Children's Books discussion

Any suggestions for books about Islam, Ramadan, or any other Muslim holidays?

Muhammad is a beautifully written and illustrated story of the prophet, but my sister is always asking about books about the feasts and celebrations in modern times.

Thanks, Abigail! I don't think there are many books out there and I had not heard of this one. It's on my wish list now!

Bernadette, I am a huge fan of holiday-themed picture books but, alas, don't have any to recommend on Ramadan yet. I will eagerly watch the post in the hopes someone else does! :-)

Here are a few that, alas, my library does not have, but look good!

http://www.amazon.com/Night-Moon-Musl...

http://www.amazon.com/Last-Night-Rama...

http://www.amazon.com/My-First-Ramada...

Thanks for those titles, Kathryn. I am hoping someone has read some of these and can let us know what they think. I'm mostly concerned about the accuracy of the information in the books, especially as I'll be reading them with Muslim children. The Last Night of Ramadan's author sounds the most promising with her background and experience.

Here are a couple of other titles:
Ramadan
Under the Ramadan Moon
The White Nights of Ramadan

I thought I'd come revive the thread since Ramadan is starting on Wednesday, and I was delighted to see these comments that I somehow missed a few weeks ago. Thank you, Bun, for the excellent insights and, Abigail, I will have to see if I can get a copy of "Moon Watchers"--sounds great!

Abigail wrote: "Kathryn: sorry I haven't commented before! Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle was really quite good! I know how you like the holiday tales, and think you will enjoy both story a..."

Thanks ;-)

Has anyone heard of Na'ima B. Robert? She's across the pond, but she has written a bunch of books for children and teens, most of which feature a Muslim protagonist. She just came out with Going to Mecca, right in time for Ramadan. She's also the author of Boy vs. Girl.

Hey Kathryn,
I'm so super happy there's a Ramadan PBC thread. That's because I'm not just a CSA [Christian Studying Arabic], I'm also an ROC [Ramadan Observing Christian] as was my late godfather. My godfather was a Muslim-turned-Christian who stayed Ramadan-observant to show love and honor to his family after his conversion. Sadly, we lost him five years ago at the age of 34. It was in his honor, now memory, that I became an ROC 6 years ago. Having a loving and accepting Muslim godfamily means I know a lot about Ramadan/Islam...and Ramadan/Islam-themed PBs. I'll be back on the night before Ramadan to share my recommendations.
Salaam for now. And again, Happy New Year.
Love,
Farah
P. S. T minus 237 days.

Thank you for sharing your story. My sympathies for your loss.
I look forward to seeing your recommendations at the right time.

Serena wrote: "Hey Kathryn,
I'm so super happy there's a Ramadan PBC thread. That's because I'm not just a CSA [Christian Studying Arabic], I'm also an ROC [Ramadan Observing Christian] as was my late godfather. ..."

Thank you for sharing your story, Farah. I'm sorry I missed commenting on this back in July. I'm so sorry about your loss but that is very special that you are honoring your godfather's memory and I'm glad you continue to have a loving and accepting Muslim godfamily. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us here in the PBC. Will look forward to your recommendation for this coming Islamic New Year.

For those who got an "invitation" [in their inbox] to my Ramadan buddy read celebration in March, the party will be held here, not at the 3/2023 checkpoint.

Serena wrote: "For those who got an "invitation" [in their inbox] to my Ramadan buddy read celebration in March, the party will be held here, not at the 3/2023 checkpoint."

Ramadan Mubarak! My RSVP is YES! ;-) Here are some of the books I'm planning to get from the library this month:

The Month of Ramadan

Noura's Crescent Moon

Eid for Nylah

Looking for the Eid Moon

Those are at my library too. I plan to combine Ramadan with April [ASOS History and Culture Month] for a MASSIVE ASOS readapalooza.

Kathryn wrote: "Serena wrote: "For those who got an "invitation" [in their inbox] to my Ramadan buddy read celebration in March, the party will be held here, not at the 3/2023 checkpoint."

Ramadan Mubarak! My RSV..."

I'm here too! Your first book is on order for my city's library.

Noura's Crescent Moon is available in the system from some other libraries in the state. I may have some on Hoopla left to read later in the month if my friend has extra borrows.

