Category Archives: preschool

Mar11

Looking for the Eid Moon by Sahtinay Abaza illustrated by Sandra Eide

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Looking for the Eid Moon by Sahtinay Abaza illustrated by Sandra Eide

The illustrations and sister bonding in this story are sweet, but it isn’t exciting, and doesn’t feel very Ramadan or Islamic rep or even very purposeful.  I was really surprised that there wasn’t a craft activity or science tie in at the end, it seemed to be heading in that direction seeing as Eid joy, iftar, and anything religious are all completely absent. The plot really is just the title, “looking for the Eid moon.” The text feels abrupt, it doesn’t flow, and feels othering.  “For years, the moon marked important Muslim holidays and dates. And Eid wouldn’t begin until the crescent moon was spotted.” Numerous communities still rely on local sighting and have hilal committees marking all moon phases and months.   This framing of it being an antiquated practice, feels off.  The sisters are young, but Sara is old enough “to know the crescent moon is faint and hard to see,” yet she doesn’t even acknowledge iftar time, they don’t pray maghrib.  The complete removal of Islam makes looking for the Eid moon seem like they could just be looking for Mars or a comet.  It says they are excited for an Eid party, but clearly not enough to be excited it is Eid the next day, they are simply sad that they didn’t see the moon.  I’ve read the book a few times, and I truly can’t make it make sense, and I don’t understand how silver paint glows, shouldn’t it be glow in the dark paint? Sigh.

The book starts with Sara looking at her Eid dress saying she is excited for the Eid party, but first she has something to do.  She packs her flashlight and binoculars and grabs her little sister Lulu and the head out to spot the Eid moon. On their way out they pass mom hanging decorations, and she wishes them well.

In the backyard the girls watch the sky change colors and the sky is cloudy.  As it gets darker, the girls get a little scared, but mom finds them and tells them the moon has been spotted elsewhere.  The girls are sad and Sara comes up with a way to cheer up Lulu.  SPOILER she paints a ball silver, fills it with coins, and writes a note that it is from the Eid Moon, claiming this is a moon rock.  Lulu proclaims it the “best Eid ever.”

The Author’s note tells of the family’s tradition to hide and find moon rooks with coins in them, in what sounds akin to an Easter egg hunt.  It also erroneously says that Eid al Fitr is a three day holiday.  I don’t get the connection to the moon being brave and a source of light to refugees in the book, if that was the author’s intent, to show the moon as hope “when times are bleak and dark,” I’m sorry but the message was not conveyed.

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

Read for a Better World: Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: A First Look by Percy Leed

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Read for a Better World: Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: A First Look by Percy Leed

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I honestly don’t know who this 24 page book is for and to what purpose it would be read.  It is non fiction, it is listed for 5-7 year olds.  But the sparse text feels toddler-ish, and it is so simplified, that it doesn’t teach, educate, or inform anyone about Muslims or Ramadan, it does an ok job at showing Eid though, for the age level, I will admit that.  I know I struggle with non-fiction, it is a me problem, and I know children can handle more than we credit them for, think dinosaur and construction vehicles, but if the person reading this book with the child knows nothing to add, this book really doesn’t give even the most well-meaning adult, guardian or second grade teacher, much of anything to work with. They would do better with a fiction book and Google.  Sigh. 

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The book starts out with an Educators Toolbox before beginning, it encourages guidance to ask what children think the book will be about, asks them what they already know, and what they would like to learn.  It then encourages sounding out words, looking at pictures for clues, and praising the child.

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The first page of text has the headline of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr with the line, “Ramadan last for one month,” immediately below, already kind of confusing an early reader, why Eid was mentioned and then not discussed.  The next page says “Muslims have a holy book.  They read it at this time.” Yes, we do, but we read it at all other times, too. The sparse words give extra weight to the words chosen, and in this case, it makes an erroneous assertion.

