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Yasmin #1-4

Meet Yasmin!

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Meet Yasmin! Yasmin Ahmad is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.

96 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2018

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About the author

Saadia Faruqi

105 books419 followers
Saadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American author, essayist and interfaith activist. She writes the children’s early reader series “Yasmin” published by Capstone and other books for children, including middle grade novels “A Place At The Table” (HMH/Clarion 2020) co-written with Laura Shovan, and “A Thousand Questions” (Harper Collins 2020). She has also written “Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan” a short story collection for adults and teens. Saadia is editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose, and was featured in Oprah Magazine in 2017 as a woman making a difference in her community. She resides in Houston, TX with her husband and children.

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5 stars
614 (45%)
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536 (39%)
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172 (12%)
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17 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 337 reviews
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
2,395 reviews5,783 followers
February 5, 2023
Another wonderful children's transitional chapter book series to dive into. I've been recommended the Yasmin books for a while, but I'm just now getting the opportunity to dive into the them and I must say that I'm not disappointed by any means. This first installment is a bind up of the first four books in the series including Yasmin the Explorer, Yasmin the Builder, Yasmin the Artist, and Yasmin the Fashionista. All of the stories provide fun ways for readers to get to know Yasmin and her family as she explores new activities, faces new challenges, and learns new things about herself. The accompanying illustrations add to the fun and joy of the books. I would definitely recommend these books for readers that are looking to move on past beginner readers, but aren't exactly ready for lengthy chapter books. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Shoa Khan.
166 reviews166 followers
January 9, 2021
Read this cute lil picture book along with Yasmin the Teacher on Mother's Day coz my mum's name is Yasmin and she's a teacher so it was rather fitting 😂
It was so much fun to imagine my mom as the protagonist of these stories.
It also had the added bonus of having a character named after my dad in her class ❤️😂

Also wanted to read something Ramadan themed.

'Meet Yasmin' was a collection of four stories about lil Yasmin and her adventures. All stories involved some challenge and how Yasmin overcomes them all.
The books also came with a handy Urdu words' meanings and pronunciation guide and also facts about the author's home country of Pakistan.
Loved the illustrations too!

Profile Image for Shenwei.
462 reviews224 followers
April 2, 2018
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a super cute and fun read. Each of the stories engages the curiosity and creativity of young children through short illustrated anecdotes that present a problem or challenge and lead to a solution through Yasmin exercising her imagination and brainstorming. Yasmin's Pakistani family and heritage are seamlessly integrated into the story, and the final pages include a glossary and facts sheet that teach a little Urdu and Pakistani culture. In short, it's a great read that works as both a window and mirror book.
Profile Image for Janssen.
1,673 reviews4,240 followers
June 4, 2020
This was darling and perfect for Princess in Black or Mercy Watson fans with short chapters and full-color illustrations on each page.
Profile Image for halfirishgrin.
288 reviews192 followers
April 3, 2018
This was such a great book! Yasmin is a curious, adorable Pakistani American second-grader. Her interests take her from being an explorer, to a painter, and lastly, to being a fashionista.

Meet Yasmin! is a great book that encourages children to engage with the world around them and be imaginative. It also features a Pakistani American family whose customs and cultures are naturally integrated into the book - and are a seamless part of Yasmin and her daily life. All of this is aided by some wonderful illustrations!

The end of the book also features a glossary of Urdu words, a fact sheet about Pakistan, and a recipe for Lassi!
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 2 books255 followers
May 4, 2018
Four delightful stories with illustrations to match. The MC, Yasmin, is creative and bold while also finding her way through sometimes being worried or unsure. Relatable and full of spirit and fun, this early reader/early chapter book is a treat.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
4,517 reviews
August 16, 2020
Sweet, gentle episodes with themes that will resonate for most American children while highlighting Yasmin's Pakistani heritage. I so appreciate the loving, multi-generational family and Yasmin's ups and downs with exploring, art, building and fashion. (I'm not sure if this is a compilation of separate Yasmin books (if so, those books must be very short!) or if the other Yasmin books expand on the episodes included here as I notice, for example, Yasmin the Builder cover art looks like the first chapter of the "Yasmin the Builder" chapters in this book.) I really enjoyed reading this even though the artwork is not my particular favorite style. (I could not get either of my kids interested in reading this based on their quick thumb through.)

