Category Archives: OWN Voice

Mar19

An Eid Story: Husna and the Eid Party by Fawzia Gilani-Williams illustrated by Kulthum Burgess

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An Eid Story: Husna and the Eid Party by Fawzia Gilani-Williams illustrated by Kulthum Burgess

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This 27 page book is old, published in 2007, and one that I kept an eye out for on occasion since reviewing a similar early chapter book by the same author, The Lost Ring, that I found in a public library in 2016.  Somehow it found its way to me in 2024, and I’m reviewing it because it has been a while since I’ve indulged in older books that shaped the foundation of Muslim literary representation so many years ago.  It is the epitome of Islamic fiction and what Islamic fiction looked like when I started teaching.  It has a Muslim protagonist, with a universal stress, framed in Islamic acts, perspectives, information, and morals.  It is unapologetic, it is at time preachy, and while the writing isn’t remarkable, an engaging story is laid out with numerous lessons along the way.  You may not want to rush out and purchase this book, but if you have it on your shelf, it would be worth pulling out, dusting off, and sharing with a child. At times the details feel a little dated, but there is a timelessness to stresses with friends, being left out, assuming the worst, and wanting to be included.  This book will offer a chance to be seen in the text and illustrations as Husna waits to be invited to her friend’s Eid party.  The book does not specify if it is Eid al-Fitr of Eid al-Adha, but it really isn’t impactful on the story, as it simply sets the time, mood, and draws all the threads together.

SYNOPSIS:
It is the week after Eid and students are back at their Islamic school, Husna has lots of friends, but Maryam is her favorite.  While on the playground, someone asks Maryam where the party is going to be, and she responds, “probably at the house.”  Excited Husna waits for her invitation, that unfortunately never comes.

WHY I LIKE IT:
Even though the book has a happy ending and is based on a misunderstanding, the feelings are very real.  I remember feeling left out, I’ve seen my own kids and students feel it, and that the book is a snapshot of that feeling from a Muslim perspective, really makes it hit home.  Husna makes dua in sujud at Maghrib and Fajr that she will be invited, conversations begin with As-Salamu ‘Alaikum and end with Barak Allahfi-ki, homework is learning Hadith and memorizing ayats, jumah is prayed, and every page is filled with Islam.

FLAGS:

None

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
The book is an early reader, a text heavy one at that, but none-the-less meant for ages seven and up. I can see it being read today in small groups in an Islamic school or if you have a young one who is perhaps feeling something similar.  You might have to explain invitations in the mail, or calling on a house phone, but it still has relevance.

Mar18

The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide to Growing Up by Yasmin El-Husari illustrated by Noon Eltoum

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The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide to Growing Up by Yasmin El-Husari illustrated by Noon Eltoum

I still get asked fairly frequently about maturation books for Muslim kids. Boys are another story, but for girls, I’ve always had to settle on a non Muslim book that gives an introduction and some conversation starters, bur rely on the adult to provide the Islamic perspective.  Alhumdulillah, those days are over, I can now recommend this 47 page book as a great resource to hand to a young Muslim girl to read independently and/or together with a trusted adult.  The conversational text, the Islamic centering, the complimentary subtle illustrations, allow the book to be informative, but not intimidating.  For girls on the cusp of puberty it shows them what to expect and it normalizes what they are going to experience in terms of body changes and hygiene, all within an Islamic framework.  I do wish that it noted if scholars approved the text.  The author is a teacher and the illustrator an MD, but a statement at the beginning asserting the accuracy would give additional credibility to the contents.  In full disclosure, the author was my daughter’s teacher, but none of my kids are currently in her class, and I purchased the book on my own.  Truly the book is so desperately needed, the fact that it is well done is something I am happy to share, and inshaAllah, inshaAllah a book for boys will be forthcoming.

The book starts with an introduction from the author and then a table of contents.  Growing Up, Seeing Spots, A Hairy Situation, Body Safety, A Sweaty Dilemma, Tahaarah!, Periods: The Big Change, Periods in Islam, Discharge, Feminine Protection, Bra Measuring Guide, and Glossary.  There is not a lot of talk about moods, emotions, friendships (relationships), it really is streamlined to cover the body’s changes and practical tips through an Islamic lens.

The tone is very reassuring that what a girl is experiencing or about to experience is normal, something all women go through, nothing to be embarrassed about, and nothing to feel isolated by.  Even the glossary reinforces this this tone by explaining the medical terms and Islamic terminology used.  If a girl reads it alone, she will get that messaging, and hopefully feel empowered to embrace her changes and reach out if needed.  If one is reading it with an adult, the book lends itself easily to discussions that can be more specifically tailored to the young girl, or even a group of girls.