The library has Ramadan on display, and also Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story

Ramadan

I want to read Ramadan Cookies
Both copies are checked out. I added my name to the hold list in hopes it comes in this month.

A new book that sounds good is Ramadan on Rahma Road: A Recipe Storybook
Currently unavailable while in processing but will be available to request soon.

I will try to read My Grandma and Me

Most of the newer ones are checked out already!

I'll be traveling to NYC and might stop at a children's book store so I'll see what they have.

Welcome to my Ramadan party, Fatima [Kathryn's Arabic name] and Q! So glad you came!

Books of Wonder, New York City
https://booksofwonder.com/search?q=ra...

Ooh ooh found a new one! Hurry everyone and go find it!

Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story

It's Ramadan and the silver moon hangs like a sideways smile. Zahra explains to her teddy, "It's the Ramadan moon and Mama says blessings are all around us during this month." Zahra prays for a sister to make crescent cookies with. She notices Mama is giving away her favorite jacket and Zahra's hat from auntie. Mama explains how Zahra outgrew the hat two years ago and there are others who need her jacket more than she does. Zahra remembers Baba says "We get more blessing when we give." When Teddy goes missing, Zahra can barely enjoy her favorite foods during iftar. She prays to find teddy and a sister. Then Zahra goes with Mama to volunteer at the shelter where she meets Haleema. They bond painting pictures and reading stories about dragons and wizards. When it's time to leave, "Haleema's eyes held a sadness that was deeper than the ocean." Zahra wishes she had teddy back... so she could give him to Haleema. They visit again and continue to bond. Haleema refers to her mother in the past tense so we know something bad happened in her former home. Zahra can't stop thinking about Haleema. The night before Eid, Mama and Baba whisper a secret in Zahra's ear. I bet you can guess what it is! (view spoiler)[Haleema is coming to live with them as Zahra's new (foster) sister! They've been waiting and praying to be approved all this time and now it is happening. And guess where Teddy is? With Haleema! (hide spoiler)]

This story is heartwarming and touching. Kids will take is as a story about a girl who wants a sister, learn about Ramadan and learn to have empathy. Adults reading to kids who know what is going on in the world will understand Haleema is a displaced person and possibly an orphan from Syria or Afghanistan. Adults can also pick up on the Toy Story plot for Teddy but it fits this story perfectly and the message of Ramadan. Personally, I'd be inconsolable without my monkey and my American Girl doll and I HATE Toy Story's message but it does work for this particular story.

The message isn't preachy or too obvious. It's just right for this age group. Kids who are celebrating Lent with their families right now can also apply the same lessons and kids who are not religious can also learn a lesson and apply it to their daily lives. Author's notes explain to kids what Ramadan is, Fasting, Ed-Al-Fitr, Displacement (40% of displaced people are children!), Shelter and Foster Care.

The illustrator went to the school where the author taught and was inspired seeing a book about a girl like her, Muslim American Pakistani. I dislike the bright colored cheeks on all the people but other than that, the illustrations, are charming, albeit digital.

Off to bed for another Ramadan story.

Ramadan Cookies

Nadia and Nadir are siblings and the best of friends. Nadia is the big sister sharing information with her little brother. They are eager to find the Ramadan moon. Nadia is old enough to fast but Nadir is too little. He's just excited for the Ramadan cookie baking tradition. He's very impatient as Nadia and Ammi make the dough and chill it before it can be rolled. Once the cookies are done, Nadia and Amir can have cookies and milk for breakfast and deliver baskets of cookies to their neighbors with an explanation of Ramadan.

There's a glossary in the back for unfamiliar words.

This is a happy, upbeat story. It doesn't go into a lot of detail about what Ramadan is or why they are celebrating or what they do. It's all very subtle and mostly focused on baking.

The illustrations are cartoony digital style which I do not care for but I expect appeal to early readers used to cartoons on TV. This South Asian family lives in a diverse neighborhood and I really liked that.

Ramadan by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi

The cover caught my attention and while the book is informative, it's told in the third person about a boy, Hakeem, who is Muslim, "which means he believes in the religion of Islam. Islam is an Arabic word meaning peace and submission. All Muslims believe in one God called Allah." The book covers everything Hakeem and his family do to celebrate Ramadan. I prefer a more personal story from the point-of-view of the character rather than impersonal text. This one is considered non-fiction because of the style.

