Sleeping Beauty

Praise for other publications in the Islamic Fairy Tales series:

"Simple, colorful illustrations enhance this lovely recreation of a cherished fairy tale. . . . Cinderella: An Islamic Tale is highly recommended especially for children's public library multicultural picture book collections."—The Midwest Book Review

"In this version, the heroine is pious as well as pretty. . . . The full-color watercolors, with some Anatolian details in clothing and household goods, are attractive."—Kirkus Reviews, on Snow White: An Islamic Tale

After the wicked Count Lahab promises to crush the young princess Mariam at her aqiqah, she is hidden within the king's castle.

Many peaceful years pass, but, upon news of Mariam's wedding, they come to a piercing end. Count Lahab finds a way to deceive the castle and present her with a beautiful hijab pin, covered in poison, that leaves her in a deep, unbreakable sleep.

After potions and prayers have no effect her husband, Haris, is told to go on a perilous journey to Makkah to pray for her recovery and bring back zam zam water for her to drink. But, faced by Count Lahab and his outlaws, what does his destiny hold?

Fawzia Gilani has worked as a teacher, librarian, and school principal in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada since 1993. She is the author of thirty children's books, mostly on the topic of Eid. She also works as an educational consultant and is currently based in Qatar.