RAMADAN KAREEM

Young Muslims around the world observe the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Children who are diverse in terms of nationality, skin tone, body type, and ability describe their experiences observing and celebrating the “holy month of mercy.” Kids wake up to fill their bellies for suhoor, the pre-fast breakfast, and take care to be kinder and more polite. They pray at home with their families and in the mosque and prepare donations for those in need. Yuksel’s refreshing take centers children’s experiences during Ramadan and the holiday that follows it, Eid al-Fitr. Descriptions of the children’s hunger pangs, their relief at breaking their fast, and their gratitude for their blessings perfectly capture their perspective. The author emphasizes sensory experiences, such as the smell of kofta, the sound of the call to prayers, and the cozy feeling of curling up on Abuela’s lap to read the Quran. Aly’s cheerful, energetic illustrations pair beautifully with the text to convey the joyous spirit of Ramadan, with bright colors and depictions of Islamic art and architecture. Careful readers will notice that a playful cat appears throughout. A thoughtful author’s note digs deeper into the practices and traditions of Ramadan, while a helpful glossary defines potentially unfamiliar words from multiple languages and cultures.

Fantastic, festive, and vibrant.