A few minor quibbles:
I almost feel that the story and illustrations are too young for a 2nd grade audience -- though I certainly do hope these books find a wide readership and I would in no way discourage sharing it with a 2nd grader. Also, while I appreciate the back matter with a glossary of Urdu ("a language from Pakistan") terms used in the book, "Pakistan Facts" and the "Taste of Pakistan" mango lassi recipe, I felt like it was too brief. I think a country is much more than its currency, language and independence day date which is about all we learn about Pakistan. I'm curious, for example, how Urdu differs from Arabic (the example given is "Salaam means Peace" but this is also true in Arabic, if I am not mistaken). I also think children new to Yasmin's culture might wonder, for example, not just what "hijab" means but why do Mama and Nani (grandma) wear a hijab but Yasmin does not? Again, I don't mean this as a huge criticism, and in many ways I really appreciate the inclusive, matter-of-fact way that Yasmin and her family are part of their school and neighborhood. But, I do think you will need to bring more to this if your children have questions.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,875 reviews81 followers
March 26, 2018
This is a really cute book about a little 2nd grade girl, Yasmin, who is Pakistani American. She has different adventures that make her have to think things through to reach a solution. In one she has to learn to read a map. In another, she has to figure out what to do when she rips some of her mother's clothes. And my favorite is when she realizes that when given a project that involved building structures, that she could build the bridges that connected all the other buildings that others had built.

Good way to allow kids to see themselves, in a positive light.

Loving family, and fun spunky young girl.



Yamsin

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathie.
Author 2 books75 followers
March 27, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Yasmin is an absolutely delightful character who is a breath of fresh air on the early chapter book scene. She's spunky, animated and full of big ideas that are all her own. Her personality is huge, as is her imagination, and she resolves her challenges with independence and creativity. She's a girl that every young person should get to know, and I particularly love the ways in which children will be able to relate to her, while also learning something new about Pakistani culture. I love the extra features at the back of the book that expand the reader's knowledge of Pakistan and the Urdu language, and help readers think about the topics covered in the book.

The illustrations by Hatem Aly are excellent, and really bring Yasmin's big personality to life.

This is a must-read, and would be an excellent addition to elementary libraries. I've already pre-ordered it for my library, and I can't wait for my patrons to meet Yasmin, too.
Profile Image for Tammy.
81 reviews8 followers
March 31, 2019
Finally - A series at a text complexity level similar to Frog and Toad that is culturally relevant and engaging. Readers in grades 1-3 will fall in love with Yasmin and her family. Students could read this book with a book club or in partnerships and discuss Yasmin's feelings, her reactions to a problem, and how the minor characters in this text support one another. There are four separate stories in this book that can be read separately or all in a row.
Profile Image for Krystal.
386 reviews26 followers
March 26, 2018
This amazing children's book introduces readers to the delightful Yasmin, along with her Muslim family from Pakistan, as we see her navigate a host of interesting situations with charisma and creativity, illustrating how multifaceted such an #ownvoices character can be!
Profile Image for Librarian Pirate.
273 reviews18 followers
September 26, 2018
Ok, this was adorable! I'm gonna go nominate it for the Monarch. (Side note for you librarians - your state award lists are always desperately in need of nominations! Go do it!)
Profile Image for Mehsi.
13k reviews403 followers
July 15, 2018
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review!

Meet Yasmin, a tiny little girl with big plans!

This book consists out of 4 stories. In each story Yasmin is trying out something else!

First story: Yasmin the Explorer: 4 stars. Yasmin is going to make a map of the neighbourhood, she is going to be an explorer! This was just adorable. I know I did the same thing when I was a child. Making a map of my home and neighbourhood, exploring every nook and cranny of it.
Only then Yasmin and her mom go to the farmers’ market and that happens. Well, she has a map, but it doesn’t help out in this situation. I knew everything would be fine (after all it is a children’s book and there are more stories), but still I was worried. But all is well in the end. And Yasmin learned a big lesson. Maps are nice, but maybe mom’s are also handy to have with you when exploring.

Second story: Yasmin the Painter: 4 stars. Oh, a painting contest, how fun! Though, I guess not fun for everyone. If you know you can’t draw/paint, and you have to participate. And even your family is in to help… I can imagine that Yasmin isn’t too happy about it. But practice makes perfect, remember that! I am happy with her solution though, that is brilliant. It is still art, plus you are having fun doing it. Of course the ending was a bit of a letdown, sure it was a happy one, but it was so predictable.

