Under the Ramadan Moon [Hardcover]

Sylvia Whitman (Author), Sue Williams (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. This lyrical story serves as an introduction to Ramadan--a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—This delightful picture book describes the monthlong Muslim observance of Ramadan by a modern family. It begins, "We wait for the moon./We watch for the moon./We watch for the Ramadan moon." The images of the waxing, full, and waning moon progress along with the spare, lyrical text. Practices such as fasting, speaking kind words, giving to the poor, decorating with bright lights, and praying all take place, "under the moon, under the Ramadan moon." Williams uses soft, luminous pastels in richly textured, detailed spreads. People have warm, generous smiles, and women in hijaab give tender hugs and talk on a cell phone. Moonlight and firelight add to the congeniality. The repetitive line "under the moon…" also makes this an excellent resource for teachers and librarians for choral reading and discussion.—Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

This simple picture book celebrates the coming of Ramadan and shows a family’s activities taking place “under the moon, under the moon, under the Ramadan moon.” Though the rhythm varies a bit, the title phrase is repeated in slightly varied forms throughout the text. Large, lyrical pictures on double-page spreads illustrate lines such as “We speak kind words / and stop bad habits / under the moon,” or “We give to the poor / and read Qur’an / under the moon,” and “We hang bright lights / and bake sweet treats / under the Ramadan moon.” In a series of satisfying scenes with glowing colors and rounded forms, the artwork, apparently done in pastels, warmly depicts a family’s activities at home and at the mosque. The appended author’s note provides background information about Ramadan’s significance as a serious yet happy time for Muslims. A handsome, family-centered Ramadan picture book for young children. Preschool-Grade 2. --Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807583049
• ISBN-13: 978-0807583043
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,171,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Eastern

More About the Author

It's hard to guess what someone would want to know about me.

I write ... all kinds of things, for kids and adults, but most recently books for kids. (You know that, of course, if you found me via Amazon.) I'm interested in American and Arab history and good stories.

I work ... at Marymount University as a writing specialist, which makes me the campus cheerleader for writing. I talk a lot with faculty and sometimes I teach. I taught a freshman seminar last year on writing about cooking and eating.

I live ... in Arlington, Virginia, with my husband, who's from Tunisia (yay for the Jasmine Revolution!), and our two kids. We used to have a lovely guinea pig named Smore, who is now buried in our yard.

I play ... with my kids, and a little basketball. I miss playing squash. I walk a lot and swim.

I like ... (in no particular order) the ocean, couscous, dogs, flowers from bulbs, photographs.

I have a Web site in progress ... www.sylviawhitman.info

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a beautiful book to introduce and teach young children about Ramadan!, August 6, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under the Ramadan Moon (Hardcover)

It is the ninth month of the year, a very special time for Muslim families. The family is waiting for the beautiful new crescent moon to arrive. During the day it is a time for fasting and reflection. The mother swings with her little girl underneath the apple tree as she smiles and holds her tight. The father sits close with his son on the stairs. Of course little children don't fast, but older ones can "practice with short fasts until they are ready for the full day." At night when the special Ramadan Moon is bright in the sky, it is time to share a meal.

It is a time to "speak kind words and stop bad habits," a time "give to the poor and read Quar'an under the moon." It's a very special family time to not only reflect, but to rejoice and enjoy life. The lanterns are hung from the tree branches, special treats are made and everyone visits their friends. It's a time for laughter, but also a time for prayer. "Together we pray under the moon, under the moon, under the Ramadan moon." Ramadan is a special time for family and faith.

This is a lovely book with short rhythmical phrases that briefly describe what happens during Ramadan. The art work is vibrant and adds just the right touch to this special holiday book. In the back of the book is a short, but very helpful description of Ramadan. The parent, teacher or caretaker reading this will have the groundwork to describe, for example, what fasting is and why the family does this. The main text of the book does not talk about suhoor, but this can be talked about during a discussion period. This would be an excellent book to read and discuss in a homeschool or classroom setting.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book to introduce children to Ramadan, August 9, 2010

By 

S. Basheeruddin (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under the Ramadan Moon (Hardcover)

I've read this to my children (3 and 2) to get them excited about Ramadan which starts in a few days. They loved the rhymes and illustrations. This is one of those books they can ask me to read 10 times a day, and I won't get tired :)

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully simple for the non-Muslim family!, July 31, 2011

By 

Sally "Sally" (New York State) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Under the Ramadan Moon (Paperback)

With all the anti-Muslim hatred in the world, I was looking for a way to introduce Muslim-positive concepts to my toddlers. We're not a religious family. I believe in teaching my children tolerance and curiosity towards all people and faiths. This book was perfect. I love the simple concepts and the repetition. My children enjoy the illustrations of the moon, the swing, the animals... The book does not assume the reader is Muslim or that the reader will be celebrating Ramadan. Some of the illustrations depict women wearing a hijab and some do not. I wanted to introduce my children to different types of religious clothing. This book will be a great springboard for future conversations about religion, respect and difference. This would be a wonderful book for school and childcare libraries as well as storybook collections of families from all different faiths and religious perspectives.