The Most Magnificent Mosque

Rashid (a Muslim), Samuel (a Jew), and Miguel (a Christian) love playing tricks in the gardens of Cordoba's Great Mosque. When the Caliph sentences the naughty boys to three months of gardening, they grow to love the cool beauty of the Mosque, and years later, when a Christian king wants to pull the building down, the three old friends decide something must be done on behalf of all the citizens of Cordoba, whether Muslim, Jew or Christian. This moving story and its captivating images show how cooperation and respect for others can lead to great things.Won an award from the Middle East Outreach Council (MEOC).Teachers/Librarians: very suitable for 2nd to 6th grades - social studies / humanities

Fantastic book - good story, great introduction to an aspect of history not as well known as it should be

Fantastic book, very hard to find.

Beautiful story and illustrations

As a travel writer of travel guides for children, I'm always looking for books that help bring a country and culture to life for kids. This one is a marvelous example which I recommend before a trip to southern Spain with kids.With so much unrest in the world regarding religions, it is important to note that in Spain, before the Spanish Inquisition, peoples of many religions lived happily together. Understanding how religion played an important role in the history of Spain helps children (and parents) appreciate a trip there all the more.This book is about 3 boys, each of a different religion, and how they work together for a common goal.Excellent choice for a home or school library, but most especially before a trip to Spain with kids!

Being non-religious I was very skeptical of such a book, and cautious about possibly recommending it for children. The very young don't know diddlysquat about things religious other than what is stuffed in their impressionable heads by equally stuffed-headed/brain-washed adults. Nevertheless, some peoples of various religions--and versions thereof--have lived together in harmony throughout history, and this story is a reflection of tolerance and/or respect toward those of a different religious persuasion, which is to say that the book advocates for peaceful co-existence among the followers of various versions of a god. It would have been nice--more inclusive--if the author had included a fourth child: an atheist. So, we're not sure if these religious folk would tolerate a total non-believer. Regardless, it's a nice tale, though it still uncritically endorses religion as a sine qua non in culture. Thus, I can't give it a grade above a "C".

A book which stimulates a range of questions regarding other religions and life in other parts of the world. Will stimulate good discussions with children in KS1and KS2

This charming and inspiring tale brings to life the harmony and religious tolerance that existed between Muslims, Christians and Jews during the era of Muslim Spain. A must read for those who wish to pass on this invaluable historical lesson to the younger generation.