REVIEW: RAMADAN MUBARAK

Ramadan is a month-long observance when Muslims fast, attend prayer sessions, spend time with their family, and give to those in need. This picture book, about a girl who wishes for a sister, takes place during Ramadan: 

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TITLE: ZAHRA’S BLESSING: A RAMADAN STORY

AUTHOR: Shirin Shamsi

ILLUSTRATOR: Manal Mirza

PUBLISHER: Barefoot Books/2022

OPENING LINES: 
 
The silver moon hung like a sideways smile.
 
“It’s the Ramadan moon, Teddy,” Zahra whispered. “Mama says blessings are all around us during this month. Maybe Ramadan will bring a sister for me. And we’ll make crescent cookies together.”
 
A prayer rose from Zahra’s heart like a sigh and floated up into the starry sky.

During this year’s Ramadan season, Zahra prays she will be blessed with a sister. Then, when her beloved teddy bear goes missing, she adds finding Teddy to her prayers. But when she befriends a young girl at a shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra finds herself more grateful than ever for her blessings. This book combines several evergreen topics (child wishing for a sibling, loss of a loved toy, family traditions) with a holiday (Ramadan), universal themes (gratitude, blessings, helping those less fortunate), and does so with lyrical language, colorful illustrations, informative backmatter, and heart. Lots of heart. Bravo to Shamsi and Mirza for creating a beautiful book centered on a Muslim family and holiday that all children will enjoy.
 
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