The illustrations are quite lovely and traditional.

Ramadan
A cute board book introduction to Ramadan. I liked the illustrations very much. The people look so cheerful and happy.

One book I couldn't find on the shelf and it wasn't on display or on the reshelving cart. It may have been misplaced. One new one is checked out and another new one hasn't come in yet and with only one week to go, I'm not sure anyone will get to read it this year during Ramadan.

Serena wrote: "Welcome to my Ramadan party, Fatima [Kathryn's Arabic name] and Q! So glad you came!"

I loved reading the books throughout the month. I got very behind in writing reviews so I am only just now posting, but the boys and I were reading all through the month. Here are the books I read this month, starting with my sparkly five-star favorite:

The Month of Ramadan
Every year, I’m hoping for that very special Ramadan book that makes me feel “sparkly” like “The Gift of Ramadan” (which I read a few years ago) – just full of the joy and beauty and spirit of the holiday. This was my favorite of the books I read for this year. I love how it encompasses not just the fasting and the rituals, but the heart of the holiday in terms of loving and giving and reflection and kindness. I love how it shows the girl’s earnest attempts at fasting, and what she learns along the way. It’s hard, each day she goes a little longer without eating and drinking, but there are also unexpected sparkly moments – “ my tummy rumbles when lunch boxes snap open [and] at first, I feel lonely in quiet spaces, but soon I find slices of life I would have otherwise missed.” The illustrations show her stepping away from the lunch crowd, and meeting with a teacher in the library, a gardener at the school garden, and another Muslim girl who is drawing on her own under a tree. The family visits the mosque for prayer, and Mama winks at the children when it’s time to head home, but explains that many others will stay longer to pray or even stay all night. The girl asks why. “Because it’s a chance to look inwards and upwards.” The girl notes, “Above us, the universe hums. Inside of me, I feel peaceful and strong. I feel I belong.” They give money to charity, as the month reminds them to be thankful for what they have and give to those who have little. “The moon grows fatter. Papa’s clothes grow looser. He drops them off when he and [sister] visit the relief center.” Sister helps the elderly figure out some paperwork, and receives guidance on her science project. Mama’s (non-Muslim) friends choose to meet up at an art gallery instead of a restaurant so Mama won’t miss out on their usual lunch dates. “They really didn’t need to go out of their way,” mama says, but “her cheeks are pink with delight.” (I love this show of support from friends who aren’t observing the fast but can still offer the kindness and love the month is all about.) At the Eid celebration, the little girl thinks how she will miss Ramadan, but that the moon above reminds them of everything they have learned, “Inside of me, something has grown bigger and better than ever before. A month like this can make my whole year.” Just a beautifully sweet, heart-full sort of book. Illustrations are absolutely lovely. The included glossary will be helpful for those new to the subject. Highly recommend!

The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story
I love the focus here of the tradition of ka’ak, sweet treats commonly eaten during Eid al-Fitr, and here with recipe and traditons shared by our young protagonist’s elderly relatives to help honor family traditions from Egypt. I appreciate how it’s about family and heritage but also about sharing with others as the child eagerly takes some ka’ak to share with classmates at school. It’s a sweet story and the warm, cheerful illustrations at times brought Tomie de Paola’s work to mind. I appreciate the back matter which includes more history about Eid and ka’ak -- including that versions of ka’ak, also known as kahk, has various variations around many Arab countries and has even been consumed by Coptic Christians in Egypt curing Easter and Christmas and that Jewish communities across the Arab world also enjoy a version of this delicacy (ma’amoul) during Purim. The author’s photos of her own family making ka’ak, and the family recipe included, help round out the warm and cozy vibe of the book. A few books are recommended as additional resources, as well.

Noura's Crescent Moon
Just look at that beautiful cover. *happy sigh* I love how this book highlights one special aspect of Ramadan, waiting eagerly for the crescent moon to appear at the end of Ramadan, signifying that Eid ul-Fitar could begin. I love the sense of togetherness, joy, and anticipation as the family prepares for their moonsighting picnic—and a sense of community as others gather on the big hill, as well. I appreciate that it tempers expectations of young readers, for mama explains that she has never seen the moon on Chaand Raath (Moon Night). Yet, there’s still such a sense of hope and excitement. Will our young protagonist be very lucky on this, her first moonsighting picnic? (view spoiler)[yes! They do see the moon (hide spoiler)] The family is also celebrating the young girl’s first fast. It all feels very warm and sweet and inspiring.

