Category Archives: Eid Al Fitr

Feb15

The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast by Ilhan Mohamed Abdi

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At 223 pages, this Ramadan inspired cook book, is organized with the holy month in mind, but provides recipes that will work the whole year through.  With a few pages of text, reflection, and background before each of the eight sections: Suhoor, Iftar, Mains, Breads, Spices & Chutneys, Dessert, Drinks, and Eid, the author allows for the pages filled with the recipes themselves to be clear and less cluttered.  The individual recipes feature a description for a header, with some encouragement and guidance of how to change the recipe up and make it your own.  Some recipes have pictures, some are just text, and some are followed by two page spreads that show plating, pairings, or guidance for preparation.  The book stays focused on food with minimal religious inclusions aside from the religious framing, nothing that would make the book limited to a Muslim kitchen.  I liked the organization and found it intuitive and look forward to trying many of the Somali dishes that stand out to me in making this a unique collection, and a benefit to my shelf.

The book feels authentic in both the way Ramadan is presented and celebrated, and the approach and constraints of preparing meals. The personal commentary is very relatable and does a good job of conveying the factual with the spiritual, the goals with the reality, the food with the nourishment, and the multitudes that exists at different stages of life and even a different times of the blessed month as tiredness and excitement compete. Whether you pick up the book to thumb through and read, or grab it to find inspiration for a meal, the book has a lot to offer and return to.

Feb15

Too Soon for the Moon by Ayshah Ismail illustrated by Rizkia Gita

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Yep, another story about the moon, at least this one attempts humor and doesn’t completely neglect religion. So as I write this, I’m reminding myself that most folks don’t read as many Ramadan and Eid books as I do, and thus won’t be comparing or rolling their eyes at the familiar plot points. The book is for the younger crowd, as its premise is that it is too soon in the day to see if the moon is shining to indicate that Ramadan is over and Eid is here.  The little boy also doesn’t know what the crescent moon looks like, so Mama tells him it is like a smile and draws a curved line in the flour as she bakes.  With that, Khalid is off looking for the moon, and being told that it is too soon to see it whenever he mistakes something else for the moon, clearly not knowing what they mean by “too soon.”  I do like that Khalid and his Baba go to the mosque to pray, but I’m again wondering why everyone at the mosque praying maghrib does not look for the moon as a community.  There was a similar book I reviewed with the same exact premise and this same exact oversight, it also really stretched out the time window available to see the moon, which has me wondering if it is not the same for us all? I do like that the book comes full circle and he does find the moon in a funny place, spoiler, reflecting on the ground in a puddle.  I also like that there is a scannable QR Code for a free audiobook version and that it gets creative with not depicting faces.

The book starts with Khalid helping Mama bake baklava in the kitchen asking about the Eid moon.  Concluding that the sooner it is found, the sooner they can enjoy the treats and gifts, he is determined to find it.  The holiday lights outside obscure his view with Baba, so he heads up to his sister’s room for a better vantage point, but the cat’s collar reflecting is all he sees out the window, the glint of his aunt’s bowl back down in the kitchen also doesn’t help him find the moon, and they all keep telling him that it is “too soon.”

Baba and Khalid head to the mosque to pray, it is still too soon to see the moon, and when they are done, it is raining.  A sad Khalid sits dejected, but when the clouds part and the moon’s reflection hits the puddle, the joy of seeing the Eid moon finds the protagonist, and all is well.

The large 10 x 10 size makes the book suitable for bedtime or story time, and while it might have been better as a board book with a premise of a child not knowing what the moon looks like and where to find it. I found it more troubling that the rest of the family and masjid community didn’t take looking for the moon more serious.

Jan17

Together on Eid by Sana Rafi illustrated by Mariam Quraishi

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Together on Eid by Sana Rafi illustrated by Mariam Quraishi

I know it has become increasingly commonplace to have Eid and Ramadan books completely devoid of religion, but I will continually point it out, as it breaks my heart to see books about our beloved religious holidays lacking any spirituality, religious framing, or Islamic references. This book would work for either Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha as it focuses, as the title suggests, being together on Eid and all the food, clothes, and feels that being together entails. The book is organized with headings: “Eid is a gathering,” and “Eid is a party we dress up for,” and “Eid is a home.”  There are six in all, that are then fleshed out with supporting details and examples that reinforce the topic sentence so to speak.  Food is detailed, clothes are highlighted, togetherness is celebrated and, memories are shared, and made on this day, that is ultimately “a gift.” The setting is a Pakistani home with cultural identifies sprinkled in, but still very vague in any specific traditions outside of a few instances of vocabulary.  The illustrations define the clothes and foods mentioned and while I don’t love the flowing illustrations, there is nothing wrong them, they just are not my style.  The book could work for a non Muslim gathering, but I would hope that if you are sharing a story and introducing a group to Eid, that one would pick a story that will at least articulate that Eid is an Islamic holiday.