It talks about hijab and provides a chart about who can see you with and without, I’m a bit confused by young children being in both categories, I’m not sure if I am missing something or if it is a mistake.** I also feel like the chapter headings and the section subheadings are not clear as the font, color, and text size are often the same.  The book is small and short, it can be read in one sitting or thumbed through, so the chapters are not particularly necessary, but if it has a table of contents and headings, I feel they should be different in appearance for consistency and ease.

The book is currently available here on Amazon.

**UPDATE FROM AUTHOR:

*Correction Post
Assalamu Alaikum readers both past and present. Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your support and engagement with The Muslim Girl’s Pocket Guide. We had a reader reach out to us pointing out a typo in the text last week. Alhamdulillah that mistake is now corrected. Any book ordered after March 14th should be the correct version of the text. If you bought a copy with the printed mistake it can be returned to Amazon and repurchased inshallah. Again, I appreciate all of your support and Jazakum Allahu Khair 🦋
Mar17

Ilyas & Duck: Spectacular Salah by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Mattia Cerato

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Ilyas & Duck: Spectacular Salah by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Mattia Cerato

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It has been a minute since we have had a new Ilyas & Duck book to read and share with our kids, and this one focusing on prayer is informative, fun, and was well worth the wait.  It is also long, 48 pages long to be exact.  There is a lot of information and works best for ages six or seven and up.  The clever rhyme and engaging illustrations tell about wudu, the times of the five daily prayers, Surah Al Fatiha, facing the Kabah, having the right intention, connecting with Allah, and not being distracted. I love the framing that salah is not just an obligation, but is an opportunity to talk to Allah swt and should be spectacular.  The author reads his books aloud a lot to kids, so if you have ever seen one of his readings, I highly recommend channeling the voices and energy, to hold the audiences attention if using the book at story time.  If reading at bedtime, or if handing to an independent reader, take the opportunity to discuss the points, check understanding, and reflect upon what Duck is learning.  As always the banter between Duck and Ilyas keeps the kids laughing, the story moving, and the information flowing, alhumdulillah.

The book starts with two verses from the Quran and the hashtag #freepalestine, before entering the world of Ilyas and Duck one summer afternoon,.  An alarm goes off and Ilyas heads off to make wudu and pray.  Duck couldn’t get up though, he prayed earlier, so he thought he was done.  Ilyas explains that there are five prayers in the day, and Duck is seriously worried that Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha are going to cut in to his game time, snack time, and movie time.

When Ilyas tells Duck that prayers don’t take long and it is when you speak to Allah swt, Duck in his enthusiastic way is determined to make each and every prayer spectacular. He drafts a plan, learns the steps and what to say, finds the direction, makes his intention, says Allahu Akbar and starts training. 

He is praying all over the Earth whenever the time comes, but then he learns he can do more and goes to visit the Professor.  He learns about connection and closeness to Allah.  He also learns about using his heart and staying focused, before rushing back to tell Ilyas all that he has learned.

The book covers a lot of ground, and gets kids excited to pray.  I like that the information is a mix of highly detailed specifics, general knowledge, and humor.  The way the salah times are described and the emphasis on connecting with Allah swt and making your prayers heartfelt is not often seen in books for this age group, and I think it gives the book a wider lasting appeal.  My 8 year old did point out after reading it independently and laughing, that if Duck prayed Fajr didn’t he know a little bit about prayer already?  Also, given the length of the book, a line clarifying that infact not all places on Earth are ok to pray upon, would have been nice. 

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I hope this book signals more books in the series are heading our way.  I notice that the illustrator is not the same, but the pictures are similar enough I doubt most kids will notice. The book is widely available and can be purchased from Amazon here or from Crescent Moon here. 