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I wish it said Muslims pray five times a day instead of “People pray five times a day,” same with when it says that People fast.  It does get it correct that we fast from dawn to sunset, so I do appreciate that.

It then moves to Eid al Fitr and does a decent job highlighting that people dress up, pray together, give gifts and give to the poor, which is clear and accurate.  Again I wish it said Muslims dress up, pray together, etc. since the word Muslim is only mentioned once in the book, Islam not at all, I don’t know that the connection will be made. 

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The last page I don’t even know what it means, “Ramadan is for faith.  Eid al-Fitr is for giving thanks.” Faith and thanks are intrinsic to both Ramadan and Eid, so I can’t make sense of the statement.

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The book then has some connection questions, Social and Emotional Snapshot, Photo Glossary, and a Learn More section.  It seems like it is part of a series that ticks checkboxes for inclusion in well funded school and public libraries.  I don’t know where this book would be sought after, useful, or informative unfortunately.

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.

Mar4

Ramadan Kareem by M.O. Yuksel illustrated by Hatem Aly

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Ramadan Kareem by M.O. Yuksel illustrated by Hatem Aly

The lyrical text that shows joy, Muslim joy, all over the world during the most wonderful time of the year is felt, truly truly felt in this rich, beautiful book. The illustrations, the text, the sentiment, it all comes together so splendidly, that when you turn the last page you want to start over again. Hundreds of people are wondering what book to read to their children’s public schools this year, what book to start off masjid story times this Ramadan, what book to read every night leading up to the blessed month to get their children excited, what book to hand to your children to look through so they can have a few more minutes of sleep and alhumdulillah to all the above, I whole heartedly suggest, this one. Even with the errors.  The book states “the Night of Power is better than a thousand nights,” and should read, better than a thousand months.  The backmatter says “by not eating or drinking anything from just before sunrise until sunset.”  The story itself though has it correct and says “suhoor is a predawn meal” and notes the “sun is still sleeping.”

A universal story of celebrating Ramadan, with waking up for suhoor, greeting neighbors, having self control, praying, volunteering, iftar, community.  It is a singular story, but each two page spread showing a child in a new country continuing the narrative.  The worship uniting us all as Muslims even while our unique traditions add diversity and layers to the acts that we share.

It starts with gazing at the new moon in Turkey and mom saying that the narrator can fast. The drummer than beats her drum and it it time to wake up in Egypt. The call to prayer and remembering you are fasting reaches Syria, and donations are given in Indonesia. In Spain Qur’an is read in abuela’s lap and neighbors are visited in the United States.  Donations are packed in Australia,  friends and family are visited in Pakistan, and kimchi after dates for iftar in South Korea.  It is then off to Iran for prayers, Laylatul Qadr in Senegal, and getting ready for Eid in Uzbekistan.  Palestine is the final stop as Eid joy erupts for Muslims everywhere.

The book is widely available, you can order yours here at Crescent Moon or here on Amazon

Mar1

Rabia’s Eid by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

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Rabia’s Eid by Rukhsana Khan illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

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.  I purchased my copy here.

Feb29

A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Najwa Awatiff

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A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Najwa Awatiff

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A problem solving kid that loves his faith, finds himself in a new neighborhood at the beginning of Ramadan without a mosque or a Muslim community.  I appreciate that this 32 page book actually has a bit of a plot, not just the overly done fictional story crafted around basic Ramadan facts of a child’s first fast.  Sure, it mentions most of the expected concepts in a similar manner, but it also centers acts of ibaada, shows more than tells, is brightly illustrated, and is unapologetic. The kid is a doer, a problem solver, and isn’t unsure about who he is, which is refreshing. That isn’t to say that it gets everything right, it still attributes fasting to feeling compassion for the poor.  Even when a side character challenges the notion, the character doubles down that it makes us more appreciative, which inshaAllah it does, but it isn’t WHY we fast.  Overall though, I think the book still is a benefit in Muslim and non Muslim spaces. The story and illustrations make it appealing at story times and bed times, and the backmatter is equally engaging.

