Tag Archives: fasting

May1

The Most Powerful Night: A Ramadan Story by Nada Hassan illustrated by Soumbal Qureshi

Posted on May 1, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

This beautiful poetic book about Laylat Al-Qadr explains in detail and wonder the importance of the most blessed night in the blessed month of Ramadan. The soft purples and pinks of Laila’s room, and the repetitive refrains set the mood and tone of an informative bedtime story that will convey the awe and mercy of the night to seven and eight year olds.

The book is 40 pages, and pretty text heavy, but it flows smooth enough, and the details in the pictures are enough to keep little ones engaged. Younger and older children will also enjoy the story as both an introduction to the night the Quran first came down, and as a reminder of the gifts to be had.

Laila is sad that Ramadan is leaving as she peers out the window and sees the moon resmembling a crescent again. Her mother takes the opportunity to tell her about the blessings of the last ten nights, and Laylat Al-Qadr specifically.

“The Night of Power and Miracles,” Laila’s mother explains is a night like no other, that comes only once a year. Thousands of angels come down until there isn’t a speck of space that they do not fill.

The night that is better than a thousand months and all our deeds are multiplied 70 times, the night the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Laila wants to make sure she pronounces it correctly and practices saying Laylat Al-Qadr. Excited to make sure she is praying and reading Quran that night, she is desperate to know what day it is. Her mother explains to her that we do not know. Laila uses this to her advantage to get to stay up past bedtime for each of the last 10 days.

The book begins with Surah Al Qadr in Arabic and with the meaning of the translation in English. It ends with a glossary, more information about Ramadan, and a glimpse of the author’s first book: Ramadan Around the World.

The 9 x 11 hardback binding and font are beautifully done and with there no other books for children that I can think of that discuss Laylat Al-Qadr, I foresee this one being read at least once a year, if not more, for many years to come, alhumduillah.

Apr27

Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

Posted on April 27, 2020 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

New this year in the Ramadan category is this gorgeous 40 page hardback book that mixes information about the blessed month with personable characters very well. It stays on track without getting silly, even with a talking cat and a reoccurring super hero dinosaur, but I don’t understand the attempted rhyme scheme. I’ve read the book over a dozen times trying to map it, and sometimes it is so natural that it makes reading it aloud smooth and lyrical, and sadly a few times it seems so forced that it makes the sentence nonsensical or awkward. There is so much information, so beautifully paced and illustrated for children 4 and up, that I’m willing to overlook the few sentences that irked me to recommend this book for you and your children to enjoy this Ramadan. Without a glossary though, it is probably best for Muslim children, or those with someone who can explain words such as: suhoor, iftar, adhan, SubhanAllah, dua, Allah, etc..

Khadijah and Cat are looking for the moon to know if it is the start of Ramadan, and once they find it, they rush to spread the news. Immediately everyone starts decorating and celebrating and sharing delicious food.

They then head home to sleep so they can wake up early for suhoor. They make a point to eat something healthy to sustain them for the whole day, then they pray and go back to sleep.

Cat wakes up ready to eat and is surprised that they have to wait until sunset before they can eat or drink anything. Khadijah explains that Ramadan is a holy month and one of the five pillars of Islam. The illustrations show the other pillars, but the explanation of Ramadan is a bit advanced with words such as regression, unpriviledged, compassion, and purifying.

The next page continues listing off what Khadijah and Cat are learning about Ramadan, as they spend time praying and reading the Holy Quran. At the sound of the fourth Adhan they break their fast. The names of the salat or that they pray five times a day is not mentioned, but lends itself to a great teaching point.

They then pray and eat and take the neighbors some gifts. Cat is convinced that the day was good and is ready for the next 30. The last ten nights are identified as important and Laylat al Qadr is mentioned as being special, but it does not tell why they are unique.

Khadijah and Cat then invite you to fast and see why Ramadan is so special. The end of the book has some questions, a Ramadan count down and a coloring page. I was surprised that there was not a glossary as the Arabic words in the text are enlarged, and often not defined.

I love the font and binding and horizontal 10 x 11.5 layout. The illustrations are gorgeous and the details in the decor and Khadijah wearing hijab while out, but not at home are very well executed. I’m not sure why the Meer-Rex is in the book, he is never identified or given attention, maybe in future books he will have more of a role, inshaAllah.

I ordered mine from Crescent Moon Store and received it within days of placing the order, thank you!

Nov11

My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin illustrated by Lindsey Yankey

Posted on November 11, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin illustrated by Lindsey Yankey

I absolutely love that this 32 page picture book for children five and up breaks so many stereotypes and highlights so many commonalities between all people, everywhere. I strongly believe that books like this, can change people’s perspective, and as a children’s books can prevent negative biases from forming in the first place.

