A sweet tale about siblings who participate in the giving spirit of Ramadan.
A brother and sister decide to embrace the joys of Ramadan in this picture book.
Siblings Hamza and Aliya wake up one morning to find that their parents are preparing for the month-long observance of Ramadan. After seeing the new moon that marks the beginning of Ramadan, the kids write down their resolutions for the holy month, and they help Mama bake plenty of treats with which to break their fast each night. One day, Mama is exhausted after preparing lots of food, and takes a nap. Hamza and Aliya decide to make a treat for Mama, calling up their grandmother, who guides them through whipping up no-bake date balls. Mama is delighted when she wakes up and tries them. The book contains recipes for all the desserts mentioned in the charming story as well as some informative background on the role of dates and honey in the Qur’an. Khan’s vibrant illustrations help set the celebratory tone of the tale. There is not a lot of description of Ramadan itself, implying that this work is intended for Muslim children who are already familiar with the holy month.
A sweet tale about siblings who participate in the giving spirit of Ramadan. (glossary)Pub Date: June 5, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68312-194-7
Page Count: 51
Publisher: Kisa Kids Publications
Review Posted Online: June 25, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Though cheerful illustrations add some zest, this little prayer feels flat.
Based on the lyrics of his song by the same name, Archuleta’s foray into picture books calls upon his musical roots as well as his faith.
The book is language-sparse, with most of the story told through Ugolotti’s illustrations. These depict a White child who dreams of playing soccer but must grapple with disappointment. When the unnamed protagonist, who presents male, is not picked to play for the soccer team, he befriends a Black child who presents female and who has also been left out of the game, due to injury. Their initial connection on the sidelines blossoms into a true friendship, proving to be a far richer outcome than the aspiring soccer star could have anticipated. Alongside the visual story runs a little prayer of gratitude thanking God for his presence, patience, and plan in the child’s life. The words are general, with no reference to either soccer or friendship: “Heavenly Father, I am grateful for your eternal presence. / I am learning to be patient and that you are really there.” Though the interracial mixed-gender friendship is cute, the overall prayer and plot are bland. This is useful to augment collections and bookshelves where Christian picture books are in high demand, but it does not stand out from the pack. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Though cheerful illustrations add some zest, this little prayer feels flat. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-952239-54-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bushel & Peck Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
Brimming with gratitude, familial love, and joy.
A Black child celebrates their family through prayer and affirmations.
Using repetition (“My mother is a blessing,” “My father is a blessing”), the young narrator prays for various family members, asking that they be kept “safe and well.” Each spread explains why a different member is beloved. The child’s mother “listens to my hopes and dreams” and “watches over me while I sleep.” The child’s father “teaches me to see that rainy days / are lucky days.” Their grandmother “bakes buttery lemon pound cake just for me,” while their grandfather “knows the histories of the world.” Their sister “keeps my secrets” and “helps me find my way,” and their brother “holds my hand when I’m afraid.” Complementing the loving verse, the illustrations are full of warmth and texture and play with geometrical shapes. Godparents, babysitters, and the family dog are even included, too. This book promotes an appreciation for household members as well as the family that can be created outside the home. In an author’s note, Youngblood explains that when she was growing up in Georgia, members of the Black community who weren’t related were often still considered family and that prayer was a big part of her life as a child coping with the death of her birth mother and the realization that she had siblings she’d never met. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Brimming with gratitude, familial love, and joy. (Religious picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780593234693
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Convergent/Crown
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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