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The book starts with Zain getting excited for his favorite time of year, Ramadan.  Only this year the decorations are still in boxes, Mama and Baba are busy with their new jobs, and there is no mosque or Muslims in the neighborhood.  Zain knows, he rides around looking for clues, has even checked the newspaper, and had his dad look on his phone.  It is a big change from the Islamic school he used to go to, and the busy mosque he used to volunteer at.

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Then Zain gets an idea, to build a mosque with all the moving boxes.  Neighbor kids come and ask questions, and Zain is happy to explain as they join in the building.  One night while praying outside under the stars in the cardboard mosque, a friend joins the family, and this Ramadan just might turn out to be pretty wonderful after all.

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I love that Zain doesn’t wait around for his parents to figure everything out, he is motivated. I also really like that he knows who he is, is comfortable sharing his faith and beliefs, and that the neighbor kids find connections to him, not the other way around.  I wish he would find a place to volunteer at, our charity isn’t restricted to helping only Muslims, though I might be the only one to pick up on that unresolved thread.  I also get that the kid that joins the salat for story purposes, is seen after prayer, but he didn’t join the prayer right and my older kids were sure to point that out.

The backmatter has a glossary, but in a more engaging format that I think kids will actually stick around for, and the Ramadan essentials and crafts make for a nice extension for those wanting to add a craft to the story time activity.

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The book is traditionally published and widely available.  You can find it here at Amazon, or here at my favorite store Crescent Moon.  It is also available in public libraries and would be a great addition to classroom and school library shelves.

Feb28

Aliya’s Secret: A Story of Ramadan by Farida Zaman

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Aliya’s Secret: A Story of Ramadan by Farida Zaman

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Books like this are honestly a disservice to Muslims. I know the industry means well by having a token holiday book, by an OWN voice writer, ensuring it is joyful and illustrated in a warm way, but when the information is erroneous, it really just perpetuates misinformation. This book will be on shelves everywhere and shared at story times in classrooms and libraries and non Muslims will think they are being inclusive, and Muslim kids will also learn erroneously or doubt if they are in the wrong, or best case scenario (?) have even more to explain to those around them. The book is adorable, yet the information about when we fast and why we fast is wrong, repeated throughout, even in the backmatter.  The book is for young children and pivots around lying, the character lies repeatedly with no consequences…in Ramadan no less.  Sigh, our kids deserve better.

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The book states multiple times, four in fact, that Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset, this is incorrect, Muslim fast from dawn to sunset. Sahoor is not eaten at sunrise, it is eaten before dawn. This is not me being picky, this is wrong. The dad perhaps has his own reasons for fasting, but Islamically we do not fast to feel what those who are hungry feel or to be grateful, those hopefully are results of fasting, but in fact we fast as commanded by Allah swt. Children are required to fast when they hit puberty, not at the age of 13 specific. Many kids fast full and partial days before puberty, and I don’t agree that their growth is stunted as suggested by the book.

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The set up of the story is nice, albeit another first fast book, in that at least the character and her classmates and friends know what Ramadan is and thus there is no othering. It talks about charity and praying and shows the Muslim family living their life unapologetically which on the one hand is great, but then makes the lying seem weird. Why would Aliya keep fasting a secret from her friends at school even if she is keeping it from her parents? Why would she lie about it, why would she lie and have it articulated as lying and there be no repercussions for it, in a picture book? She doesn’t even just do it once, she lies THREE TIMES.  When you do good things from a place of faith and worship, it seems off to me to have it framed in deceit with no other commentary.

Sure to some the time when fasting starts might be a small thing, but seriously is it that hard to get correct? I wish the editorial/publishing/marketing team would have hired beta/sensitivity readers, not all Muslims know Islam, and not checking the facts really is just sloppy.