10 Fantastic Children’s Books to Read This Ramadan & Eid

Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is an especially joyous and special month for Muslims around the world. Muslims fast from before sunrise until sunset during the day and spend many hours of the night praying. For children, this month is celebrated by participating in “fasts” for a few hours a day, meeting friends and family at the mosque in the evenings, and learning and connecting with their faith through books and activities. And of course, the anticipation of receiving presents at the end of the month, a celebration called Eid. Here are 10 fantastic children’s to read this Ramadan and Eid.

Lansing Mom is here to share our tried and true favorites. This post does contain affiliate links that help support our small business but every product is something we love! 

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan

Recommended Age: 3-7

“…this sweet tale follows Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl, as she celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, “The Night of the Moon” (Chaand Raat), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a peek into modern Muslim culture—and into the ancient roots of its most cherished traditions.”

It’s Ramadan, Curious George by Hena Khan & H.A. Rey

Recommended Age: 3-5 

It’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.”

Nabeel’s New Pants – An Eid Tale by Fawzia Gilani-Williams

Recommended Age: 3-5

“Ramadan has come to an end. The fast is over, and tomorrow the celebration of Eid will begin. Nabeel decides to buy each of his family members something special to wear for the holiday. But while he’s choosing, the shopkeeper persuades him also to buy a gift for himself—a pair of new pants that are too long! Nabeel asks his wife, his mother, and his daughter to hem them, but no one has the time—everyone is busy preparing for the festivities. Will Nabeel be able to wear his new pants to celebrate Eid? Only a pair of scissors can tell.”

Ramadan Moon by Na’ima B. Robert

Recommended Age: 4-7

“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.”

Ramadan Around the World by Ndaa Hassan

Recommended Age: 4-8

“Join the Ramadan Moon as it travels the world to visit children and their families observing Ramadan. Ramadan Around The World showcases how various cultures celebrate the Islamic holiday. The purpose of this book is to illustrate the diversity of the global Muslim community. Children of various nationalities and abilities are represented throughout the book. Families of diverse sizes and demographics have also been equally represented.”

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard

Recommended Age: 4-8

“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.”

Laila’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi

Recommended Age: 6-8

“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.”

Isa’s First Fast by Hira Rizvi

Recommended Age: 6-10

“A Choose Your Adventure Style book about a kid who is fasting for the first time. Though he is excited he is very nervous about how he will survive in school ALL day! Fasting also makes it hard for him to think! So he needs your helping making many choices along the way! If your story ends, just go back and make a different choice! With multiple storylines and ending this book will continue to entertain your child!

It was Pizza Friday. The smell of cheese pizza filled the hallway. Isa stopped in the doorway. He was frozen. He looked to the left and saw Cheryl take a bite of her slice and pull the cheese. It stretched longer and longer, so warm and melty. Anthony walked past him with three slices of pizza piled on his plate, the cheese from each melting into each other. No one knew Isa was fasting. What if he cheated just a little? Should Isa go ahead and grab a slice? Or should he walk away from the cheese”

Drummer Girl by Hiba Masood

Recommended Age: 6-12

“Year after year, in the blessed month of Ramadan, little Najma has happily arisen to the drum beat of her neighborhood’s musaharati. He walks through the streets of her small Turkish village, waking each family for the pre-dawn meal before the long day of fasting. Najma wants nothing more than to be a musaharati herself one day, but no girl has ever taken on the role before. Will she have what it takes to be the drummer girl of her dreams? Find out in this inspirational story of sincerity, determination, and believing in yourself.”

Once upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim voices

Recommended Age: 8-12

a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy.” 

Whether your family celebrates Ramadan or not, these books and many books like these are great ways to introduce diverse celebrations to children through teaching stories and beautiful illustrations. For Muslim children, nothing lights up their eyes like picking out a book from a bookshelf at a library or store that represents their story and their experiences.

Looking for more diverse books? Head to 10 Diverse Picture Books You Need.

 

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