A review by sarasreadingnook
Yasmin the Detective by Saadia Faruqi

4.0

This is a very beautifully illustrated chapter book written by Pakistani American author  Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Egyptian-born illustrator Hatem Aly. In this book, Yasmin's grandmother loses several objects which include a button, a thimble, and a pair of glasses and Yasmin is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery at play!

I really enjoyed the illustrations and thought they were drawn beautifully! The colours and the image placements were done very well throughout the book. Each character has distinct features  and focused on elements that enhanced the story well. For example, the image that showed Yasmin watching her favourite detective Dr. Hoo while being completely engrossed in the story as  Nani comes in to discuss her dilemma. It introduced characters and their interests well. 

There are some discussion prompts that are helpful for learners and educators and there is a Urdu glossary at the end with a pronunciation key for  various terms in Urdu. Fun facts were provided about Pakistan at the end of the book, and a binocular DIY guide is added in for extra fun!

Regarding the story, I really enjoyed Yasmin and her family and I thought it provided a fun and easy to follow mystery to be solved for young readers. I did have one qualm re: the story when it came to the retrieval of items, though it's very minor, I simply think that both parties could have been happier at the end. Nonetheless, it was very cute! And a good read for readers K-2. 

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.