Mar16

Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy

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Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy

Woah baby, that was a wildly fantastic ride of a read.  The very first page grabs you and makes you sit up and pay attention.  I have never been so happy to sit in a waiting room so that I could read in peace.  This 387 page book is mature YA, I was gifted the knowledge prior to reading that there is a line that is toed, possibly stepped on, but not carelessly crossed, so I will gift that knowledge on to you, so that you might enjoy the story without that anxiety. Told from numerous perspectives, a group of Muslim teens find themselves arrested for an act of terror.  Strangers from different schools, different backgrounds, and different dreams for their future, are fiction, but their stories, their secrets, the broken system that they find themselves in, all feels very real.  The plausibility and commentary from an OWN Muslim author is incredible, I do wish their was more spiritual centering, Islamic framing, or even a more Muslim conscience present. Some of the characters do discuss hijab and one does find solace in prayer, but none of them really pour their heart out to Allah swt in the isolation of their cells, and in the predicament they are placed in, and it seems like they would.  Ultimately though the writing is remarkable, it has been a long time since I was truly tempted to skip ahead and read the last few pages because my heart was racing.  There is just one storyline thread that is so overly emphasized that comes close to a haram line, that I wish was a little down played so that I, as an Islamic school librarian, could encourage younger teens to pick up the book and dive in.

SYNOPSIS:
It is the fourth of July, and the MSA kids from the local different high schools are gathering at the beach for bonfires, fireworks, and socializing.  Everyone present will witness a crime, six teens though will be accused of committing it.  Qays, the Palestinian golden soccer boy who can charm everyone and anyone.  Nasreen, the outcast from a private Catholic school there to meet someone.  Samia the hijab wearing social media star. Muzhda the Afghan refugee with undocumented parents.  Zamzam the girl with a singular dream to be a doctor, and Abdullahi, the quiet EMT in training.  Six strangers whose histories and alibies link them to the outside world, but leave them skeptical of one another as they face charges in a world not concerned with the truth.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that the characters are Muslim and feel so real and developed. The characters are not tropes or their families stereotypical.  They know what Islamophobia faces them from others, they know what internalized issues they are dealing with, and they are not having a religious identity crises amidst everything else they are experiencing.  The writing allows each voice to be unique and clear, which is quite impressive as there are a lot of perspectives that move the plot along.  It is really hard to write a review that doesn’t spoil the book, so yes I’m being vague, and you are welcome.

FLAGS:

There are a lot of profanities not just when the stakes are high, but normalized as well throughout.  There are close relationships between boys and girls.  They take about dating.  There is weed, and the legalities of using, being in possession, and being high.  There is lying, death, incarceration, Islamophobia, some physical abuse mentioned.  There is a story line of a girl that doesn’t know if she is attracted to girls, she doesn’t act on it, but it is something that has tangled up her alibi and she choses not to explore it, but it keeps coming back up.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This would be an awesome mature YA book club, just like some of the characters are being held in juvie and some being tried as adults, I think for Muslim readers a little older will benefit and be able to process, discuss, and see themselves in the book.  The book mentions that it could happen to anyone, and for a Muslim audience, to recognize and discuss that concept would be beneficial and engaging.

Mar12

Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment by Farah Qaiser and Hajer Nakua illustrated by Natalya Tariq

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Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment by Farah Qaiser and Hajer Nakua illustrated by Natalya Tariq

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This 26 page book is set on Eid, it does not specify Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, but it isn’t overly impactful on the story outside of the framing, so really it is a non issue.  The book shows a Muslim family and is a benefit for appealing to women and girls in science, unfortunately it has some plot holes though.  A big point of the book is the girl, Khadija, wondering if she can be a scientist who wears hijab because she doesn’t see any scientists at the fair wearing one. When she voices this concern to her parents, her father reassures her saying, “Anyone can be a scientist.  Scientists can wear a hijab like Amma, or glasses like me.”  First of all, I don’t like it equating hijab to glasses, hijab is a religious practice, not a tool to help you see or an accessory.  I’m well aware not every book has to have Islam centered, but I do worry that if hijab is relegated to an article of clothing, and Khadija doesn’t wear hijab, that readers might just be confused and not be able to connect the dots.  With weak writing, a confusing premise, and a climax of doing an experiment, that is not included for the readers to do at home, included in the book; I am struggling to recommend this for every bookshelf.  It isn’t a bad read, it just should be better.  I love the joyful engaging illustrations, I like the female Muslim science representation even. I just ultimately think the weak writing drags the book down and will have some kids confused why she is worried about a scarf she doesn’t wear impeding on a career she doesn’t have, and be unable to see that as a Muslima she will want to wear hijab as an act of worship when she grows up.

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The book starts with Khadija and her family heading to her school for the science fair after Eid salah.  She sees lots of scientists, but notices none wearing hijab.  She gets a science kit to do at home and then the family starts to prepare for guests coming over for dinner.

