15 Top Children's Books on Ramadan
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
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2. Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
3. The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard
4. The White Nights of Ramadan by Maha Addasi
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5. Amira's Picture Day by Reem Faruqi
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. Ismat's Eid by Fawzia Gilani-Williams
8. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan
9. Breakfast at Abuela's by Mariam Saad
10 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.
11. 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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12. 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.
13. 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
14. 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