Ramadan Moon; Na'ima B. Robert, illustrated by Shirin Adl

‘Ramadan doesn’t begin all at once. It begins with a whisper and a prayer and a wish.’ As the new moon arrives in the sky it brings excitement for millions of Muslims around the world as they start the Ramadan celebrations. Over the course of a month, Muslims will fast, pray and spend time at home before the wonderful Eid celebrations at the sighting of the second new moon…

The buzz and excitement of the celebration of Ramadan is brilliantly captured in this simple yet informative book. Beautifully written and wonderfully illustrated, it is an accessible and engaging way of introducing a festival that is celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world. This is a book to be enjoyed by those children who celebrate Ramadan and to help non-Muslim children understand why Ramadan is such a special time.

Told through the eyes of a young Muslim girl, everyone is welcomed into the celebrations. Whilst nothing is delved into in any great detail all of the key aspects of Ramadan are touched upon; the anticipation of the moon, praying, visiting the mosque, fasting, eating meals after sunset, good deeds and charitable donations during the daytime, culminating with the Night of Power and Eid day festivities.

The celebration of Ramadan and Eid might be unique to Muslims but all children will be able to relate to the sense of community, family and togetherness, the joy that is felt when a special festival arrives and the sadness that is left when the celebrations end and knowing that you have to wait a whole year to do it all again.

One of the best books I have read for children in key stage one about Ramadan. A must for the classroom bookshelf!

Recommended for 5+.