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Khadija can’t wait to do her experiment so she quietly gathers up supplies, and heads to the bathroom to make elephant toothpaste. It works, a little too well, but then it is everywhere and mom and dad show up to help her clean.  Khadija wonders if she is not cut out to be a scientist.  Mom and dad console her, the people arrive for an Eid party, and her parents and her do the experiment for all to see.

The story is pretty straightforward, but I sure have a lot of questions: why is the “big day” the science fair and not Eid.  It is at her school but the science fair is not students sharing projects, but professional scientists? And does she purchase a science kit, why does her mom give it to her at the fair, but then she asks the scientist is she can do it at home? What else did she see or learn at the science fair, she just went saw scientists in lab coats, got the kit and left?  How was it still morning when she got home after the fair, after Eid salah?  There is a whole page of her getting an Eid gift and squealing with delight, but never shares what the gift is.  I also really, really wish it had the experiment in the book. I want to know what it is and why it is called, “elephant toothpaste.” I truly do not know why this book has no backmatter.  Information about women in science, how to do the experiment, maybe something about hijab or Eid. A link or scannable QR code to see the experiment would have even added something to increase knowledge and excitement for science, representation, and dreaming big.

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Mar10

Trouble at Taraweeh by Rosalind Noor illustrated by Rania Hasan

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Trouble at Taraweeh by Rosalind Noor illustrated by Rania Hasan

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I love funny books that are Islamically accurate, Muslim filled, and informative as well.  Alhumdulliah for this outrageous Ramadan tale, that gets kids laughing and parents horrified.  A frog on the loose at Taraweeh on the 21st night, and a little girl who is a self proclaimed “trouble magnet,” focuses on Laylatul Qadr, good intentions, and Allah swt hearing our prayers.  It is text heavy, so for a read aloud, think slightly older children, seven or up, would be the ideal audience, but in a bedtime story setting the illustrations will keep younger ones engaged.

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The book starts with Umama looking forward to Laylatul Qadr.  She knows duas are answered that night when the angels come down and fill the earth, and she has a special dua to make, she really wants a little sister.  It is the first odd night of the last ten days and she has had an eventful Ramdan so far.  She accidently flooded the wudu area, she tripped on her prayer skirt and knocked people over, she even tried to organize the shoes, but then no one could find their shoes.

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Tonight she is determined will be trouble free, which naturally means, it won’t be.  Fluffy, her frog, gets loose.  She apologizes to the woman as she scoops him off her head, but then…he gets away from Umama, and the chase is on.

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With plugs getting yanked, breakers being flipped, and little Umama asking Allah swt to help her make it right. The imam, her dad, keeps his cool and somehow you find yourself, parents included, feeling bad for Umama and hoping she has a smooth remaining Ramadan.

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The expressive illustrations are  bright and complementary to the story.  Kids enjoy looking at them and they really do help hold the kid’s attention as the story unfolds.  So many of my Ramadan staples come from Ruqaya’s bookshelf, and this is a great addition to the shelf.

The book is available here at Crescent Moon Store

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Mar9

Celebrations and Festivals: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Sara Khan illustrated by Nadiyah Suyatna

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Celebrations and Festivals: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Sara Khan illustrated by Nadiyah Suyatna

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This 48 page, informational based book is told through a little girl explaining her Ramadan and Eid days in a fictionalized story format. The information is not new, nor is the framing, and it has my pet peeve  line of “Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar,” but aside from that, the book does a good job of showing the joy, the activities, the faith, and the importance without self-othering, unrealistic cluelessness, or watering down. For whatever predictability the story has, the back matter is excellent. The additional information about Islam, the crafts, and even the quiz, make this book a standout in a crowded category. The book does not talk down to readers and thus works for Muslim and non Muslims alike. It also is unapologetic and informative making it a good book to share with non Muslim classrooms wanting to learn about Ramadan without crossing into “preaching.” The illustrations are warm and joyful bringing the lengthy book to life.

The story starts with Raya introducing Ramadan and then herself to the reader. She then details her Ramadan day. From sighting the moon to doing the good deed suggestions on the countdown calendar. It explains Allah swt and that adults are required to fast but kids are not. Raya spends time exploring how hard it is to skip snacks, but remains hopeful that when she is ready to fast she will be able. Her father also reminds her about other aspects of Ramadan and being on your best behavior as Raya helps set the table, donates to charity, and reads Quran. Throughout it all, informative details about Muslims are threaded through. Focusing on Raya herself also breaks some stereotypes as she discusses the joy found in a wide variety of foods from many cultures, Eid prep, looking for the moon, having henna put on, and heading out for Eid prayers and festivities. There are numerous details universal to all Muslims presented, as well as unique highlights specifics to Raya’s family such as showing the family bowling and reflecting on mini golf last year, activities that even her grandparents can participate in.