The book shows a family: mom and dad, a little girl and little boy and paternal grandma. It starts with warm hugs, and getting dressed up for the holiday, then when the feast portion starts, extended family joins the pages. Dadi Amma is then joined by all of her grown sons, who she recalls being little just a short wile ago.  The focus of the book becomes a little preachy at this point, as it turns to the grandma reminding the little boy never to forget the day as she hands him his Eidi.  Throughout the dad is taking pictures of the family, and the book ends with the little boy asleep cradling a picture.

I don’t hate the premise of the book.  It is nice to see that it isn’t all presents and big Eid extravagances that mark the day as memorable, but rather it is the family and being together.  Even the feast is not over bearing on the day, as they don’t spend the whole day in the kitchen. The roti comes from a store, not hand-made and the Eidi is enveloped in love, not accompanied with a wish list of what the money will be spent on.  I just wish there was some Islam.  Something to give little Muslim kids a traditionally published book that didn’t erase the very point of the holiday.  And yes I know some people will like that it is completely secular, but I am reviewing as an Islamic School Librarian, and find it either a missed opportunity by the author, or token rep by the publisher.

Perhaps also worth mentioning is, the book info online states the book is 32 pages, but it is only 20 pages of story, which isn’t me being picky, I point it out because it reads and feels short.  The backmatter is only the author’s and illustrator’s notes, which begs the question, why not add informational pages about Eid, the vocabulary, the faith, or even more of what makes the holiday so memorable and picture worthy?  I don’t know that this book really makes the case that Eid is a memorable holiday, seems like most any weekend in a big family home, which is unfortunate.

Jan14

A Golden Eid by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Singgih Jadmiko

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A Golden Eid by Hiba Noor Khan illustrated by Singgih Jadmiko

This 32 page picture book about Eid al Fitr, starts as many do with the last night of Ramadan carrying into the day of celebration itself.  The book is plot based with a soft moral message to be generous with others. It refrains from info dumping, but does show reading Quran, making duas, and going to the mosque.  I think if you are looking for a new book to read to a non Muslim class or group, the book is sufficient in opening a window and showing a relatable family celebrating Eid with hints of culture, religion, and community, but unfortunately there are predictable tropes and since I read a lot of Eid books, it ultimately doesn’t make the book stand out for me.  The focus is on food, and how the family comes together to make the beloved halwa, and then when food is taken to the neighbors, the protagonist, Hafsa, shares her beloved treat by choice, yet is sad none-the-less that there in no longer any for her.  That is until everyone shows up to return the favor and make Eid better than she could have imagined. The book features a two page spread of a recipe for halwa at the end, as well as directions to make your own Eid bunting. The illustrations are sweet and will engage readers with the book’s 11 x 10 inch size in read alouds or at bedtime.

The book starts with Hafsa peering through her telescope looking for the Eid moon.  Once spotted, cousins are called, Quran is finished, duas are made, and the feast preparations begin.  It is a lot of work,  and when they are done, Abu starts packing everything up.

Shocked, Hafsa is reassured that some halwa will be kept to be enjoyed on Eid, and then Abu and her are off to share with friends and neighbors. When they get to Mrs. Adams’ house, Hafsa notices the cupcakes have run out, and runs home to get the halwa to give to their neighbor.

Later the family heads to the park, and a sad Hafsa is reminded that, “During Ramadan, God teaches us to be bighearted and to think of those in need.” Even the next morning though, as se puts on her fancy clothes and heads to the mosque she is feeling sad about her dessert.

Back at home as friends and family start pouring in, they come with full arms and big hearts, and Hafsa ends up with six different types of halwa to delight in.

