbul :)
November 1, 2010
What a timely find!
May 19, 2011
Nice story about people of different faiths coming together to save an important part of their town. Good in conjuction with an elementary school social studies lesson on the Moors in Spain.
May 9, 2020
Read at story time at the National Geographic Museum in Washington DC in July 2012.
March 8, 2014
It was really nice how they showed the friendship between all three religions. It's doesn't happen very often so I was happy!
July 15, 2014
Enjoyable! Beautiful colors and a great story.
August 20, 2015
Cool book about the Great Mosque in Cordoba, Spain. I recommend it for kids as part of the conversation about religious diversity and tolerance.
August 3, 2016
Lovely tale of friendship but light on dates and observable artistic detail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews