The Last Night of Ramadan [Hardcover]

Maissa Hamed (Author), Mohamed El Wakil (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2007 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The Last Night of Ramadan is the first of the "Enjoy Islam" book series, dedicated to produce creative literary works for children and their families who wish to understand and learn about Islam and the Muslim culture through Islamic celebrations throughout the year. This book focuses on the Holy Month of Ramadan and the traditions associated with it. Children's imaginative powers are enriched as events unfold through the beautiful medium of a puppet show, which parents can enjoy creating with their children at home, and primary school teachers can use in the classroom.

It is especially important today for both Muslims and non-Muslims to develop a factual understanding of Islam--knowledge devoid of misconceptions--and to understand the reasons behind Islam's broad appeal. Written primarily for non-Muslim children and their families, the Enjoy Islam series is also an excellent means of reinforcing what Muslim children may already know about their faith. As children read The Last Night of Ramadan, will sense traditions and moral values that Islam shares with other religions, such as the importance of the family, respect toward older family members, and the special place afforded to mothers.

The illustrations in this unique book for children brings to life this important time of the yearly cycle for Muslims around the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Maissa Hamed is an Egyptian American and a former staff member of UNICEF with thirteen years' experience in program and policy development, focusing on child labor and education in developing countries. Since 1998, she has been an Education and Research Consultant for Sesame Workshop's International Research Department. She also provided consulting services for Scholastic Games Productions and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and authored a youth strategy paper for the UN Office of the Alliance of Civilizations to bridge the gap between the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds. In 2006, she founded Enjoy Islam--an artistically creative educational and spiritual endeavor to bring true knowledge of Islam and the Muslim and Arab culture to American families. Maissa has a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in social sciences from The American University, Cairo. She lives in New York with her husband, architect Mohamed El Wakil, AIA, and their two children. She is a member of the American Society for Muslim Advancement.

Mohamed El Wakil, an Egyptian American architect, has lived and worked in the United States for more than twenty years. His watercolor illustrations for The Last Night of Ramadan have been said to "exquisitely capture the soul of the culture." Mohamed is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a member of the American Society for Muslim Advancement.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Bell Pond Books (November 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880105860
• ISBN-13: 978-0880105866
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,395,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Our K-2 Children at the Chebeague Island School love this book, March 19, 2009

By 

Leila T. Bisharat (Chebeague Island Maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Last Night of Ramadan (Hardcover)

The children at the Chebeague Island School in Casco Bay, Maine loved this book. The school has had programs about the Middle East that have included geography, calligraphy and geometric art forms in the art class, some spoken Arabic and a visiting Egyptian musician. But this wonderfully illustrated, gentle story captured the imagination of the youngest age group. They wanted to know more about the boys and their animals and chatted about the food and presents that were part of celebrating the end of Ramadan. We hope the authors will produce more stories to share other aspects of Islam and family life. Our local library is adding this book to its collection. Everyone would like to learn about the authors and their family!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Feast for the Eyes and Mind!, March 18, 2009

By 

R. Roberts - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Last Night of Ramadan (Hardcover)

I bought a copy and loved the inspiring, simple, but elegant text and the exquisite illustrations, with the bright and happy colors children favor. I immediately recommended it to the Head of the Children's Department at one of libraries of the Fairfax County Library System (FCPS), where I work part-time.

It was subsequently purchased for all of FCPL's 23 libraries, and prominently displayed as soon as it arrived at our library! I know for a fact that it has been checked out many times. It's a lovely story which seems to resonate both with children and parents. The friends to whom I mentioned it also proceded to introduce others friends to it, and bought copies to give as presents.

Hope Ms Hamed writes many more of the same in collaboration with her artist of a husband. Great team effort: A Feast for the Eyes and Mind!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming, light and entertaining, March 18, 2009

By 

Emy - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Night of Ramadan (Hardcover)

This was a great read; illustrations were lovely, expressive, and definetly a highlight of the book. Looking forward to the next one.
Mona Misbah, Egypt.