I like that mom and dad are both involved in the food preparation and that religion is not completely sidelined.  I feel like their is a bit of a disconnect with what Mrs. Adams’ need is and was surprised little Hafsa could run back home and then come again independently.  I did appreciate that at the start when looking through the telescope the sky was not dark as the Eid moon shows for a short time, but was surprised later when hours after dark they are playing in the park under the crescent moon. That spread at the park, to me honestly didn’t seem needed, I know it was to share the moral messaging, but I felt it just indulged the food aspect of a very religious and sacred holiday, and made Hafsa seem uncharacteristically whiney about not getting a dessert, when up until that point she had shown some independence and maturity. It is one thing to be sad, but belaboring it, shifted the focus of what could have been a standout book.

Jan4

Ramadan Rain by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

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Ramadan Rain by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

This 40 page book is all the feels as little Haneen’s Ramadan duas change from the material to the heartfelt while the rain pours down, taraweeh prayers are made, fun is had, and hearts are touched.  In true Thompkins-Bigelow fashion the book presents in layers that pull the emotional threads without turning didactic and preachy. The adorable illustrations complement the text and by the page when the characters are crying, I too, found tears in my eyes. I love that praying, duas, and practicing Islam is not sidelined, as current Ramadan and Eid books seem to do, but rather centered and celebrated as a source of comfort and joy. For the most part the external catalyst moving Haneen’s internal change were seamless, but the page with the little boy pointing and calling the drawings on her card naked, seemed a little jarring to the tone, even though I can see the function it served. I also acknowledge that a physical version might not make it as abrupt. Additionally it is worth noting the very nature of reviewing is to over think, so to be completely honest, by about the fifth reading I began to wonder, did her perspective change? There was no pivotal moment that set it in motion, it seemed she just got carried away in making the Eid card and never got to articulate what she really wanted to her mom. The initial dua is for the shoes that the family can’t afford, which I already felt was inconsistent because when asking Allah swt nothing is impossible, and the whole premise is that it is Ramadan and on top of that raining, but that aside, even when she first draws them, she states that it isn’t what “she really wants.”  So now, I’m wondering if anything really changed at all, or she just never clarified and thus the reader as well  her mom are taken along from Ramadan night to Eid day.  Also in the arc I read, it seemed a word was missing on page three that will hopefully be fixed in the final version. I love the tone and the warmth, and I know most won’t read it as deep as me, but the publication is not until March and I wonder, and hope, a few tweaks might still take place.  When my pre order arrives, I will revisit the review if need be, and yes, even with my critiques, I think this is a book that will delight all ages this Ramadan and give plenty to reflect on throughout the year.

The book starts with a grumpy Haneen sitting on a bus, walking in the rain, and arriving at the masjid a little wet and muddy recalling when they had a car and things were easier.  She starts to complain but catches herself knowing that they can’t afford things, and Momma tells her that, “rain brings blessings.”  She also reminds Haneen that duas said on a rainy day get answered, especially during Ramadan.

Once in the masjid, Momma reads Quran and Haneen starts to make duas for the shoes she wants but knows they can’t afford when she is distracted by friends, and they start making Eid cards. They children work together, and when it is pointed out that Haneen’s stick figure has shoes, but no cloths, she marvels at the different dressed women around her, before adding her favorite to the picture, wondering if she can get new clothes for Eid.  The pattern continues, she sees the twins with plush toys, and thus plushies are added to her wants, and filled in on her Eid card, as the congregation moves from athan, to iftar, to salat, to taraweeh.

When Eid comes, SPOILER gifts come from unexpected places, and a new card, showing what Haneen really wanted and prayed for that rainy Ramadan night are revealed, alhumdulillah.

Dec27

Rooza: A Journey through Islamic Cuisine inspired by Ramadhan and Eid by Nadiya Hussain

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Rooza: A Journey through Islamic Cuisine inspired by Ramadhan and Eid by Nadiya Hussain

This 191 page, highly illustrated cookbook by a well-known chef and author sets out to be a journey around the world with recipes of beloved foods associated with Ramadhan and Eid.  The introduction shares some of the author’s personal thoughts on the time of the year, what it means to her and her family, and while I cringe when she says, “not eaten from sunrise,” seeing as fasting starts at dawn, the premise of what is to come allows the reader to learn a bit and be inspired too. I do wish that there was more about the food and it’s connection to Ramadan or the culture, but it really is more about the recipes, and the framing, not the exploration of Ramdhan or Eid, her relationship to the dishes chosen, how the recipes came about, and why they are included.