Set in Iran, a little girl absolutely loves and adores her grandma. They pray together, they buy bread together and they share that bread with their best friends, their Christian neighbors next door. While the little girl and her friend Annette play, the two grandmas chat, drink coffee and knit blankets to donate to the mosque and Annette’s Grandma’s church.

Grandma sews chadors to wear, and Mina helps. But, mostly she uses the scarves to make rocket ship forts, and capes to fly to outer space in. When she returns to base camp grandma has cookies for her and wants to hear about her adventures.

In Ramadan, the little girl wakes up early to eat with grandma even though she is too young too fast. When she gets older, they go to the mosque together at night too, after they have broken their fast.

One time she hears her grandma praying for Annette’s grandma to go to heaven. The next day Annette tells Mina she heard her grandma praying at church for her grandma to go to heaven. The little girl imagines the two grandmas knitting and laughing together in heaven, on Mars, on Earth, anywhere.

The book ends with the little girl stating past tense how wonderful her grandma was and that she still wants to be like her.

The book touches on family, interfaith, love, helping others, faith, religion, friendship, culture, and is just really really sweet. I wish I loved the pictures, as much as I love the story, but I don’t. I think I like most of them with their texture and details, unfortunately the faces in some just seem a little off to me.

I absolutely love that there is no over explaining, and no glossary, the author seamlessly brings words like namaz, and Ramadan and chador in to the story, normalizing them as the pretend play, and familial bonds are so universal.

Apr12

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard illustrated by Laura K. Horton

Posted on April 12, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard illustrated by Laura K. Horton

A new 32 page hard back Ramadan book that shows a little girls excitement isn’t enough to get her to abstain from food and drink for the whole long day of fasting, but that there are other ways to enjoy the gift of the blessed month. A great book that shows how Ramadan is a month of growing and learning and sacrificing and coming together too. Perfect for ages 4 and up to be read in small groups or at bedtime. The pictures are delightful and show diversity, and while the little girls love of sparkles might appeal more to little girls, I think the message will allow boys to enjoy and benefit from the book as well.

Sophia is helping her family decorate for Ramadan and when they see the crescent moon, they know that fasting will start tomorrow. Excited to be included Sophia can’t wait. Sahoor, however, is really early and she is really tired. She eats a little, but by fajr time she can’t even keep her eyes open and falls asleep in sajood.

When she wakes up it is almost noon, and even though she is hungry she decides keeping busy will help the time pass. Reading, cleaning, drawing, nothing is working. Her little brother runs around waving a cookie, and Sophia can’t get away fast enough.

She caves and starts eating cookies, her grandma finds her and consoles her. “There’s always tomorrow and the day after and the next. You have a full month to keep trying.” The two then discuss other ways to enjoy the month. Sophia knows her mom reads Quran, but Sophia can’t on her own. Her father helps others and gives charity, but Sophia doesn’t have any money. She is about to give up, but then sees her grandma’s hands covered in flour and realizes she can help her make iftar for those that are fasting.

She helps with the salad and the pizzas for iftar, but when some of the pizzas burn, Sophia will have to show what she has learned and understood to make iftar a success and make everything sparkle.

There are a lot of Ramadan books out there, but I like that this one doesn’t have the adults saying she can’t fast, but just the same grandma is there to encourage her to do what she can and take advantage of other parts of the month. I also like that she doesn’t succeed. Fasting especially on these long summer days can be hard and acknowledging that, and encouraging kids to persevere I think is a very valuable lesson. Sophia also comes up with a way to help on her own. Parents are tired and entertaining ways for the kids to be engaged in Ramadan is great, but can be exhausting. This shows that kids with the right understanding of the month, inshaAllah can find ways on their own too.

There is an Author’s Note at the end explaining Ramadan, and the book would work and appeal to Muslim and non Muslim kids alike. Sophia reminds me a bit of Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy and will probably appeal most to kids that also like those characters. The grandma covers her head, the mom does not, but does when praying and reading Quran. It mentions and shows praying and breaking one’s fast with water and dates, yet stays focused on the story and does not get preachy or dry.

Apr8

Who Will Help Me Make Iftar by Asmaa Hussein illustrated by Saliha Caliskan

Posted on April 8, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Who Will Help Me Make Iftar by Asmaa Hussein illustrated by Saliha Caliskan

This sweet story shows how even when people refuse to help, we should treat them with kindness, as our actions should be to please Allah alone, and inshaAllah in real life, much like in the story, people will fix their ways and offer their help in return. This new story reads very much like the old(er) favorite Nabeel’s New Pants, where everyone is too busy to help, but then come around to realizing that helping one another is a way to show people we care. This 32 page 8.5 x 11 soft back story is well bound with large glossy pages and clear text. The story works well for ages 4 and up, as they will understand the moral message and inshaAllah feel inspired to find ways to help as well.

It is a 40 year tradition that Mustafa Amce and his wife Ayse Teyze feed iftar to their friends and families on the first day of Ramadan. This year, however, Ayse is not well and Mustafa is confident he can enlist the help of neighbors and family to help him keep the tradition alive.

Unfortunately, everyone has an excuse. His daughter is tired, his grand daughter is too busy with her video games and his neighbor doesn’t want to get his new shirt dirty. Their sad reasons don’t stop old Mustafa Amce, and he makes the salad, and cooks the rice and beef by himself.

When iftar time arrives, he offers sweet dates to those at the masjid and invites everyone to come to his courtyard to break their fasts together. All those that had early refused to assist him feel incredibly guilty and don’t want to take advantage of a lovely meal. Mustafa reminds them that, “God loves those who are generous especially to their families, neighbors, and guests. and I always want Got to love me.” So they join in the delicious meal.

After food Ayse Teyze shows that while she might be ill, she can still save the day when her husband realizes he has forgotten to prepare dessert. The guests then offer to wash the dishes and sweep the floor and take the leftovers to the poor. And best of all when the athan for isha prayer calls out they all without prompting stand to join Mustafa Amce in praying salat together.

The names are Turkish with a pronunciation guide at the end, as well as a paragraph about Ramadan. The book would work for non Muslims and Muslims alike as the story is set in Ramadan, but more about coming together to help out. The illustrations are large and detailed and descriptive. You see the warmth between Mustafa and his wife as well as the apologetic feelings from those that were unwilling to help.

Apr1

The Jinni on the Roof: A Ramadan Story by Natasha Rafi illustrated by Abdul Malik Channa

Posted on April 1, 2019 by islamicschoollibrarian

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The Jinni on the Roof: A Ramadan Story by Natasha Rafi illustrated by Abdul Malik Channa

This 37 page culturally Pakistani Ramadan story is super sweet and fun. There is so much I feel like my critical self should not like about the story, but by about page 15 each time I read it, I find my self full on smiling and thoroughly enjoying little Raza’s antics and his endearing grandma’s method for dealing with him.

Raza is too young to fast, but with a house full of relatives gathered for Ramadan, Raza awakens to the sound of his uncle snoring before the siren to signal the start of fasting and the azan calling the worshippers to pray echo through Lahore. Before he can go back to sleep, however, he hears the cook heading up the stairs to wake up grandma and then the smell of the food hits him and he wants a paratha more than anything.

Raza embarks on a mission that involves him sneaking up to the roof, pretending to be a jinni and scaring Amina the cook through the chimney to convince her to send up food and a blanket.

Scared out of her wits, Amina gets the grandma, culturally wards off evil, and delivers the goods to the jinni on the roof. But the joke is on Raza who is out-witted by his grandma and gets the punishment of washing dishes for the rest of Ramadan, and learning that fasting a whole day will take a lot of will power, if he couldn’t even wait a few hours to get his beloved parathas.

The book informs the reader that the following year Raza is able to successfully fast, that he is rewarded with gifts and that all is well and forgiven. There is a glossary, information about Ramadan and a recipe at the end of the story as well.

I love that the plan just happens, it isn’t premeditated or considered, so it takes the reader along for the ride as it is unfolding. It isn’t a deep story, but there is room for discussion as to whether Raza was naughty, or just caught up in the moment.

The book is illustrated well and with big 8.5 x 11 pages, the book is engaging for first and second grade readers and listeners, as there is a lot of text on the pages. The book takes a bit to find its stride as the author tries to use Urdu words, show their Arabic counterparts and then describe them in English.

There is a lot of cultural stage setting with everyone in grandmas house, the traditions of the family, of Ramadan, etc. I think Desi familiar kids will get the most out of the book, but theoretically Muslim kids and non Muslims too could learn and enjoy it too. I wish jinn and jinni were explained just a bit in the text, not just in the glossary, along with why an 8 year old wouldn’t be fasting or be required to do so.

My own kids, aged 8, 9, and 12, struggled on the first two pages, but when I told them to keep reading they zoomed through the rest smiling and ended saying it was good while giggling and shaking their heads. We are Pakistani American and I think they enjoyed seeing familiar words and phrases in the book and sympathizing with Raza as well, and his sneaky plan that almost nearly worked.

May28

Raihanna’s First Time Fasting by Qamaer Hassan illustrated by Yasushi Matsuoka

Posted on May 28, 2018 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Raihanna’s First Time Fasting by Qamaer Hassan illustrated by Yasushi Matsuoka

By this time in Ramadan I’ve read a lot of very similar books that all seem to have slightly different takes on presenting the basics with various degrees of turning them into a fictionalized story. Each have their own flavor and approach and this story in many ways is for mature little kids and works to bring a slightly deeper understanding to Ramadan and helping the less fortunate. At 36 pages long, most of the pages are heavy on text, but not overly preachy or dense. Dialogue and emotion fill the paragraphs, and the book works to establish Raihanna as an actual character, not just a foil to move from one Ramadan fact to another. This is also apparent, as a new Riahanna book has just come out, Raihanna’a Jennah, in making her the lead in a series.

Raihanna is excited to be fasting this year, after establishing that the crescent must be sighted and that suhoor is the meal to start the fast, Raihanna puts on her hijab to pray. She asks for forgiveness for being deceitful to get another cookie and asks Allah to make her and her friend able to go ice skating. At bedtime it also mentions that she says her three kuls before going to sleep.

All her excitement starts to falter at school, however, when the teacher hands out chocolate chip cookies for snack and Raihanna has to explain she is fasting. By the time she gets home from school she is not sure she even knows why she is fasting as her stomach rumbles and her mood is pretty sour. Mom jumps in to action and takes her to a soup kitchen where the two of them, along with others, serve food to the homeless.

At iftaar time Raihanna understands how blessed she is to be surrounded by family and food, and makes a more heartfelt dua. The book ends with letting the reader know that Raihanna spends the next 29 days loving Ramadan and being appreciative.

I love that it really picks one specific aspect of Ramadan and focuses on it in a tangible way, the poor and hungry. Yes, she prays and recites Quran and all, but establishes that she probably does that every day out side of Ramadan as well. I like that the author also shows that it is ok that Ramadan is hard. There is a bit more insight and understanding in this book than just the typical list of facts. I think ages kindergarten through 2nd grade, kids that are starting to fast will get the most of it, and relate the most to Raihanna. It could work for non Muslims, with a bit of context of belief or just read a different Ramadan book first, but the target audience is Muslim kids.

The beautiful cartoonish pictures are bright and engaging. I have no idea why it bothered me that the characters wore the same clothes everyday, or at least the two days that the story covers, but it kind of did. I like that the dad sets the table and helps in the food prep and parenting. The list of family members and all the dishes seems unnecessary, but with the glossary at the back it does offer a bit of culture to be conveyed. There is also a little reader response at the end.

May21

Ilyas and Duck: Ramadan Joy by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Leo Antolini

Posted on May 21, 2018 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Ilyas and Duck: Ramadan Joy by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Leo Antolini

The fourth book in the popular Ilyas & Duck series is perfect for instilling joy about Ramadan, and excitement in overcoming Mr. Mean. But first readers along with Ilyas and Duck, will have to understand what fasting means, realize that it is hard and not all fun, learn some Arabic words and concepts such as compassion, empathy, and gratitude, before they can save the neighborhood from a menacing villain wanting to destroy the blessings of Ramadan.

As always, with Ilyas and Duck, the rhyming book asks questions that kids think about and is silly in a way that they can relate to. The illustrations are bright and engaging and the hardback book is 38 pages of fun and information, perfect for ages 5 and up.

The book starts with the ayat from the Qur’an that says, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (chapter 2, verse 283). The book concludes with a mock newspaper spread of the Current Times, full of tidbits about the crescent moon, benefits of fasting, Ilyas and Duck Ramadan cards, a crossword puzzle, and a classified add for Eid Goodie Bags posted by an anonymous, Mr. “M.”

The book cleverly conveys how a day of Ramadan is practiced without getting preachy. It shows Ilyas and Duck, praying and eating dates and decorating and getting excited. the women wear hijab, but nothing about singling out that this is a part of Islam or Muslims is really mentioned. The reader just is going along with Ilyas and his pal Duck. It does remark that Allah is the provider and fasting helps build your relationship with Allah, but not to the point that it would seem preachy or alienating to non Muslim children. Meaning I think you could read this book to your child’s public school class, or scout troop and not have any problems, while similarly giving a Muslim child an awesome story to identify with.

A lot of the behavior details of what one should and shouldn’t do in Ramadan actually come from Mr. Mean, as he like all villains, lays out his evil plan. He is hoping to spray a poison that will make kids play instead of pray, and he is leaving cookies around to tempt kids to break their fast. He is also planning to spread rumors, and encourage gossip, and get kids to make promises they cannot keep. Alhumdulillah, Sheriff Ilyas and Deputy Duck run him out of town because “there’s no room for meanness, only goodness in Ramadan.”

