Tag Archives: Eid

Mar30

Baby Touch: Happy Eid! by Lemon Ribbon Studio

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Baby Touch: Happy Eid! by Lemon Ribbon Studio

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This 12 word, 10 page, touch and feel board book is nothing special, yet for some reason it does make me smile.  It could be better, and absolutely, “star” has nothing to do with Eid, but that it is in our public library, that it is full of joy for our littlest humans, and that it has mosque and prayer rug, and charity, and community, and family, and feast, is really quite sweet. It would work for either Eid and the bright uniform pictures are clear and simple to engage babies and toddlers alike.

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Each page spread has a singular image and a word below it.  The pictures on the right have some sort of touch and feel element, from a bumpy minaret, to raised smooth coins in the charity jar.  I wish the rice on the feast plate would have been raised and that a plush prayer rug would have been offered, but until publishers seek out beta readers, this is probably as good as it is going to get.

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Some of the words might be too advanced, but I think the singularity allows for discussion if the child wants, if not, it is still nice to see elements of Eid illustrated for a baby to connect to in a joyous presentation.  The 7x 7 book is not overly padded, but the corners are rounded and easy for little hands to carry.

I found mine at my library, but it is also available here on Amazon.

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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Mar11

Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko

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Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko

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This 24 page 2023 published non fiction book about Eid, is meant for babies to seven year old according to the publisher.  A large spread of comprehension abilities that is thus required to be vague, simplistic, and at times not very successful at conveying much of anything. The large font and bright colors are engaging, and it starts out strong with sight words, and identifying Ramadan is a Muslim holiday followed by Eid al-Fitr, but then erroneously states Eid is three days.  There is then unnecessary statements such as “They honor their beliefs.” That have no clear meaning, and in fact feel a bit othering.  It seems the book is scared to say “Muslims,” saying it only once, it prefers “they,” and “people.”  Some pages are clear and accurate, but many are just awkward, such as “Happy Eid! People pray each morning.  They go to a mosque.”  It seems so stilted.  The picture glossary at the end is mostly accurate, but it defines Muslim as “related to the Islamic faith.” Overall, it seems like a little editing would clarify, correct, and even make this book a benefit, but as it is it just feels like token rep to add to a holiday library series.

The book starts with a table of contents and divides a very short book into chapters.  The first three pages tell that Ramadan is fasting, Eid is after Ramadan, and a Muslim holiday.  It erroneously says Eid is three days, and then says “the dates move each year.”  If you are aware of the lunar calendar this makes sense, I’m sure a five year old would not understand that it isn’t just a randomly selected day.

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Pages 10 and 11 seem vague at best, “People end their fast.  They honor their beliefs.” The previous page was taking about Eid, the following spread is about Eid, it is almost like the pages were plucked from a similar Ramadan book and erroneously dropped in to this one.

We then are at the mosque, and told people pray each morning.  I’m not sure if this is on Eid day, or every day, we do pray five times a day, and while it is good to pray at the mosque it is not required, so ultimately another unclear page.

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The remaining Eid tradition pages are accurate, visit family and friends and say Eid Mubarak, eating big meals and sweets, giving to others in need, and giving gifts and money.  The photographs show joy, and are bright and engaging. The Facts and Glossary at the end are then followed by an index and ways to learn more.

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

The Ramadan Cookbook: 80 Delicious Recipes Perfect for Ramadan, Eid, and Celebrating throughout the Year by Anisa Karolia

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The Ramadan Cookbook: 80 Delicious Recipes Perfect for Ramadan, Eid, and Celebrating throughout the Year by Anisa Karolia

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Another surprising library find, this 2023 published cookbook shares meals for all the time, but organizes them with Ramadan in mind.  Unlike many online recipe pages, there is not a lot of backstory about the culture behind the recipes, or how the author has made them her own, it really is pretty direct and to the point.  The author is Desi, and the bulk of the recipes Indian, but it isn’t all of them.  I found myself flipping through the pages hoping to be inspired, but sadly most of the recipes were fairly basic.  That isn’t too say they are not good, I have not tried them, but being of Pakistani decent and that I have been cooking multiple meals a day for too many years to count, I didn’t feel compelled to check the kitchen for ingredients.  I think a big part of it is, I need pictures of the food to spark interest, and not every page had images of the food.  I think the book is fun to look through, maybe remind you of something you tried once and enjoyed, or give you ideas of something you and your family might like to try.  I would say it is for beginner cooks, but without step-by-step directions, you have to have some basic skills, perhaps it is more a family friendly cook book as she makes comments of what her children like, or dishes them come together quickly and easily.