The book is not organized by appetizers, main course, and dessert, or even by ingredients: vegetables, fish, poultry, etc., it is organized arbitrarily by country, with each of the featured cuisines getting two recipes spread over a few pages with gorgeous accompanying pictures, until the Eid section where countries of origin are not attributed with the food, desserts, and snacks.

Whether you want to cook a dish from a certain country, thumb through it and be inspired by a picture, or use the index to look up a specific food or ingredient, I enjoyed reading the book cover to cover and finding dishes I soon hope to try.

 

 

Mar26

Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name by Yasmin Hanif illustrated by Sophie Benmouyal

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Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name by Yasmin Hanif illustrated by Sophie Benmouyal

I love the idea behind this 28 page book, and the illustrations are pretty great too, but I felt like the story needed a little more depth to convey meaningful emotion, appreciation, and connection.  It starts with an Eid gift, but there is nothing tying it to the holiday after the first spread.  And while it shows both Islam and Desi culture in action, I wanted to hear the stories of his family, and the connection to his culture that helps him name his bear.  I also feel like the premise was a little rocky, did everyone get family heirlooms for gifts? Did they get other gifts? Why was he gifted this special stuffed toy and not his older or younger siblings? Would a kid really be that excited to get a hand me down stuffed bear? Once you read the author’s intent, and the inspiration for the story, an adult could connect the dots and help a reader recognize the internalized othering being overcome, and discuss it, but I don’t know if all kids would not pick a cultural name for a toy, or see that Abdullah didn’t consider reflective names either.

The book starts with the reader dropped into an Eid day celebration.  Abdullah is handed a gift by his parents and when he unwraps it he finds himself the new owner of an old well-loved teddy bear.  His father was the previous owner, but refuses to tell Abdullah the bear’s name, urging him to discover it on his own.

Abdullah loves the bear, and takes it with him to the store, to school, to cricket, to madrasa Everywhere he goes he tries out names: old names at the museum, classmates names, but nothing seems to fit.  When his Abba tells him a story about his grandfather, he finally finds the perfect name for his bear.

I really like the details in the illustrations, they bring the story to life and feel authentic: the store names, the Eid spread, the activities.  I feel like this book is so close to being a standout, but I don’t know that kids who don’t find themselves exactly in Abdullah’s mindset, would be able to relate and connect to what transpires.  Unfortunately, it is unclear if he grows and learns from the experience, or if it was contained to this one incident. 

 

 

Mar9

The Best Eid Ever by Sufiya Ahmed illustrated by Hazem Asif

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The Best Eid Ever by Sufiya Ahmed illustrated by Hazem Asif

This book blends some facts about Ramadan and Eid with cultural practices, showing a day in the life of a family celebrating, and a sprinkling of a story line to keep elementary aged kids invested. The back of the book labels it as an introduction to Ramadan and Eid and I think that is a pretty solid summary.  Aisha is eight, and apparently too young to fast from sunrise to sunset.  I wonder if she is old enough to fast from dawn to sunset as Islamically prescribed? Yes, I’m petty, but it is wrong to say sunrise to sunset, and I’m not backing down. This year her aunt, Chachi Amal has made a scavenger hunt for her and her brother to find their Eid presents, but first there is henna to apply, decorations to hang up, Eid prayers to attend, desserts to be shared with neighbors, and lunch to be had, before the three question scavenger hunt can commence, and presents can be located.  The backmatter has information about Ramadan, Muslims, Eid, and a glossary.  The book would work well for a generic class or library story time. I don’t imagine Muslim kids will find it particularly memorable and ask for it more than once.  It is a Desi family, with the Chachi being Libyan and sharing desserts. hinting at the diversity of Muslims, and I can see kids wanting parents to hide their gifts and make a scavenger hunt, which is sweet and a nice idea to build on.

The book starts with Aisha looking outside to see if the moon can be spotted and Eid determined.  Samir and Dad come in and say that the mosque has declared Eid tomorrow.  Eid is Aisha’s favorite festival, she loves Ramadan, eating iftar with her fasting family, and she loves dates. This year her Chachi has hidden their gifts and made a scavenger hunt for the kids to follow.