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The robust back matter starts with Fun Facts about Islam, stats about Muslims, details about the five pillars, etc.. The next two page spread is about the lunar calendar and has a pullout bubble explaining the use of the phrase “peace be upon him.” Then there are directions for a pop-up Ramadan card, Then information about the month of Mercy, Laylat al-Qadr, paradise, a recipe for Ramadan Cookies, info about Masjids, and finally a quiz, with answers.

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I like that the book balances showing joy through Raya’s personal experience, with facts about Ramadan, Eid, and Islam. I also like that Raya knows all this, my hatred of the formulaic child waking up and wondering why her family is up so early eating breakfast or a child wanting to fast and the family not supporting them is not widely realistic, and I appreciate that this book feels very reflective of what our kids feel, experience, and know about the blessed month. I also like that it features food, but does not dwell on it, and yes there are presents for Eid, but again it doesn’t make it the central factor in the joy she is feeling of being with her family.

Mar8

Noura’s Crescent Moon by Zainab Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Noura’s Crescent Moon by Zainab Khan illustrated by Nabila Adani

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I know, I know, another Ramadan book about the moon and a little girl’s first fast, but this one is slightly different.  The moon they are searching for is the Eid moon and the focus is on whether they will see it and Eid will begin, or if there is one more day of fasting.  The story itself would not make sense if it wasn’t Ramadan and the characters Muslim, but the story only subtly sprinkles in bits of Islam, the backmatter though, is where the Islam really shines.  The tone of the book with the lyrical text and full color illustrations is very relatable to Muslims that both want to see the moon and celebrate, while at the same time being sad the the blessed month of Ramadan is over.  It comes from a Desi centric approach to the foods, and traditions, but their aren’t a lot of Urdu words used either, and those that are, are defined at the end.  The book works for Muslims and non Muslims, and would benefit both groups with a bit of discussion. Overall, not a particularly memorable book, but one that stands out for focusing on the tradition of looking for the moon and being together as a family.

I love that the notes at the end do mention that Muslims fast to “show love and obedience for the Creator,” under the Ramadan header.  The other backmatter headings are Eid ul-Fitr, Suhoor, Iftar, Chaand Raath, Pakora, Gulab Jamun, Sheer Khurma, and The Islamic Calendar and the New Moon.  A lot of space is dedicated to food, explaining those mentioned in the story.  It gets it right that Muslims begin fasting at dawn, it shows mom not wearing hijab at home, but wearing it when they go out, yet, it doesn’t just say the maghrib athan it refers to it as the “call for the twilight prayer.”  And it doesn’t mention or show them praying, which would have been a nice inclusion.

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The book starts with Noura playing outside and her tummy rumbling on this 29th day of Ramadan, and her first fast.  Mama, Papa and Noura all help make and pack up iftar, as they get ready to go look for the Eid moon.

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Before they go, Mama shows Noura her new dress, and they add some henna cones to the items they are taking, they then set out to the countryside.  All along, Noura is hoping to see the moon and her parents are reminding her how rare it is to see it.

When they get to the hill there are other families already there, and Noura has done it, completed her first fast.  Unfortunately the moon is not there as hoped, or is it?

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I wish some duaas or Islamic expressions, and salat would have made it into the book, but the large hardback size makes this a good book to read at story times, and a nice way to explain why we don’t know when we will miss school to celebrate Eid, or how many days we will fast.

Mar7

A Little Golden Book: Ramadan: A Holy Month by Malik Amin illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

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A Little Golden Book: Ramadan: A Holy Month by Malik Amin illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

