MY FIRST RAMADAN

In this simple explanation of Ramadan, a little boy explains that he will be fasting for the first time. He describes eating breakfast before sunrise, saying special prayers and attending his Islamic school where he makes a calendar and tries to ignore his hunger. After sunset, his family washes their hands and starts the meal with a date, just as Mohammed did with his followers on Ramadan. He visits the mosque during the month and at the end, celebrates Eid al-Fitr with parties and presents. The richly patterned collage and mixed-media pictures will appeal to young children. A double-paged spread with many races and national groups illustrates the diversity of the Muslim world. The book appears to take place in the U.S. (the family eats “buttery eggs, toast, fluffy pancakes, fresh berries, and orange juice” for breakfast), but the mention of assembling in a “town square” for Eid al-Fitr doesn’t quite seem to fit. While more details would be useful, the text is appropriate as an introduction. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)