Ramadan [Paperback]

Suhaib Hamid Ghazi (Author), Omar Rayyan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The meaning of this Islamic holiday and how it is celebrated.

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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 29 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st USA edition edition (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082341275X
• ISBN-13: 978-0823412754
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,554,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, but not what I was looking for, November 12, 2002

By 

Jennifer M. Kovacs "evaonline" (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ramadan (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible book, June 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Ramadan (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST book for all ages on Ramadan, January 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ramadan (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!