From M. O. Yuksel, author of In My Mosque and Ramadan Kareem, comes the first picture book biography of astronomer and mathematician Ulugh Beg.

Meet Ulugh Beg – a little prince from the Timurid Empire, with a BIG sense of curiosity. Discover how he explored the world around him and grew up to become an astronomer, scientist, mathematician and much more!

He wanted to find out …

How many days are in a year?

How many stars are in the sky?

Why do the seasons change?

Fueled by his deep faith, Ulugh Beg’s quest for knowledge led to the creation of schools, a large observatory and star catalogue and innovative tools to better understand the stars and the universe around us. Although some doubted him, he never stopped searching for answers. And because of his determination, our understanding of the world has changed – forever.

With lyrical text by award-winning author M. O. Yuksel and captivating illustrations by Zelma Firdauzia, this portrait of a trailblazing Muslim astronomer reminds us just how far curiosity can take us.

Praise for In My Mosque

Aly’s illustrations echo the warmth of Yuksel’s text, depicting loving, happy communities, rich in diversity of all sorts.’ – Booklist

‘This marvelous, welcoming book on mosques, Muslims, and Islam is a must.’ – School Library Journal, Starred Review

‘This personable, sensory love letter to a range of children’s mosque experiences will engage new learners and resonate with those already familiar.’ – Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

‘Joyful characters describe what happens in simple, poetic language. […] Aly’s bright illustrations pair well with Yuksel’s words, ending with a beautiful spread of children staring at readers, waving and extending their hands.’ – Kirkus

Praise for In My Mosque

Aly’s illustrations echo the warmth of Yuksel’s text, depicting loving, happy communities, rich in diversity of all sorts.’ – Booklist

‘This marvelous, welcoming book on mosques, Muslims, and Islam is a must.’ – School Library Journal, Starred Review

‘This personable, sensory love letter to a range of children’s mosque experiences will engage new learners and resonate with those already familiar.’ – Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

‘Joyful characters describe what happens in simple, poetic language. […] Aly’s bright illustrations pair well with Yuksel’s words, ending with a beautiful spread of children staring at readers, waving and extending their hands.’ – Kirkus

M. O. Yuksel is the award-winning author of In My Mosque, One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University, and Ramadan Kareem. Of Uzbek heritage, she was born in Türkiye and immigrated to the United States when she was seven. She spent most of her childhood in New York City. Ramadan is her favorite time of year.

Zelma Firdauzia was born and raised in Indonesia. She spends a lot of her time with books and writes whatever she likes. Being a writer used to be her goal until art took her far away from what she imagined. Drawing is her way to understand herself throughout her childhood memories, favourite movies and cartoon characters. She enjoys exploring little things such as colourful windows, old buildings, and old tree branches. She lives in a small city on the east side of Java island and she's ready to take her art beyond the limit, soaring into the sky.