Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2022

87%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A beautifully illustrated colors book that introduces toddlers to Islamic culture through everyday moments with a young Muslim girl and her family.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns

book

2022

87%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A beautifully illustrated colors book that introduces toddlers to Islamic culture through everyday moments with a young Muslim girl and her family.

4.8

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly the kind of Own Voices representation we need in the toddler board book space. It's not trying to be everything—it's a colors book that happens to center Muslim family life, and it does that job beautifully.

The 4.8 Amazon rating and pile of education awards aren't flukes. Parents and educators appreciate books that build cultural literacy without being heavy-handed, and this delivers. The illustrations are reportedly gorgeous enough to hold attention, and the simple framework (red prayer rug, blue hijab, golden dome) makes Islamic traditions feel accessible rather than foreign.

It won't blow your mind with narrative innovation—it's a concept book, after all—but it fills an important gap in early childhood literature and does so with warmth and visual beauty. Whether you're Muslim and seeking mirrors or non-Muslim and seeking windows, this is a solid addition to the bookshelf.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 2-7, especially for families wanting to introduce religious diversity early or Muslim families seeking representation. The board book format works for toddler hands, while the content and glossary can grow with kids through early elementary as they ask deeper questions.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Warm, affirming celebration of Muslim family life and traditions told through a young girl's perspective. Models cultural pride, family connection, and everyday kindness without preachiness. The tone is gentle and inclusive, inviting readers into beautiful moments of daily practice—prayer rugs, hijabs, mosque visits—with genuine warmth.

Imaginative

Uses the clever framework of a colors book to introduce Islamic culture, which is creative but ultimately follows a fairly straightforward concept book structure. The award-winning illustrations by Mehrdokht Amini are reportedly breathtaking and visually rich, sparking curiosity about a world many young readers may not know. It opens doors to questions and observations rather than demanding active creativity from the reader.

Safe

As safe as board books get. Zero concerning content—it's literally a colors book about Islamic traditions for toddlers and preschoolers. No violence, no scary imagery, no mature themes. The only 'risk' is that some families might not want religious content, but that's a values fit issue, not a safety concern. Includes a glossary for context.

Enriching

Genuinely educational window into Muslim culture and practices for young children, created by Own Voices author and illustrator (both Muslim and Pakistani). Builds cultural literacy, empathy, and religious awareness in an age-appropriate way. The glossary adds educational value. At 179 words and Lexile 510L, it's accessible for early readers while teaching vocabulary and concepts. Multiple education awards (Bank Street Best Book, NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies) confirm its teaching value.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Own Voices authenticity—created by Muslim Pakistani creators who bring lived experience to every page
Normalizes and celebrates Muslim traditions for all kids, building religious literacy and empathy from the earliest ages
Award-winning illustrations that are reportedly stunning enough to engage even squirmy toddlers
Simple colors framework makes Islamic culture accessible and non-intimidating for families unfamiliar with the religion
Multiple education awards signal strong value for classroom and home learning about world cultures

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What to Watch For

This is explicitly religious content—if you're looking for purely secular board books, this isn't it
It's educational and beautiful, but it's still a concept book, so don't expect a gripping narrative arc
The 2022 board book edition might have slightly different content than the original 2012 picture book

Conversation Starters

"What's your favorite color in this book? Why do you think the prayer rug is red?"
"Have you seen anyone wearing a hijab at school or the store? What colors have you noticed?"
"This family goes to a mosque. Where does our family go to pray or gather? How is it the same or different?"
"What traditions does our family have that are special to us, like these are special to this family?"

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