Leena Mo, CEO by Deena Shakir illustrated by Nez Riaz
For ages four to eight this 40 page picture book really introduces great concepts of leadership, business, support systems, and dreaming big. Before Leena Mo, leads a company though, she thinks up ideas to solve a problem, she turns her ideas into a plan, tests her hypothesis with her prototype, and takes her invention to the next step when demand grows. Investors, employees, storage, sales, Leena Mo has not only created a product and a company, but she is leading a business, and inspiring others, even back in her Mama’s home in Iraq. With a Mama wearing hijab, a singular mashallah in the text, and the Arabic word for “my dream” Helmy being what she names her snow clearing robot, children everywhere will be inspired and encouraged to think a little bigger than they may have done before.
I love that this business concept is brought down to an early elementary age (and even younger), in a way that they not only will understand, but also be inspired by. Younger kids might not get the steps, but the fun engaging illustrations, and simple text builds to show that the idea is also growing, and even four and five year olds will grasp that this is exciting. There are books about science, inventions, even increasingly more about financial literacy, so this is in many ways a next step, that touches on those concepts, but really focuses on the investors, growth and leadership. The story and concepts weave together, and that culture finds a place as well, is a testament to the quality of this solid, joyful OWN voice read.
The book starts with Leena playing outside in the snow with her friends, when her Mama asks her to shovel before it gets dark. Leena hates shoveling. She finds it worse than raking leaves, doing the dishes, and even taking out the garbage. Instead of complaining though, she starts to dream up an idea of something that would make clearing the snow easier. She decides on a robot, and gets to work designing and building and testing.
Once it works, a neighbor, Miss Irma, asks to borrow Helmy, and when she returns it, the rest of the neighborhood wants to know where they can purchase one of their own. When Miss Irma invests in Leena and her team, the next phase begins and as parts turn into products, and equations determine cost, the team of Leena, Olivia, and Lily starts rolling out Helmies.
The sweet ending of inspiring others, will also hopefully inspire readers to think bigger, dream bigger, and recognize the role support, teamwork, and leadership all play in bringing ideas to life.
The book can be preordered and soon ordered anywhere and everywhere books are sold.
