Eid Mubarak! Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, a month-long religious holiday that is spent on self-selection. During this time, Muslims strengthen their relationship with God and spend time with their family. Dictated by the lunar cycle, beginning and ending with a crescent moon, Ramadan involves fasting, praying and being with loved ones.  

In compiling this list, we turned to Dr. Janan Sarwar and the Muslim Mommy Blogger. We thank them for their help and resources!

Don't miss these 15 beautiful children's books on Ramadan!    

 1. Zahra's Blessing by Shirin Shamsi

Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that Ramadan will bring her a longed-for sister. When her bear subsequently goes missing, Zahra finds herself grappling with intense feelings of loss. Over the next few weeks, as she volunteers with her mother at a local shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra befriends a displaced child, resulting in a newfound sense of gratitude and an unexpected Ramadan blessing. Perfect for Ramzan and Eid.

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2. Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi  

Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom.

Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs. This gentle, moving story from first-time author Reem Faruqi comes to life in Lea Lyon’s vibrant illustrations. Lyon uses decorative arabesque borders on intermittent spreads to contrast the ordered patterns of Islamic observances with the unbounded rhythms of American school days.

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3. The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard

Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma tells her that fasting helps make a person sparkly—and Sophia loves sparkles. But when her attempt at fasting fails, Sophia must find another way to participate. This lovely multigenerational family story explores the many ways to take part in the Ramadan holiday.

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 4. The White Nights of Ramadan by Maha Addasi

Mid-Ramadan is a special time for families in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. These middle days are known as "the three whites," because they include the day of the full moon, the day before, and the day after. It's a time when children dress in traditional clothing and go from house to house collecting treats from their neighbors. When Noor sees the full moon rising, signaling the coming of Girgian, she and her brothers prepare for the fun. Together, they decorate the bags they'll carry to collect the candies. But along with the fun, Noor remembers the true meaning of Ramadan: spending time with family and sharing with those less fortunate.

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5. Amira's Picture Day by Reem Faruqi

Just the thought of Eid makes Amira warm and tingly inside. From wearing new clothes to handing out goody bags at the mosque, Amira can't wait for the festivities to begin. But when a flier on the fridge catches her eye, Amira's stomach goes cold. Not only is it Eid, it's also school picture day. If she's not in her class picture, how will her classmates remember her? Won't her teacher wonder where she is?

Though the day's celebrations at the mosque are everything Amira was dreaming of, her absence at picture day weighs on her. A last-minute idea on the car ride home might just provide the solution to everything in this delightful story from acclaimed author Reem Faruqi, illustrated with vibrant color by Fahmida Azim.

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6. Ramadan Moon 

 

Ramadan, the month of fasting, Doesn't begin all at once. It begins with a whisper And a prayer And a wish. Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan and the joyful days of Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of the month of fasting as the most special time of year. This lyrical and inspiring picture book captures the wonder and joy of this great annual event, from the perspective of a child. Accompanied by Iranian inspired illustrations, the story follows the waxing of the moon from the first new crescent to full moon and waning until Eid is heralded by the first sighting of the second new moon. Written and illustrated by Muslims, this is a book for all children who celebrate Ramadan and those in the wider communities who want to understand why this is such a special experience for Muslims.

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7. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan

This picture book magnificently captures the colors of Islam and will inspire curiosity and conversations about world religions and cultures.

With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions for even the youngest readers. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, readers will learn about a different color of the Muslim world on each spread with a young Muslim girl and her family as a guide. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, it is equally at home in a classroom reading circle as it is being read to a child on a parent’s lap.

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8. It's Ramadan, Curious George  

t's the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal. Then, George helps make gift baskets to donate to the needy, and watches for the crescent moon with the man in the yellow hat. Finally George joins in the Eid festivities to mark the end of his very first Ramadan. This playful tabbed board book, with a foil-stamped cover, makes a great holiday gift for all fans of Curious George—those who celebrate Ramadan, and those who are learning about it for the first time!

Photo credit: Wisconsin Muslim Journal

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9. Hannah and the Ramadan Gift 

The debut picture book by human rights activist and attorney Qasim Rashid tells a timely story full of warmth and heart about the observance of Ramadan and the power of good deeds.

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10. Ismat's Eid by Fawzia Gilani-Williams

Ismat the shoemaker decides to buy his family special gifts for Eid. He is persuaded by the shopkeeper to buy a pair of trousers for himself. However, there is only one last pair and it's too long. But long trousers can always be shortened, can't they? Eid arrives, and with it comes a shock and a surprise. This crisp adaptation of a delightful Turkish tale has been affectionately told and illustrated, replete with cultural resonances.

11. Eid Breakfast at Abuela's by Mariam Saad 

Join Sofia and her mom and dad who spend Eid - the Islamic holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan - with her Mexican grandmother, who is not Muslim but chooses to throw them a festive breakfast which includes traditional Mexican food, decorations, and activities.

The book includes many Spanish words and a glossary as well to introduce the reader to simple words in Spanish and even Arabic.

12. Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman  

We wait for the moon. We watch for the moon. We watch for the Ramadan moon. We give to the poor, and read Qur'an, under the moon. We live our faith, until next year under the moon, under the moon, under the Ramadan moon."

Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. The lyrical story, with luminous illustrations, serves as an introduction to Ramadan—a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends. A detailed note about Ramadan is included.

13. Raihanna's First Time Fasting  

Raihanna’s First Time Fasting is a sweet story about a little girl’s first Ramadan. Little Raihanna learns the meaning of Ramadan, why her family fasts and how important it is to help her community whenever she can. Includes an activity page and a definition page.

14. Ramadan Rocket   

This fun and endearing book is about a boy who wants to build a rocket to find the Ramdan Moon. Says MuslimMommyBlog, "Ramadan Rocket is a light hearted tale about a boy on a quest to find the Ramadan Moon. It explores themes of friendship, sharing and teamwork in an imaginative and at times, funny way! Tailored for Muslim children, this story includes positive speech and role models."

Photo courtesy: MuslimMommyBlog

15. Ramadan Around the World

This picture book is about how children from around the world, from Australia to the US, celebrate Ramzan.  Photo courtesy: MuslimMommyBlog