IBRAHEEM'S PERFECT EID

Young Ibraheem learns that celebrating Eid is about more than just receiving gifts.

Eid is “the most perfectly perfect” day of the year, with so much to look forward to—especially presents. Every Eid, Ibraheem searches the house for gifts; this year, none can be found anywhere. Did everyone forget? Are there no presents this year? Ibraheem and Baba walk to the mosque for the special Eid prayer, and soon Ibraheem is swept away by daydreams of ice cream, the imam’s Eid-day stories, and the movements of the prayer. When the two return to their house, wrapped in festive cheer, Ibraheem is once more disappointed at the lack of presents, but Baba encourages the little one to reflect. Isn’t there more to Eid than gifts? Islam’s tale is centered on an important holiday for Muslims but contains a message relevant to children observing many other holidays. Ibraheem learns that the greatest gift is time spent with family and community, with cherished moments like shared meals, fun games, and tender embraces. Perfectly matching Ibraheem’s emotional ebbs and swells, Adani’s illustrations feature layers of vibrant colors and a variety of patterns that give them depth and complexity. Ibraheem and the family are cued as South Asian and are a part of a diverse community.

A joyous look into an important holiday that both informs and encourages introspection.