Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-Ul-Fitr Story

by Jonny Zucker, Jan Barger (Illustrator)

Books in the Festival Time series describe the activities of typical families as parents and children celebrate some of their culture’s major holidays. Attractive color illustrations on every page will appeal to younger children. The simply yet delightfully told stories describe the festivities while giving children background information about holidays in many different cultures. A two-page spread at the back of each book contains information for parents, and includes suggestions on ways to communicate the holiday’s meaning to kids. A typical Muslim family celebrates the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. In 2004, Ramadan lasts for the entire 30-day lunar month from October 16 through November 13. In 2005, it occurs from October 5 through November 3. It is the time of year for parents and older children to fast, give special praise to God, and be charitable to the poor and needy. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr occurs on the day following the last day of Ramadan. Families welcome this festival with an elaborate meal attended by extended family and friends. Traditional foods are eaten, including dates and pomegranates.

Genres: Picture Books, Islam, Childrens

24 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2004

Reviews

[Ladyphase · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the younger children. A later edition is titled, "Sweet Dates to Eat : A Ramadan and Eid Story." The book follows unnamed protagonists. It is from the perspective of the youngest in the family, a girl who is too young to fast yet.

Cute illustrations, simple text. BUT, it feels like facts with drawings, without an authentic child's voice. Stricter observant muslim families may prefer a different book for their children where the illustrator didn't chose to draw in some of the females' hair, or they might use it as a teachable moment.

For fun, I tried to give the family a background, because the book didn't try to provide any cultural context. I can't decide on the kind of people the author based the illustrations off of, or if she just...used her imagination. From the hats and the ladies' hair fringe showing, my husband suggests the family is from Uzbekistan. From the house, I say they are in the US. The father is darker than the rest of the family we see, so I say the mother is a white American
(possibly a convert) who spent time in Uzbekistan and married the father there. Later, they moved to the US and had children. Feel free to make up your own background story.

[Buxmont Uu]

PBWR Session 8