Saif’s Special Patches

PreS-Gr 2–Malik’s picture book offers the hopeful and overarching theme that we are more than what we think we are. Saif, a young Muslim boy, stays inside with his mom while he watches his friends play outside through the window. When asked, he tells his mother that he is too shy to play. In response, his mother points to a patch on his quilt and shares that just as it is made of patches sewn together, he is made of many elements as well. Readers will identify with Saif for the moments of fear and self-doubt that are presented in a relatable way. With each new experience, Saif initially doubts himself, but with the help of his mother, father, and brother, is able to see that he is brave, smart, persistent, and helpful. Sader evokes peace and calm with a brightly colored palette of yellows, reds, purples, and blues reminiscent of pastels on a watercolor background.