When the Sun Shines
A Bilingual Children’s Book Celebrating Faith, Family, and New Beginnings
A Personal Note from the Author
This book was inspired by my daughter, Shams, who has loved books from the moment she could hold one.
As a mother, I noticed how few joyful, high-quality stories reflected families like ours—Muslim families, women in hijab, and the everyday beauty of our traditions and values. So, I wrote one.
When the Sun Shines is my gift to Shams, to my son Siraj, and to yours; every curious, imaginative child who deserves to see themselves and their families in the stories they read.
Because every child deserves to be seen, celebrated, and loved.
And our stories—our joy, faith, and culture—deserve to shine on every bookshelf.
About the Book
When the Sun Shines is a heart-warming bilingual picture book (Arabic & English) that follows a young girl named Shams through a colorful, hope-filled day—waking up, learning, making friends, creating, and growing through kindness and courage.
Rooted in Arabic culture and Muslim family life, this gentle story offers authentic representation while celebrating universal values like faith, resilience, and new beginnings.
Thoughtfully written by award-winning filmmaker Samah Safi Bayazid and beautifully illustrated by Victoria Samsonova, this inspiring book is a joyful mirror for Muslim kids—and a warm window for all.
This is more than a bedtime story.
It’s a celebration of identity, belonging, and seeing yourself reflected in the pages of a beautiful book.
This book is:
• Bilingual (Arabic + English)
• Authentically Muslim
• Family-Centered
• Universally Relatable