The question
I'm looking for a suitable book in simple language that helps a girl understand the stage of puberty before entering it — girls aged nine to eleven.
What books do you recommend the girl read?
Our answer
Well, dear one — what do you think if you have the conversation with her yourself?
"The conversation between the mother and her daughter."
Have it throughout the day at various times: while folding clothes, while cooking. Let her stand with you in the kitchen and the two of you speak in an easy, endearing language. It will strengthen the bonds between you and her, and it will make you like a friend she tells everything to, even in matters of sensitivity. You'll gain her affection and she'll gain yours.
Sometimes alert her to forbidden matters in the midst of girls — not in the way of "don't do this," but rather tell these stories with reproach and disapproval in passing. The girl grows up with these good inputs from you within her. She will have a tarbawi balance from your discussions and comments — you plant in her good seeds.
Believe me, this method is among the best in tarbiyah. Reflect on the story of Luqman al-Hakim and his son — it was such a fatherly sitting. A father admonishing his son, and it was effective.
It is reported in Tafsir Muqatil that Luqman's wife and his son were disbelievers, and he kept admonishing them with the beautiful admonition and wisdom until they accepted Islam. This is the effect of the good word and the merciful, nurturing dialogue between parents and their children. It leads to psychological soundness and creedal protection. We even find that the boys or young men with psychological disturbances came from homes in which there was a flaw in the relationship with the parents.
So be alert to this — though I'm not against her reading a book. But I find you more beneficial in effect, if you are sincere with Allah.
This is your sowing — tend it well.
May Allah delight your eyes with her.
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