Customer Reviews

Under the Ramadan Moon

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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.

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 :)

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.

Beautifully illustrated as well.

I am giving this along with Night of the Moon by Hena Khan to my children's school library.