Ramadan Kareem

PreS-Gr 3--A celebratory, tender picture book that reflects how the holy month of Ramadan is honored by Muslims around the world. The story begins with the sighting of "the new crescent moon," marking the start of Ramadan. The voice of the child narrator travels across the experiences of children in different countries expressing, through lyrical language, what the practices of fasting, prayer, meal preparation, helping others, and sharing time with family mean during this most holy month. Yuksel pairs these shared values of Ramadan with culturally specific language for loved ones and foods, reflecting the diversity of the Muslim community: "I trace the lines of the Qur'an on my abuela's lap, which feels warm and cozy like a soft blanket," and "Eggs sizzle, toasters pop, qatayefs flip." Aly's illustrations fill each page with colors and patterns that emanate excitement and care as families share meals, visit the market, gather for prayer, prepare donations, cook, and set the table together. Readers will enjoy finding small flags placed in the illustrations that give a clue to the country pictured. Full spreads commemorating Eid end the book with reverence and delight. Back matter includes further information, a glossary of terms found in the text, and additional resources. VERDICT A beautiful follow-up to the award-winning collaboration In My Mosque, this book reflects the diversity of Muslim communities around the world while uplifting the shared principles of the holy month of Ramadan.--Sarah Pousty

The collaborators behind In My Mosque cross continents and countries to celebrate Ramadan's joys and traditions in this painstakingly detailed book. As "the holy month of mercy" begins, spreads show families observing the holiday in locales whose contextual details connote Australia, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the U.S., among others. Characters portrayed with various abilities and skin tones "gather/ to gaze at the new crescent moon," fast and break fast, share gifts and greetings, engage in community care--and finally celebrate Eid. Yuksel's sensate prose conveys specific practices and experiences ("I trace the lines of the Qur'an on my abuela's lap"), especially the wait for iftar, while Aly's energetic illustrations draw on culturally specific Islamic art and architecture, imparting the season's tenets and its communal feel. A note and glossary conclude. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)

Yuksel's refreshing take centers children's experiences during Ramadan and the holiday that follows it, Eid al-Fitr. Descriptions of the children's hunger pangs, their relief at breaking their fast, and their gratitude for their blessings perfectly capture their perspective. The author emphasizes sensory experiences, such as the smell of kofta, the sound of the calls to prayers, and the cozy feeling of curling up on Abuela's lap to read the Quran. Aly's cheerful, energetic illustrations pair beautifully with the text to convey the joyous spirit of Ramadan, with bright colors and depictions of Islamic art and architecture. — Kirkus Reviews