Ramadan Mubarak, Mai Friends!

This year, Ramadan is from Mar 22, 2023 – Apr 21, 2023. This Muslim holiday is celebrated by millions around the world.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holy month observed by millions of Muslims around the world. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a time of spiritual reflection, increased devotion, and self-discipline. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as a form of worship and devotion to Allah. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called Iftar. Ramadan is also a time for charitable acts, increased prayer, and reading of the Quran. It is believed that during this month, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied and many Muslims strive to improve their character and relationship with Allah. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festival that marks the end of the month-long fast and is a time for family and community gatherings.

To help you and your little learners learn more about Ramadan and celebrate, I’ve curated a list of Recommended Ramadan Reads, and am highlighting a selection of book-inspired crafts and an interactive read aloud to share. Check out the resources below:

BOOKS

Below I’m highlighting ten of my favorite Ramadan Children’s Books. Click on the individual titles to add them to your own shelves, or to view the Full Collection, click on the link below:

Click here for the Full Recommended Reading List

Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi // During the month of Ramadan, a time of peace, Moon eagerly observes the cherished traditions associated with this special occasion in this charmingly illustrated first book. From Egypt, India, and Argentina to the United Arab Emirates, Somalia, and beyond, families and children engage in acts of kindness to honor those in need in countries like New Zealand, Indonesia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story by Shirin Shamsi // With her beloved teddy bear by her side, Zahra hopes that Ramadan will grant her the wish of having a much-desired sister. However, when her bear disappears, Zahra is left to confront powerful emotions of grief. As she spends time volunteering alongside her mother at a shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra forms a bond with a displaced child, leading her to a newfound appreciation for what she has and a surprising blessing during Ramadan.

The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard // Sophia has her heart set on observing the fast during Ramadan. Her grandmother explains that fasting can give a person a special shine – something Sophia adores. However, when Sophia struggles to complete the fast, she must discover alternative ways to participate. This beautiful tale of a multi-generational family showcases the various means of partaking in the Ramadan festivities.

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. 

Ramadan Moon by Na’ima B Robert // Featuring stunning illustrations inspired by Iranian art, this tale traces the moon’s cycle from its first crescent to fullness, and then waning until the Eid festivities are declared with the sighting of the second new moon. This poetic and uplifting picture book captures the enchantment and elation of this momentous annual event through the eyes of a child.

Hannah and the Ramadan Gift by Qasim Rashid // Hannah wants to participate in Ramadan, but she’s too young to fast. Dada Jaan tells her that she can observe Ramadan by helping others and being kind, which can make the world a better place.

Baby’s First Ramadan by DK // (Board Book) The book is a first picture book for babies and toddlers that explains the different elements of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, including the crescent moon, lanterns, henna designs, family meals, and prayers. The book has simple language and real-life photos to engage the young readers.

It’s Ramadan, Curious George by Hena Khan // (Board Book) 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.

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan // Follow 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. The story is accompanied by lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, offering a peek into modern Muslim culture and the ancient roots of its most cherished traditions.

Ramadan Around the World bv Ndaa Hasan // The book “Ramadan Around The World” follows the Ramadan Moon as it travels to different parts of the world to visit families and children celebrating the Islamic holiday. The book showcases the diversity of the global Muslim community, with children and families of various nationalities, abilities, sizes, and demographics represented. The book aims to illustrate the different cultural traditions of Ramadan celebrated around the world.

CRAFTS

Prepare to bring these stories to life with these bookish crafts to extend the learning and play beyond the books. This Ramadan, check out these book-inspired crafts to share how you spread peace during Ramadan, and to share special cultural traditions in your family:

*Click on the Images for Craft Templates.*

INTERACTIVE READ ALOUD

Plus, read along with MaiStoryBook YouTube for an interactive, shared-reading read aloud of *Moon’s Ramadan* to learn how Ramadan is celebrated around the world:

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I hope you found some reading recommendations to add to your own shelves and share with your littles this Ramadan. Please share any other reads to add to this themed collection.

*~Also, I’d love to  see and hear about your own reading adventures you are having with your little learners, so please share your story times below in the comments ~ Or Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary , FaceBook , find me on TikTok, or contact me via email . I’d love to hear from you!~*

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