Together We Are Sunshine

In this heartwarming celebration of sisterhood, three girls explore the natural world and discover the harmony of being the littlest, middle, and oldest sister.

Haala, the middle sister, loves to follow along behind her older sister, Sanaa, on their outdoor adventures. But her little sister, Munira, always seems to get in the way. Munira blocks the sun’s kiss, interrupts the wind’s song, and scares away the goldfish’s secrets. Haala can’t keep up with Sanaa when Munira’s on her heels. But when the sisters take a moment to work as a team, they realize that together they can achieve anything--and that together they are sunshine.

In this celebration of the natural world, three sisters learn to help one another in a story that feels like a warm, bright hug.★ "This is an excellent portrayal of sibling relationships where what’s important is remembering how powerful it is to work with others." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A vivid celebration of the extraordinary power of sisterhood." —Kirkus Reviews

"A thoughtful contemplation on siblings, patience, and how patience can be an act of love and understanding." —Booklist

"[An] aptly written portrayal of sibling dynamics." —Publishers WeeklyJamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, MSEd, is a former English teacher who has educated children and teens for fifteen years. As an inaugural AMAL fellow with the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC), she developed foundational curricular frameworks for youth and adult anti-racist programming. Her picture books and short stories, which feature young Black and Muslim protagonists, have been recognized as the best in children’s literature by Time magazine, Read Across America, and NPR. These works include Salat in Secret, a Kirkus Best Book of the Year and a Golden Kite Award Honor recipient; Abdul's Story; Hold Them Close; Mommy's Khimar, Once Upon an Eid (anthology contributor), and Your Name Is a Song.

Raissa Figueroa is the illustrator of several picture books, including Real to Me, We Wait for the Sun, which received a Coretta Scott King Honor as well as four starred reviews. She also illustrated Oona, Princess Unlimited, Sophie and the Little Star, and The More the Merrier.