Looking for the Eid Moon
While I personally preferred “Noura’s Crescent Moon” overall for a looking-for-the-Eid-moon picture book, what I like in this particular story is that there’s a focus on the sibling relationship and that the sister is attuned to her sister’s feelings of anxiety and hope about seeing (or missing!) the crescent moon. It is sweet that she wants to ensure the celebration is a special one for her sister and making the little “Eid moon” treasure hunt (something like an Easter egg hunt, but with little “moons” instead of eggs) is a thoughtful and fun way to do this. Do note that we see the girl making up the “gift” that is “from” the Moon to give to her sister, so if this would disillusion any youngsters in your home regarding magical gift-givers be advised ahead of time. Based on the author’s own experiences of trying to incorporate traditional Ramadan/Eid celebrations with more American-style traditions.

The Eidi Bag
So, on the one hand, I think many children will relate to Sarah’s eagerness to receive her Eidi (money given to children on Eid) and her concern when it doesn’t appear that she will receive it in the same way she did in her homeland. I appreciate that it shows how nuances of customs may change from region to region, while the heart of the holiday remains the same. And I appreciate that Sarah wasn’t completely self-centered in what she wanted to buy with her Eidi money. However, somehow, I just felt a little uncomfortable with the author’s assertion in the back matter that, “For adults, the most important part of Eid ul-Fitr is praying in the mosque, eating and sharing food, and spending time with family and friends. But, for children, the most important part of Eid ul-Fitr is getting Eidi money!” I don’t know… I need to preface this by saying that I never celebrated Eid as a child so I don’t’ have personal experience with the Eidi money… but I guess in my mind it’s similar to saying that getting presents is the most important part of Christmas if you are a kid… and that’s never really resonated for me. Sure, presents are a huge part of the excitement and joy of Christmas – and, yes, I could get pretty obsessed about my presents as a kid ;-) but I always felt something more beautiful and precious about the holiday that transcended the presents… that feeling of giving, being with loved ones, the food, the fun… that DID mean something to me as a kid.

Eid for Nylah
So, on the one hand, I really like how the book shows different types of families preparing for Eid – but I really felt so sorry for the poor cat! No one spent any time with the poor thing because they were too busy preparing for the Eid celebration. And then it just roamed from one house to another looking for affection! The refrain is “Poor Nylah” Sad! Part of Ramadan is cultivating kindness and giving to others… it seems the wrong message here that no one had time to give the cat even five minutes of playtime or snuggles. There’s a happy ending in which everyone celebrates and they all have time to play with the cat… but the overall message just didn’t sit right with me, I’m afraid.

QNPoohBear wrote: "Ramadan
A cute board book introduction to Ramadan. I liked the illustrations very much. The people look so cheerful and happy.

One book I couldn't find ..."

I love this series! The illustrations are charming and the text provides a decent, tot-sized description of the holidays.

The Gift of Eid This is so beautiful! Totally squeezed my heart. It's a twist on "The Gift of the Magi" where a young girl and her mother try to find one another gifts that will warm their grieving hearts (husband/father has passed away--we don't learn why, but the story takes place in Syria and the author mentions in her note how the story is by a Syrian-born author says the story is inspired by family who still live there and have suffered many losses due to war). The illustrations are warm and lovely, evoking a sense of place and a sense of love. The story is set in the famous Souq Al-Hamidiyeh and The Great Mosque of Damascus; you can feel that it's peopled with modern characters yet there is a sense of timelessness in it, as well. I appreciate that, while there are certainly undertones of grief, there is a sense of peace and hopefulness about it, as well, kindled by love of faith and family. Don't miss the Author's Note. I appreciate that she pays respect to O. Henry and her original inspiration (she says that one of her earliest memories was flipping through her mother's GED English books and that "The Gift of the Magi" stayed with her all these years) and she also clarifies a few points about her story (for example, that she used the monetary amounts from her childhood vs. modern values for the Syrian pound (lira) and that our young protagonist being able to wander independently in public spaces like the souq is not something that you would really see happening for most children in Syria). This is a really beautiful and touching story and I highly recommend it.