Today is the start of Ramadan! Though we don’t celebrate Ramadan, I think it’s important to learn about cultures different from one’s own. These were our favorites this year!
Hena Khan and Julie Paschkis’ Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story is perfect for an older kid who is learning about Ramadan and its traditions. It’s the story of Yasmeen and her family, and starts at the beginning of Ramadan and ends at the last day. Each page spread shows a different tradition or experience in the celebration of Ramadan. The illustrations are intricate and bright, drawing you right in to the joyful text.
Recommended for ages 5-10.
Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Lea Lyon is the truly beautiful story of a kid who has moved from Abu Dhabi and fasting for Ramadan for the first time. At school she is worried about what her teacher and peers will think if they’re not familiar with Ramadan. She doesn’t give her teacher the note her mom wrote explaining, so her peers and teacher think she forgot her lunch! She is disappointed and upset, so she decides to write a poem about Ramadan and her own note explaining that she is fasting and gives it to her teacher. Her teacher is so impressed that she asks Lailah to recite the poem for her class. I love this one because it helps to emphasize the importance of asking questions instead of making assumptions.
Recommended for ages 6-10
Hena Khan and Mehrdokt Amini’s Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors is one I picked up for my younger kid, though we are all enjoying it. Each page spread features a color and how it connects to the Muslim faith. The images are beautifully done, in Amini’s recognizable style, and my kid is loving finding all the items of that color on each page. Don’t miss this one!
Recommended for ages 2 – 5
Do you have any other awesome books about Ramadan or the Muslim faith for kids? Comment here to share!
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