Do you feel uneasy talking about difficult topics like war, displacement, and grief with your child? At Ruqaya’s Bookshelf, we understand these conversations are heavy, even for adults. But the right story can open gentle doors into life’s hardest lessons. It can say what we sometimes struggle to put into words. If the Sea Was Ink is one of those stories.

A Muslim Child’s Journey through Displacement and Hope

Published by Ruqaya’s Bookshelf, If the Sea Was Ink shares the heartfelt story of Amina and her mother as they flee a home that is no longer safe. Amina’s journey is a moving, age-appropriate reflection on courage, loss, and hope told through the eyes of a Muslim child searching for safety. It opens a compassionate window into what it means to leave everything behind and still carry hope forward.

What Makes If the Sea Was Ink So Powerful

Wholeness and Representation:

Amina’s story is one that many Muslim families can relate to. It shows real struggles, hard times, and hope. Her journey reflects what many have seen in their own lives, in their loved ones, or in their brothers and sisters in faith around the world. That’s the kind of authenticity Ruqaya’s Bookshelf aims to capture.

Emotional Journey:

The story walks softly through fear, separation, trust, and the relief of a safe new home. It opens conversations about war, separation, and the strength that comes from leaning on Allah without overwhelming our children. It’s heartfelt but never heavy-handed.

Stunning Illustrations:

Every page pairs poetic language with rich, emotive artwork. Readers have called the art “stunning” and “beautifully heartfelt.” Together, the visuals and words carry the weight of the story in a gentle, accessible way.

Reviews from Families Who Love This Story

“Brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful rhymes. So relatable to the current migration crisis.”

“If the Sea Was Ink uses a powerful metaphor for a young girl’s journey to safety… complemented by the detailed illustrations.”

“A beautiful, heartfelt story with stunning illustrations, ready for all ages! This little girl's voice and journey made me well up as there is so much heart in this story, both in the words and the illustrations. It became a gentle conversation starter about a heavy but important topic with my children. A must read for every child.”

This is the power of stories that we aim to provide for our readers... Stories that breathe honesty and connection into our family moments.

Why This Book Matters for Muslim Families

At Ruqaya’s Bookshelf, we know that children’s books like If the Sea Was Ink play a vital role in nurturing empathy and understanding. This story helps little hearts connect with the realities faced by refugees while honouring Islamic values of compassion, patience, and trust in Allah’s plan.

Bring the Story Home

If the Sea Was Ink is available at Ruqaya’s Bookshelf, it’s a treasure for every family’s shelf! Make your child’s story time more meaningful with Amina’s journey of hope and faith.