Third story: Yasmin the Builder: 4 stars. It is time for a new project, time to build a city! But before one can build you have to plan and draw a sketch of what you want to make in the city. Yasmin’s mind is full with ideas, what to make, what to build? Then she sees her classmates build stuff already, stuff she also would have loved to make. I did feel for Yasmin, I know the feeling of having too many choices, or not knowing how to make something and then seeing others make something without seemingly any problems. But Yasmin is a creative little girl and she isn’t giving up. I just adored her idea, and I am happy that she managed to do all that without breaking the buildings.

Fourth story: Yasmin the Fashionista: 4 stars. What to do when one is bored? Hold a fashion show of course! And what to do when one is a bit clumsy? Try to fix it with lots of glitter and glue. 😛 No, I would recommend the last one, but it does work.. for a while at least.
I loved seeing what Yasmin and her grandma came up with and what they wore for the show.

I also loved that Yasmin’s family is Pakistani-American. We saw that in what they wear (Yasmin’s mom wears a jihab), but also in little names for family members. We should really get more books with various cultures.

Plus points to the Learn Urdu with Yasmin part at the end!

The illustrations are also really well done (well, with the exception of one or two which seemed to be done in a hurry). Oh my! I just checked the illustrator and they also did illustrations for another book I loved! That explains why it seemed familiar. \o/

All in all, this is one cute book, and I would recommend it to everyone!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Camille DeAngelis.
Author 15 books319 followers
May 13, 2018
Such a delightful book! Yasmin is a smart and curious heroine, and the emphasis on creative problem solving is one I hope readers will carry with them. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful, as is the section at the end of the book with facts about Pakistan and a recipe for mango lassi.
Profile Image for Amanda Rawson Hill.
Author 6 books72 followers
May 28, 2018
This is the perfect early reader. very sweet with a great character and loving family! It shows a lovely diverse community. This should be in every school and library.
Profile Image for Peble Dropper.
12 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2019
I think its for younger kids because it has really easy words and theres a lot of exclamation marks.
1,197 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2021
I read this aloud to my 7yo and 4yo, but the text is simple enough that I think it would be great for an early independent reader too. I love how it shows a curious 2nd grade Pakistani American girl finding her way through different situations, and introduces a few Urdu words and Pakistani clothing items, including showing her mom in hijab. The stories are simple but satisfying.
Profile Image for Morris.
964 reviews168 followers
May 6, 2022
I loved the focus on creative thinking and problem solving! This book is sure to inspire children’s imaginations. Very fun!

This unbiased review is based on a copy won through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
Profile Image for Christina Carter.
242 reviews34 followers
May 20, 2018
Note: Review of Advance Reader Copy Provided by Capstone | Book Releases August 1, 2018

Through four different stories, the reader gets to know Yasmin as an explorer, a painter, a builder, and a fashionista. As an explorer, she gets to learn about maps, being aware of her surroundings, and having a plan of action when she gets lost. As a painter, the reader gets to walk through the creative process with Yasmin. From feeling less than confident, staring at a blank canvas, searching for inspiration, and being willing to try. We see some of these same characteristics at play as we join Jasmin as a builder and she learns to think like an architectural engineer to add to the classes collaborative building project. As a fashionista, Yasmin learns how to turn what once seemed damaged into a newly repurposed piece.

Saadia Faruqi hits a home run with Meet Yasmin! It has all of the features that make this an all-around good read for every classroom, library, and home. The first being the main character Yasmin. Each of her stories is completely relatable. It is the sort of book that every reader can see themselves in. At the same time, it is one that will act as a window as we learn about Pakistani culture. Which brings me to the second feature that I was thrilled to see, bonus content at the end of the book that includes discussion questions (Think About It, Talk About It), a list of Urdu (a language from Pakistan) vocabulary with definitions, facts about Pakistan, a recipe, and a craft to try.

Meet Yasmin is the perfect fit for emergent readers with its short chapters and a complementary mix of text and illustrations. Hatem Aly does such a fantastic job on Yasmin's facial expressions especially. You can see the determination in her eyes. Experience her shock when her jaw drops in surprise. Share in her excitement in her success, and relate to her creative process as she struggles and perseveres. I also appreciate how his illustrations tell their own story about the close relationships in Yasmin's family and how much they love and support her. You can see it in their smiles, gestures, and in those warmhearted moments they share together.

