Under My Hijab
Through rhythmic rhyme, a young girl introduces the different women in her family. She explores what their hijabs look like in public and what their hair is like at home, providing a clear look at their lives.
Under My Hijab by Hena Khan is estimated to take about 5 minutes to read aloud (383 words, about 1 sentence a page), and it lands best with children aged 3-6.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 5 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 383Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 1Sentence per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 3/5holds up
- Vocabulary level
- 2/5everyday words
- Best for
- Ages 3-6Our editorial fit
Our review
The repetitive, rhyming structure makes this a very accessible read for toddlers and preschoolers. It addresses a very specific question that young children often ask out loud: what is actually underneath the fabric?
The book offers a simple, loving glimpse into the daily lives and roles of women in a Muslim family. It is a lovely way to introduce cultural traditions through the lens of family connection.
Themes
- hijab
- Muslim families
- women's work
- grandmothers
- rhyme
Books like Under My Hijab
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Familyabout 7.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Alma and How She Got Her Nameabout 5.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Eyes That Kiss in the Cornersabout 5.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
The Day You Beginabout 7.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Hair Loveabout 6 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read Under My Hijab aloud?
About 5 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 383. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is Under My Hijab actually for?
Ages 3-6 in our testing, which is narrower than the publisher's range. With 1 sentence a page and vocabulary at 2 out of 5, it asks for that much attention span and no more.
Does Under My Hijab survive being read on repeat?
Yes, reasonably. It stays bearable through the repeat-request phase without becoming a favourite forever.
Is Under My Hijab a good book for a child who will not sit still?
It helps that it rhymes, and it has a refrain a child can join in with. Those three features are what keep a wriggling toddler listening, far more than the subject matter does.
Will my child memorise Under My Hijab?
Probably, and fast. The book leans on a repeated refrain, and at 3 out of 5 for re-read tolerance it survives the nightly repeats that get a book memorised. Expect your child to chant the pattern back before they can actually read.
Can a beginning reader read Under My Hijab on their own?
It is closer than most picture books. With 1 sentence a page and plain vocabulary (2 out of 5), a confident early reader can attempt it, though it is written to be read aloud first.
What themes does Under My Hijab cover?
We tag it with hijab, Muslim families, women's work, grandmothers and rhyme. Those are the threads that actually run through the book, not just the ones on the cover, which is how it earns its place on our themed lists rather than a keyword match.
