Key Selling Points

• Based on the true story of the construction and transportation of a mosque to mainland Canada’s northern-most town, Inuvik, a journey of 4,200 km.
• This book shines a light on the Muslim community in the Canadian North.
• Both author and illustrator identify as Muslim.
• Illustrator's debut picture book.

Shazia Afzal has been a teacher and storyteller for over twenty years. Having immigrated to Canada in 2002, Shazia sought to live near her community mosque with every move. Because of her firsthand understanding of the challenges Muslim families face in new communities, the incredible story behind the construction and transportation of the Midnight Sun Mosque resonated with Shazia. She felt compelled to share the story with children who may not have heard of its epic adventure and to remind young readers that it is a blessing to live in a country where people are free to practice their faith. Shazia lives in Mississauga, Ontario.

Aliya Ghare graduated from OCAD University, where she majored in illustration and minored in English, with the hope of combining the two disciplines to write and illustrate children’s picture books and graphic novels. She enjoys creating visually rich and poetic imagery, and exploring social and political issues, as well as human interest subjects, in her work. In addition to illustrating picture books, her illustrative works range from editorial to advertising, surface design and more. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration and Adobe, and has been awarded by and published in the Applied Arts and 3x3 magazines. Aliya lives in Toronto.

Marketing and Promotional Plans

• Print and online advertising campaigns
• Promotion at national and regional school, library and trade conferences
• Extensive ARC distribution, including NetGalley
• Blog and social media promotion
• Outreach in Orca newsletters

“Shows how people from different cultures and religions came together to complete a project that helped a community feel welcomed and loved. Highly Recommended.” - CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Ghare's scenic, digital illustrations do the heavy lifting in this intriguing story narrated in straightforward, spare text… A simple, celebratory story of community collaboration and religious tolerance.” - Kirkus Reviews

“I LOVED the book! It’s delightful! Love the illustrations. Love the way you handled the story. Masha Allah tabarakullah feeq!” - Rukhsana Khan, author

“A lovely recounting of how the Inuvik people received their first mosque. Afzal portrays this important historical event in a way which highlights community togetherness and human kindness. A treat for all children, teaching them that the seemingly impossible can sometimes be accomplished with some good-heartedness and a bit of teamwork.” - Hend Hegazi, author, editor, and writing coach

“It is a sweet instance of real life being harder to believe than fiction. It warms your heart and reminds you that there are so many good people doing selfless things for the benefit of others, every single day, subhanAllah.” - Islamic School Librarian

“Shazia celebrates the multicultural effort of the people who worked hard to get the mosque to its destination. Aliya's images brings such diversity to life through her colour and costuming of the people involved. Congratulations to Shazia and Aliya for telling us the awesome journey of the Midnight Sun Mosque in such a charming way." - Katherine Bullock, PhD President, Compass Books

“An uplifting, effectively delivered account of acceptance, support, and solidarity.” - Booklist

“Many emotions are shown in the clear and colorful illustrations that follow the mosque...The story is a testament to the good will and support that reflect on 'helpers' - people who make our world a much better place.” - Sal's Fiction Addiction

“Striking, and the spreads convey just how massive an undertaking this was…It’s epic, and an example of strong faith and community.” - School Library Journal

“A muted palette and clean art style accompany the straightforward narrative of a great feat of cooperation and community support.” - Cooperative Children's Book Center