When families come to Maktabah for the first time, they often know the titles they are looking for but are less familiar with who publishes them. Knowing the publisher is useful because each one has a recognizable approach, and once you know what one publisher does well, you can trust their other titles too.
Here is a plain description of three publishers whose work we carry most extensively.
Learning Roots
Learning Roots is a UK-based Islamic educational publisher that specializes in books for young children. Their catalog is built around core Islamic concepts: the names of Allah, the life of the Prophet, Ramadan, prayer, and the basics of aqeedah. What sets them apart is that they think seriously about pedagogy. Their books are not just content: they are designed to work for specific age groups, with specific learning goals in mind. The Ramadan Activity Books, the Allah Knows All About Me board book, and the Prophet's Pond all reflect that approach. If you want books that will teach, not just tell, Learning Roots is where to start.
Ruqaya's Bookshelf
Ruqaya's Bookshelf is a Toronto-based publisher founded to fill a specific gap: Muslim children's picture books that center story and character, not just Islamic instruction. Their books are visually distinctive and emotionally real. Yasmine's Belly Button, Snatched, Secret Recipe Box, and A Temporary Gift are all Ruqaya's Bookshelf titles. They are the publisher most likely to produce a book that a non-Muslim child would pick up and connect with, because the stories are human first. For families who want Islamic representation without constant didacticism, this is the publisher to follow.
Imam Ghazali Publishing
Imam Ghazali Publishing occupies a different space from the other two. Their catalog is primarily for adult readers seeking serious Islamic scholarship in accessible English translation. Al-Shama'il al-Muhammadiyya, Al-Khasa'is al-Muhammadiyya, and the O Son! translation of al-Ghazali's letter to his student are all Imam Ghazali Publishing titles. If you are building an adult Islamic library and want translations that are both accurate and readable, this is the press to know.
Browse all three publishers' titles at Maktabah Bookshop.