Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (Book 1) | Saadia Faruqi

Introduce your young reader to a world of culture and charm with Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party | Saadia Faruqi. Meet Marya, a spunky and spirited Pakistani American third grader who is on a mission to throw the most epic birthday celebration her neighborhood has ever seen. This delightful illustrated chapter book is the perfect start to a series that captures the heart, humor, and high aspirations of childhood.

A Hilarious Quest for the Ultimate Birthday Celebration

Marya’s eighth birthday is just around the corner, and she has one massive wish: a show-stopping party to rival her wealthy neighbor Alexa’s legendary events. When Alexa hands out fancy invitations at school, Marya impulsively announces she is throwing an even better henna party. There is just one major problem—her parents haven’t actually agreed to any of it yet!

To win them over, Marya launches “Operation Help the Khans,” attempting to be the most helpful daughter and sister in history. From tidying Dadi’s room to helping in the kitchen, Marya tries her best, but her well-intentioned plans often lead to adorable chaos. Readers will be rooting for her as she navigates these hilarious hurdles to make her dream party a reality.

Why Families Adore Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party | Saadia Faruqi

This heartfelt story is more than just a party planning mission; it is a beautiful exploration of friendship, integrity, and family dynamics. Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party | Saadia Faruqi offers an authentic and warm portrayal of a Muslim Pakistani family, featuring a hijab-wearing mom and a beloved grandmother. It is a brilliant resource for introducing young readers to South Asian traditions in a natural, engaging way.

• Introduces rich Pakistani and Muslim cultural traditions like mehndi and desi foods through fun storytelling.
• Includes vocabulary-building “Words of the Day” in every single chapter to boost reading skills.
• Features beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Ani Bushry that bring the large cast of characters to life.
• Bonus hands-on fun: includes special henna designs for children to trace and color after finishing the story.
• Perfect for fans of popular chapter book series like Ivy & Bean and Dory Fantasmagory.

Meet the Creators Behind the Marya Khan Series

Saadia Faruqi is a celebrated Pakistani American author and interfaith activist known for bringing diverse characters to the forefront of children’s literature. As the creator of the popular Yasmin series, her work has been recognized by Oprah Magazine for making a significant impact in her community. Paired with the vibrant graphic style of Maldivian illustrator Ani Bushry, this book is a visual and literary treat for children aged 6 to 9.

Whether you are looking for diverse representation or simply a fast-paced, entertaining story, Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party | Saadia Faruqi is a must-have for your child’s bookshelf. Join Marya as she learns what truly matters while navigating the ups and