Clearly I am not a foodie, or a cookbook reviewer, I was just excited to see a Ramadan cookbook available at the library and wanted to share.  The author shares her thoughts on Ramadan, and interjects some thoughts on the section pages. Apparently she is a famous blogger, so if you follow the author and there is something I should try, please let me know.

Mar4

Craft it Up This Ramadan and Eid by Zayneb Abdullatif photography by Sidoie Djunaedi

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Craft it Up This Ramadan and Eid by Zayneb Abdullatif photography by Sidoie Djunaedi

This book is not new, but I saw it at my library and thoroughly enjoyed looking through it.  I’ve hosted, helped, and attended numerous Ramadan craft fairs and story and craft times over the years, and I know everything can be found online.  Yet somehow this 79 page, 2015 published book was kind of fun to look at with my toddler.  It wasn’t overwhelming or super complicated, it was just a nice roundup of simple crafts that you could easily do with items around your home, while dropping little informative bits about Islam, Muslims, Ramadan, and Eid.  I doubt young parents today would even think to look in a library book for Ramadan craft ideas, it is a bit of an antiquated concept in todays day and age.  I highlight it today to remind us that so many have worked very hard to advance Muslim representation in books in all its forms, alhumdulillah, so that we can continue to see ourselves, make strides, and raise the bar.

The book starts with tips for parents and guardians, followed by the basics, crafts for the joyous month, crafts for Eid, a special festival, and concludes with templates, good deeds activity list, and a glossary.

It erroneously says we fast from sunrise to sunset, but does get right that we increase our worship and that fasting was ordered for us by Allah swt.  On the Eid section it discusses the takbirat and gives Eid al Adha a paragraph explanation as well.

A fun library find, that kept us off a screen and able to plan some little activities to do this Ramadan.

Mar3

Eliyas Explians Ramadan by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

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Eliyas Explians Ramadan by Zanib Mian illustrated by Daniel Hills

This is the fifth book in the Eliyas Explains series, and it really is what you would expect and hope, a book about Ramadan from Zanib Mian would be.  Eliyas’s voice is funny, relatable, engaging, and yet somehow manages to find a clear way to inform too.  The framing is fictional, but the book is meant to be lesson, moral, and information filled.  The voice did seem to break when Eliya’s didn’t know what “Ramadan Mubarak” meant, but it is clear that the book is meant to teach and remind middle grade kids about Ramadan from moon sighting to Eid, so I don’t think anyone other than an old reviewer would notice.  Parents might notice though that Eliyas loses his cool at one point and starts to presumably call his sister stupid, it stops at “st,” but then says he “started to cuss” which in America would be taken to mean a profanity much stronger than stupid, so just be aware, so you don’t panic if your child asks.  Overall the book is great, it is a solid 80 pages before the guided journaling begins and concludes at 115 pages.  The illustrations, changing font, and humor really make it perfect for the age group.  I gave it to my eight year old to read and I could hear him laughing, saying a few dua’as aloud, and he even came and asked me a few questions making sure he understood new information correctly.  This book would work as an independent read, a read aloud, or even an elementary reading assignment in an Islamic or weekend school.  The book is remarkable for the simple fact that it starts by naming the scholar that proofed the book, truly this is revolutionary, please can we normalize sourcing already.

The book is divided into chapters, with chapter one reintroducing Eliyas and his family to the reader. They are out on a bike ride and Eliya’s wants to know why everyone is so excited for Ramadan and giving up food and water.  Mom and dad explain taqwa and good deeds being multiplied and prayers being answered and big shaytans being locked up and Eliyas is excited (to put it mildly) to get closer to Allah swt and be a better version of himself.

Chapter two explains the moon, making intention, and waking up for suhoor.  With nine chapters before the journaling, the book discusses doing good deeds, fighting, forgiveness, shaytan being locked up, taraweeh, Laylatul Qader, and Eid.

The journaling guides readers through forgiveness, ibadah, goals, duas, kindness, feelings, connecting with Allah swt and more.  The beauty of this book is that it does pack a lot of information, but it shows a lot too, and gives kids a way to see Ramadan in action.

You can order your copy here at Crescent Moon store