The Gift of Ramadan

A child-friendly and -centric look at this important observance. (Picture book. 4-8)

Copyright 2019 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

Gr 2-5--An inquisitive young girl, Sophia, is excited about Ramadan, a holy month of fasting in Islam. As her grandmother and mother describe what Ramadan means, Sophia announces that she will fast. Throughout the day, she tries to keep herself busy and not think about food. However, her little brother starts to chase her with a cookie. As the smell of chocolate fills her nose, Sophia can't resist her urges anymore and starts eating cookies. Distressed that she lost the sparkly feeling she was supposed to gain from fasting, she learns what is expected of different age groups and other ways people can earn blessings during this observance. This book makes Ramadan approachable to young audiences. The adorable illustrations of Sophia and the daily life of one family as they navigate their fasting are age appropriate and represent the story very well. The book has a small issue--the author oversimplifies the concepts of sunrise and sundown. Some terms, such as sahoor and iftar, could have been explained either in the text or in the glossary. VERDICT Highly recommended to introduce young readers to Islamic culture and traditions; a perfect addition to holiday book collections.--Noureen Qadir-Jafar, Syosset Library, NY