May3

Mr. Ramadhan Moon by S.R.M. illustrated by Haleema Tahir Gul

Posted on May 3, 2018 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Mr. Ramadhan Moon by S.R.M. illustrated by Haleema Tahir Gul

This little 26 page paperback book is not a lot to look at, and it really isn’t substantial in your hands either….but it comes with this little guy, who is Awesome!

And once Mr. Ramadhan Moon smiling at you, and you open the book, the only real complaint you’ll have is how can we support this book so that the book can become hardback, the pages bigger, and the font spaced out more. Yeah, it is fun, really fun.

Told from Mr. Moon’s perspective the story covers the basics about Ramadan, fasting, charity, praying, and Eid, but also incorporates the searching of the moon in both the Ramadan month sense, and in the hiding of the toy and finding it around your house activity gimmick. Much like the Christmas game of “Elf on the Shelf,” Mr. Ramadhan Moon wants to be found each day of Ramadan, and can also be found on each page of the book.

The book is written in rhyme, which often is forced, but its ambition is appreciated as a lot of information is conveyed. There is even a glossary of terms in the back.

The book is ordered through Etsy and I think will be a blast for kids toddler to 3rd grade. I’m planning to hide him daily this Ramadan and I’ve already read the book to my children who can’t wait to start a new Ramadan tradition.

Jun15

Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated Omar Burgess

Posted on June 15, 2017 by islamicschoollibrarian

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Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated Omar Burgess

Another factual Ramadan book, with a fictional storyline that utilizes the banter between children and their parents to teach the reader about the blessed month. Not a unique or original storyline, but somehow it still manages to be cute. The book has very little doctrine discussed, and more hands on action of charity, visiting other families for iftar, and taking treats to non muslim neighbors as the focus of the book.

Hassan and Aneesa are young, and the book is similarly written for young kids. The back of the book says 2 and up, and the short declarative sentences definitely work for younger children. The pictures are warm as the characters are smily and detailed, but not overwhelmingly so. At home the mom does not cover, but does when she is out, as does the little girl. The family is depicted as warm and affectionate to one another and I love that they visit a non-muslim-sounding-named neighbor and are rewarded with a non “ethnic” treat of chocolate cake. I also like that the kids are encouraged to fast for parts of the day, even if it is the second half of the day. The book appeals to today’s children who may at times chose “ethnic” food and clothes and sometimes not. The book is small in size at 6.5 by 7.5 inches and is 24 pages with a glossary in the back. It is for pre-school kids and while it might work for non-muslims, I think for the age group, if a child didn’t know a Muslim at least, the book would be a bit hard to grasp.

Hassan and Aneesa are excited as mom and dad tell them Ramadan starts tomorrow, but a confused Aneesa sneaks downstairs and suhoor time wondering why her parents are eating breakfast in the middle of the night. The next day they read Quran and gather up toys to take to the thrift store. While there Aneesa donates some money too. As they leave they are invited to an Aunt’s house for iftar. After iftar they have to rush to Tarawih at the masjid. That night Aneesa and her mom discuss why Muslim’s fast in an age appropriate manner, and the two kids decide they want to try, even though they don’t have to yet.

The next day the fasting kids cook enough dinner to share with their neighbor Mrs. Smith. Aneesa breaks her fast early, but Hassan hangs in there, and all are rewarded with a surprise chocolate cake from dad!

Islamic School Librarian

Reviewing Children & YA Islamic Fiction, Books by Muslim Authors, & Books Featuring Muslim Characters

Tag Archives: fasting

The Most Powerful Night: A Ramadan Story by Nada Hassan illustrated by Soumbal Qureshi

Khadijah and Cat: Ramadan is Here by Shamsa Ahmed illustrated by Afsaneh Bagherloo

My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin illustrated by Lindsey Yankey

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard illustrated by Laura K. Horton

Who Will Help Me Make Iftar by Asmaa Hussein illustrated by Saliha Caliskan

The Jinni on the Roof: A Ramadan Story by Natasha Rafi illustrated by Abdul Malik Channa

Raihanna’s First Time Fasting by Qamaer Hassan illustrated by Yasushi Matsuoka

Ilyas and Duck: Ramadan Joy by Omar S. Khawaja illustrated by Leo Antolini

Mr. Ramadhan Moon by S.R.M. illustrated by Haleema Tahir Gul

Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan by Yasmeen Rahim illustrated Omar Burgess