Rabia's Eid

by Rukhsana Khan

Join a young girl and her family in this Step 2 reader as they celebrate Eid-al-fitr, a holiday that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Perfect for readers ages 4-6.

It's Eid-al-fitr—the last day of Ramadan, which means it is the last day for Rabia to fast with the rest of her family and she has never done it before. Rabia is so excited! She eats just before sunrise and then the day of fasting begins! Rabia gets to have her hands painted with henna, wear a new dress, and put her family's donation in the box at the mosque. It's a special Eid all around!

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Genres: Holiday, Picture Books, Childrens, Muslims, Religion

32 pages, Library Binding

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful beginner reader to have in your collection to showcase the celebration of Ramadan and Eid!

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've got ourselves another Eid book! Rabia's Eid is part of Random House's "Step into Reading" collection, meant to help young readers improve their literacy skills.

Story-wise, this is honestly pretty generic - little girl wants to fast on the last day of Ramadan, and the next day is Eid. But it's kind of amazing that we've gotten to the point where we actually have the luxury of referring to such a story as generic!

I did have an issue with Zakatul Fitr not being paid BEFORE Eid, which is a common Muslim problem of trying to chuck some cash in a box just before Eid salah.

Anyway, a solid classroom addition despite it's mediocrity!

3.75/5 🌟

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[Aryani Siti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a lovely story about a girl named Rabia who's excited to celebrate Eid with her family. It's her first time fasting during Ramadan, which makes the occasion even more special. This charming book beautifully captures the spirit of faith, family, and new experiences.

[Kirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
We definitely lack Islam centered leveled readers, so how exciting to see one this year focused on Eid, that contains more about Zakat al Fitr than presents no less.  The book starts on the last day of Ramadan, so there are details about both Ramadan and Eid shown, not dictated, as it stays on a Step 2 reading level.  As with most books meant to be read with help, for preschool to 1st grade, the story is a bit abrupt at times, and by not showing the Eid salat it definitely leaves some confusion as to whether Zakat was actually paid before the prayer started as required (I'm not a scholar, so please look into this), or not.  InshaAllah, if adults are reading this with their children, some basics about Zakat al Fitr would be something wonderful to discuss when you finish.  The book is joyful, the little girl wants to fast and is encouraged to do a half day, the illustrations are adorable as well, alhumdulillah. Oh and for those keeping track, this might be the first Ramadan book I've read in a long time that does not mention the moon, not even once.

The book starts with Mom waking Maryam up for suhoor on the last day of Ramadan and Rabia wanting to fast as well.  Her sister tells her she is too young, but she joins the family for cereal in the kitchen, and Dad encourages her to try a half day.  The family then prays fajr together and the day is going great. 

About lunch time Maryam is getting ready to break her fast. The family praises her on as she settles in with a cheese and tomato sandwich.  Later the rest of the family breaks their fast, and Rabia joins in with starting with a date and making duas.  Then it is time for henna and getting their clothes ready.

At Eid prayer everyone is dressed up, and Dad gives Rabia some money to put in the box labeled Fitr, for the poor.  Rabia wonders if everyone has to give money, and mom responds that everyone except the poor do.  The book concludes with the family smiling knowing everyone is having a happy Eid.

The book is great for Muslim and non Muslim kids, because of the size though, it isn't a great choice for story time in big groups, but the price point makes it an awesome addition to gifts, classrooms, and to share with others in general. 

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khan as created a valuable Step into Reading book that introduces young readers to the preparations for the Muslim celebration of Eid during Ramadan. We see how Rabia's family fasts, prays and gives to others during the holiday. With an accessible text, this is a good book to share with your readers. The use of special terms will help readers become more familiar with this language and these customs.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rabia is excited to fast with her family for Ramadan. Her mom wakes her before sunrise to join the rest of her family to eat a very early breakfast. She makes it until noon before breaking her fast. I appreciate the rest of her family praising her for what she could do. The book ends with celebrating Eid ul Fitr. Rabia gets to contribute to the donations for those in need. Khan shares these holidays at a level the youngest readers will understand.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute and inclusive early reader about a little girl who wants to fast for Ramadan for the first time with her family. Introduces young readers to customs and traditions of Eid al-Fitr in a really accessible way.

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book for the little ones to learn about Ramadan and the meaning of Eid. Illustrations are colorful and full of detail. No notes or glossary, but words are easy to read and understand for Level 2.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet and culture-filled little book about a child who wants to celebrate with her family. It's nice to see more diverse books in the Easy Reader section for beginning readers, as that part of the collection seemed to be lacking in the past.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!! Love the illustrations!
Thank you!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

the illustrations were so gorgeous!!! Have to buy ASAP for the growing holdiays collection.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly simple, but so lovingly put together, this short book takes the reader through the final day of Eid al-Fitr.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has a dear Muslim friend, this is a gorgeous and accurate depiction of Eid--the fasting, the prayers, the henna. I love this glimpse into another culture and religion!

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one wasn't for me. I found it strange that they woke up while it was still dark, so technically they really weren't fasting. They were avoiding having to fast. And the ending seemed hokey to me.

[Kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

34 pages not 32

[Maiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cute!!