You and your young, emergent or newly independent reader will love this book. I can't wait for it to hit the bookstores so that I can add a copy to my K-5 library.

Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi Meet Yasmin!

Saadia Faruqi Saadia Faruqi
Profile Image for Rajiv.
966 reviews68 followers
June 21, 2019
A special thanks to Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of this book to read and review. Even though I read it initially, due to personal reasons, I couldn’t review it prior to the publication. So here it is now 🙂

The main thing that I really appreciate about “Meet Yasmin!” is having a Pakistani American family as the theme. Considering how there is so much hatred towards people from different cultures, religious, orientation etc. it is refreshing to see a children’s tale featuring a Pakistani American girl. It is important to teach future generations to be accepting of one another, and any small contribution, even if it is in the form of a children’s book, is always an added value to the society.

I particularly liked how the author shows how creative Yasmin can be under any circumstances, in all the four stories. My favourite story was “Yasmin the Builder”, where Yasmin cleverly builds her own town by connecting the other models. Saadia Faruqi has done a terrific job in creating Yasmin, and making the stories equally fun to read. Hatem Aly has also done a wonderful job in the illustrations, making Yasmin and her family stand out. The book also provides interesting facts about Pakistan, how to make a refreshing Lassi, and dos and don’ts when you are faced in a similar situation to Yasmin.

The only thing I didn’t quite like about in the stories was how Yasmin does not get a warning or punishment for doing something bad. Yasmin tears out her mother’s clothes and the parents are happy. Yasmin gets lost in the market and her mother doesn’t get angry. It might send out a wrong message to young readers thinking it is okay to behave the same way in reality.

Overall, “Meet Yasmin” is a cute children’s book which schools should encourage younger readers to pick up.

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Profile Image for Laura.
115 reviews38 followers
February 22, 2019
Recommended for children ages 5 -8.

This is perfect! I love Yasmin; she's a great character who will be relatable and aspirational for kids. She has insecurities and fears but she also has enough courage to face them. Kids will relate to plot points like getting lost, being bored, feeling frustrated about not being talented/skilled enough at something, etc.


The art was cute and I enjoyed the diverse characters in the background. It wasn't simply a template where the skin colors were changed; each person looked different. We saw people using wheelchairs, too, which is great for kids to see if they haven't already.


For some kids, seeing words like "baba," "naan," and "jaan," will be familiar, and so this book (series?) will act as a mirror, showing them that other kids have similar backgrounds and families, too. How awesome is it to see yourself and your family in books? I know as a teen, whenever a character reflected some part of my life, it was meaningful . . . especially when I thought my experiences made me truly isolated and alone.


For other children, this might be a totally new exploration into Pakistani/Pakistani-American and perhaps even South Asian culture and traditions. For that purpose, this book was great -- it has a glossary of the potentially new terms and facts about Pakistan, but it doesn't Other Yasmin's family or make her family seem anything but normal.


Also great to see more girls with an interest in STEM depicted in books!

Profile Image for Ben Langhinrichs.
Author 10 books24 followers
May 8, 2018
I've been waiting for a while to get a chance to read Saadia Faruqi's upcoming chapter book, Meet Yasmin!, and I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy from NetGalley.

Oh my gosh, this is such a delightful book, and Yasmin is such a fun and engaging second grader, she absolutely deserves that exclamation point in the title. Yasmin's family is Pakistani (as is the author), so the text is sprinkled with a few words in Urdu that kids will find easy to learn and fun to use. She is perfectly relatable, prone to worry and inspiration at a moment's notice, and her family is warm and supportive and everything you could hope for.

Hatem Aly's illustrations are an absolute delight, and he brings such life and energy to Yasmin and her family and classmates, you'll feel like you're right there with them as she goes through mini-adventures as an explorer, painter, builder and fashionista.

Teachers will love the age-appropriate study guide, with a glossary, recipe, facts about Pakistan, and more.

A wonderful, spirited book with a heroine I hope we meet many times again. Perfect for boys and girls in early elementary school.

Five stars!

*** Reposted from My Comfy Chair review blog ***
Displaying 1 - 29 of 337 reviews

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