Every year, Muslims all over the world celebrate the coming of Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. It was during that month, 14 centuries ago, that Allah first began revealing the holy book of Islam, the Quran, to Muhammed. Ghazi's clear and informative description of one boy's celebration of Ramadan is skillfully brought to life by Omar Rayyan's warm and joyful illustration.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?An attractive companion to Mary Matthews's Magid Fasts for Ramadan (Clarion, 1996), set in America rather than Egypt. Hakeem and his family are the focus of Ghazi's description of the holiday?its origin, elements of celebration, and purpose. Though Hakeem plays a prominent role throughout, plot emphasis rests on ritual and events rather than on character development. The boy functions as an "everychild" whose matter-of-fact and heartfelt religious observations help to demystify a part of Islam for non-Muslim children as well as affirm an important part of the Islamic calendar for those who are believers. Ghazi's writing is clear and descriptive with Arabic terms sans pronunciation but described both within context as well as in an appended glossary. The picture-book format creates a warm and welcoming setting, one that beckons to readers and invites exploration. Rayyan's expressive watercolors complete the package with their effective utilization of Islamic stylistic techniques; many are reminiscent of those he created for Eric Kimmel's Rimonah of the Flashing Sword (Holiday, 1995). The artist's skillful juxtaposition of Islamic borders and panels as frames for American Muslim culture highlights the mix of a rich traditional heritage with late 20th-century realities. A good introduction to Dianne MacMillan's Ramadan and Id Al-Fitr (Enslow, 1994), and a fine first look at the richness of Islamic tradition.?Celia A. Huffman, Worthington Public Library, OH
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 5^-9. The month of Ramadan, an Islamic time of fasting, feasting, sharing, and prayer, is seen through the eyes of young Hakeem. Along with his family, he watches the night sky to see the new moon that signals the beginning of the special month. For the next 28 days, the (presumably American) family will wake before dawn to eat a large breakfast, fast all day, and eat an enormous evening meal before heading to the mosque for prayers. Ghazi gives just the right amount of background information, along with interesting details (for instance, Hakeem cannot put anything in his mouth all day, so he is careful not to play so hard that he gets thirsty). Rayyan incorporates into his paintings Islamic symbols and architectural motifs, as well as a lively, ethnically diverse group of people. Highly recommended for most libraries. Susan Dove Lempke
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As other reviewers mentioned, this is a beautifully illustrated book. Common, day-to-day words used by Muslims (Imam, Suhur, Zakah) are explained in an understandable way, so I could see this being a reasonable way to introduce the concepts to non-Muslim children (or even adults). Overall, however, I was disappointed. The interesting, personable little details about Hakeem were heavily weighed down by the "adult talking to child" background information about every last little aspect of Ramadan. I would guess that a quick brush past two dozen new vocabulary words, painstakingly defined, will not actually teach those concepts to non-Muslim children. Meanwhile, I fear that the Muslim children for whom I intended this book as a gift will not find enough story among the definitions and explanations to hold their attention. We have so many stories set at Christmas-time that do not attempt to explain the entire Christian religion and all of the symbolism and rituals of Christmas... I haven't been able to find such stories to purchase for my young Muslim friends. Must every book about them be a child-sized textbook on Muslim faith and practices?
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
We are Christians, but I want my children to grow up knowing about religious diversity and learning about the beliefs of other religions. It's hard to respect what you don't know.
I'm very much impressed with this book. The text is very clear and gives an abundance of information on both Islam and Ramadan. The illustrations are excellent and fit the text beautifully.
Whatever your faith (or age), this book will provide a beautiful introduction to the religion of Islam and to their holiest holiday.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I bought this book as a gift for my 5 year old and all my family and friends have wanted a copy since that time. I had to buy extra copies!
It is wonderfully illustrated and very well written. It is wonderful for children, yet... makes a wonderful reader for adults as well on the subject. You will be happy you bought it!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Book needs a 2nd edition to correct errors
This book is good to introduce a non-Muslim youth audience to fasting during the month of Ramadan. The best part of the book is the illustrations by Omar Rayyan. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Ayman
5.0 out of 5 stars
An AWAIR Pick
A clear and informative description of one boy's celebration of the Muslim month of fasting is skillfully brought to life by the warm and joyful illustrations. Read more
Published on April 21, 2011 by AWAIR Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book
I got this book for my 2 year old, it actually came the day before Ramadan this year, just in time to read it to her for bed time! Read more
Published on August 30, 2010 by Michelle Mousa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully Illustrated
This book follows a young boy named Hakeem through the major rituals of Ramadan, including fasting, praying and visits to the mosque. Read more
Published on December 8, 2008 by L. Erickson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book to Share at School.
It's a great book to share in Ramadan at your school. We all read it at home, and we gave it as a gift to our kids' teachers to share in the classroom. Read more
Published on September 23, 2007 by Hassan Arafeh
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible book
We are Christians, but I want my children to grow up knowing about religious diversity and learning about the beliefs of other religions. Read more
Published on June 19, 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thanks!
I am so glad that Ramadan received such as fitting tribute in writing. So many holiday books are boring descriptions of a holiday and forget to be interesting. Read more
Published on December 27, 2001
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book
I purchased this book for my toddler at the beginning of Ramadan this year. We want to start teaching him about Islam. I found myself reading and enjoying it. Read more
Published on January 1, 2001 by "ekariana"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book
This book presents a wonderful introduction to Islam, for Muslims and non-Muslims, through Ramadan, our holiest month of the year. I highly recommend it. My children loved it. Read more
Published on December 9, 1999
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