As a child I had a stack of Little Golden Books, my libraries always have a good part of a shelf with Little Golden Books, my own kids have a few dozen of them, but honestly I don’t know that I love any of them, aside from the Monster at the End of the Book.  They are a staple, they have spanned generations, but I always find them a bit abrupt, the text to small and dense, and the vocabulary a little too advanced. So, on the one hand I am thrilled that this timeless brand has a Ramadan title, but on the other hand, some of the food descriptions contain vocabulary a bit advanced for the recommended 2-5 year olds.  If you have been reading my 2024 Ramadan and Eid reviews, you will however be glad to know that this Ramadan book, does pack a lot of information into the pages, and when it asks why do Muslims fast? It says unequivocally “because it is written in the holy book called the Qur’an.” Suhoor is said to be before the sun even rises at one point, and then dawn at another, but then, however, it kind of equates dawn and sunrise, I’ll let it pass, cause it is a little vague with the equating, after saying when we eat clearly. My only real gripe are the food tangents, detailing not to eat fried and salty foods at suhoor, to they hyper specific “creamy curries, fresh soups, and rich stews. Fragrant rice dishes paired with grilled meat or kofta” at iftar.  Yeah it almost seems like the author wrote the book while fasting, with food heavily on his mind.   It does mention doing extra good deeds, more prayers, and it reads as an easy non fiction book.  It doesn’t try and interject the information into a fictionalized framing, it just tells about Ramadan.  It would be nice though, if it was sourced, but with the reasonable price point and accurate information, makes it a solid book to add to gifts and to share.

The story is told in the first person and opens with a family searching the sky for the moon. It then says in a single paragraph on a two page spread that “during Ramadan, Muslims eat and drink only when it is dark.”  It then asks why? Answering on the next spread with, “the Qur’an.”  It says that it is read in many different languages, which technically isn’t wrong, but I wish it would have said that it is written in Arabic. It continues to say that “the Qur’an tells us how to be Muslim.” To care for people, to pray. to fast, but that children and those that are sick aren’t required.

It then details foods to eat and foods to avoid for suhoor before returning to the more spiritual aspects and traditions of being kind and giving charity.  It explains Ramadan Mubarak and then finds its way back to foods, highlighting iftar drinks and foods.

Ramadan is a month, followed by Shawwal and then the celebration of Eid, making sure to note that on Eid we cook our favorite foods.

Overall, a lot of information clearly conveyed, with bright, fun, joyful illustrations.  The final page is a gloassary of words and phrases.  I purchased my copy here on Amazon.

Mar6

Made from the Same Dough by Laura El Alam illustrated by Passant Ablal

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Made from the Same Dough by Laura El Alam illustrated by Passant Ablal

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Not all books about Ramadan have to be lists of facts. It is ok to show Ramadan and Islamic elements in stories that have their own plots, character arcs, conflicts and resolutions that are not just about abstaining from food and water, or losing your temper.  This book set in Ramadan is a story about a  Muslim boy and his Christian grandfather, and a whole lot of heart.  As a child of a convert, this book spoke to me, and I saw myself in that relationship, not only as a child, but even as an adult bringing my grandparents to my kids Islamic schools, friends’ lunches, and asking them to wait on the side while we pray.  I absolutely love the perspective of the protagonist, that he is worried about what Muslims will think of his grandfather not fasting or praying, as opposed to the often shown character worrying about what non Muslims think about us. The paradigm shift is subtle, but empowering to Muslim readers to see that they are not “other” in any environment.  The authenticity and how it all comes together in the clear text of the book is beautiful, but I must say, I really struggle with the illustrations.  I know art is subjective, and I am no artist, but yikes, I feel like the pictures actually distract from the story unfortunately.

The book starts with Papa coming over to his daughter’s family home and smelling something cinnamon-y delicious.  He dives in to the harira soup and recalls the cinnamon Christmas cookies they used to make.  Rayan wonders if Papa even remembers that the rest of them are all fasting.

Mama invites him to join the family at Auntie Hana’s for iftar the next night, and Rayan worries what Papa will do when they all pray, or if his friends will wonder why he came to iftaar if he is not fasting.

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Papa agrees and offers to make cinnamon cookies to share.  Rayan doesn’t like the idea of Christmas cookies at iftar and tells grandpa that Santa won’t be there.  The next day when Grandpa comes over to bake, Rayan refuses to help. Part scared, part frustrated, part anxious, Rayan hears everyone having fun, but stays in his room.

When they arrive at the iftaar potluck, Rayan reminds Papa to take of his shoes and then devises a plan to keep the Christmas cookies from causing any embarrassment. Only his sister Aliya foils his plan and Rayan will have to face his own feelings and make things right.

I’ve read this book easily close to twenty times, since ordering it, evaluating it for the Muslim Book Awards 2023, (it won the Holiday category), writing this review, and reading it to my littles at bed time, and it still hits close to the heart every time.  It reminds me of my own grandpa, who has been gone almost exactly a year, who may not have always understood our actions as Muslims no matter how often we tried to explain them to him, but never loved us any less.

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You can purchase your copy here at Crescent Moon