Zamzam for Everyone: Sharing Water at Hajj

★"A meaningful and heartwarming tale that shares lessons of goodwill, generosity, and gratitude" – Kirkus, starred review

★ "This joyful collaboration will be equally enjoyed by children who already know about Hajj and by those who are learning of it for the first time" – School Library Journal, starred review

So many people, so many languages.
‘Thank you’ can be a simple smile, a friendly wave, a warm hug.

Mariam is one of millions of people from all over the world who has come to Makkah for the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, and she overflows with excitement and awe. Mama tells her, "Hajj is a time to do good, share, and be thankful." But what good can Mariam do? That's it! She'll share Zamzam, blessed water from an ancient well, with everyone she meets.

As Mariam shares her Zamzam throughout Hajj, she meets friends from all over the world. From fellow pilgrims, she learns new ways to say thank you, tries new foods and drinks, and discovers that when you share with and help others, someone will help you when you need it too.


Takes place during the annual pilgrimage event in Saudi Arabia
Characters from cultures across the world share foods and languages
Learn about appreciating differences within a community
Detailed endnotes unpack the cultural elements in the book, and explore Islamic traditions

Razeena Omar Gutta is an international children’s book author known for her bright, playful, and joyful picture books. She has lived in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and now in Australia, and is an active member of her local community where she volunteers with people of all ages and cultures. These experiences have allowed her to explore different perspectives from around the globe. This, along with her desire to see books on shelves that she never had growing up, informs and guides her writing.

Over the last ten years she has been active on various blogs and social media platforms, sharing her love of books and other media by underrepresented authors and creators. She has collaborated with authors, illustrators and other creatives from across the world, and is a member of various children’s literature groups where she is a strong advocate for diverse books, specifically Muslim-authored books.

Inspired by her three book-loving children, and children across the world who deserve to see themselves represented in the media they consume, Razeena is a passionate advocate for storytelling, greater Muslim representation in publishing and other forms of media, and connecting the Muslim market to the publishing world.

Razeena is an avid reader and shares her favourite books for all ages on Instagram @razeenareads. Razeena is a passionate believer in the power of literature, both fiction and non-fiction, in fostering empathy and creating a better world.