Aisha can’t wait, but her Mom says they have other traditions first, and Aisha has henna painted on her hands.  They have to dry for at least two hours, so she watches a show while Dad and Samir decorate.  Then it is time for bed, and the scavenger hunt will have to wait.

Early in the morning is no time for a scavenger hunt, Mom is in the kitchen and they have to get to Eid prayers. After salat, and wishing everyone Eid Mubarak, Aisha is ready for the clues, but her and Samir are sent to deliver sweets to the neighbors.  When they return home, they can’t get to presents because it is lunch time. Finally, the scavenger hunt begins, the clues are solved, the presents found, and the day “the Best Eid Ever.”

I purchased this book from Crescent Moon Store, code ISL will save you 10%.

Mar8

Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

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Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

This brightly illustrated Eid book has cute illustrations, but is very basic.  There is very little about Eid, in fact I have no idea if it is supposed to be Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha. The girl is outside when it gets dark and no mention of iftar is made, but there is no crescent moon for Eid al Adha as there is one prominently seen in the illustration, so any insight into the matter would be great.  The book is just a little girl running around looking for the missing Eid presents.  It doesn’t talk about traditions or faith, Hana is literally just moving from location to location to look under the bed, in the wardrobe, the broom cupboard, the bathroom, the garbage, outside, in the shed. So yes, yet another Eid book with no Islam, no heart, no explaining why finding presents makes this the “best Eid ever!” Sigh. Truly it could be, Can you find my birthday presents or Christmas presents, and nothing in the story would have to change.

The book starts the evening before Eid, and Mummy and Hana are laying the table, and admiring the Eid decorations.  Mummy has a lot still to do and asks Hana to help by getting the Eid presents to Nani’s house for the party.  Only problem is that Hana can’t find them.

She looks everywhere, inside and out, and when Daddy comes home he is too busy to help.  He shoos her off to Nani’s next door, where the mystery is solved and the next morning when the presents are opened everyone is happy.

I wish there was some emotion, maybe whatever was in the little blue box for her Nani had her excited, and when it goes missing she is anxious.  Even to mention that they go open presents after Eid prayers seems like a natural inclusion, but alas, there is no emotion, no Islam, and no real point of the book.

Mar5

Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

Gorgeous illustrations, joyful Islam, and a sweet story about a little boy realizing there is more to Eid than presents. The protagonists voice is really on point and a great way to counter so many of the books, and real life antics of kids equating Eid to being about gifts. This 23 page picture book for 3-6 year olds, works for both Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha, and follows little Ibraheem as he searches for his gifts throughout his sunnah and love filled Eid day at home and at the mosque.  I love that it shows him getting drawn into the khutba, doing takbir, ruku and sajood, eating dates before going, and taking a different path on the way home.  It doesn’t have any backmatter, but if reading it to a child, I would hope the little details in the text and illustrations would be discussed. It took me a few readings to be ok with how Ibraheem discusses his gift order with Allah swt, but I think for little kids and with the consistent tone of the book, it makes it relatable.  I also don’t know why his mom and rest of the family do not go for Eid prayers. Other females are shown at the mosque in the background, and people of various ages and mobility, but alas it is just Ibraheem and his Baba at salah, and a house full of love and family the rest of the day.

The book starts with an illustration of Ibraheem hanging up his “Eid Sunnahs” chart next to his “Dear Allah” swt list of gifts that he wants. The text then starts with it being Eid day and Ibraheem looking in all the usual places for his presents, but comes up empty. He wonders if his parents forgot, if Allah forgot, but he knows that would never happen. Luckily Baba and he are off to the mosque for prayers, maybe, he thinks, the presents are there.

As the father and son walk to the mosque they greet others, and then settle in for the “Eid day stories.” I don’t love that the khutbah is referred to as such, but that is probably just me. When the iqamah is called, it is time to pray and Ibraheem copies his Baba before they make their way into “the sea of smiling faces.”

Back at home it is time to enjoy food, games, fun, and cuddles with a bustling house.  Presents still haven’t been found, but the day has been perfect, and presents can always be opened tomorrow.

I love that this is a traditionally published book, that centers Islam on Eid and radiates with joy.  The large size makes it easy to share in all settings, and the illustrations beg to be explored and appreciated.