For Muslims, the month-long observance of Ramadan is a time of fasting, increased prayer, Qur'an recitation, and community gatherings. Children from other faiths may wonder what this experience is like for Muslim children, and Muslim children may have questions about how they fit into Ramadan's traditions. Aya Khalil's book brings Ramadan to everyone in two ways: By allowing even non-Muslims to enter into a family's experience of Ramadan while also helping young Muslims see themselves as completely included in Ramadan's joys and challenges.
Brought alive by Rashin Kheiriyeh's animated mixed-media art, Khalil's story centers around the family of Habeeba, a young girl who plans for the first time this Ramadan to fast every day and to stay up for taraweeh (special voluntary night prayers). Fasting is only during daylight hours, so we get to be in her household before dawn to see a festive table laid out with watermelon, pomegranates, and homemade muffins.
We go with her to the library rather than the cafeteria during school lunchtime, where the librarian tells her "You're the youngest student I've seen here today!" and gives her gold comet stickers for encouragement. And that is the first of many images that show us how Habeeba is not obligated to participate in Ramadan traditions, but is most welcome and encouraged as she participates to the extent that she wishes.
This becomes important later, when she gets discouraged about falling asleep during night prayers and has to work out how strict to be with herself. Her older sister tells her she's doing great and reminds her that Ramadan is also about special acts of service, which they brainstorm about and then perform together. In this way, they share Ramadan with everyone.
Rounding out this colorful and lively story for six-to-eight year olds are an abundance of extra resources. Khalil gives explanations of Ramadan, Taqwa (fasting), and the significance of moon and star imagery. She devotes two pages to projects: one for making a time display that tells when sunset is each day, marking the end of that day's fast, and another for making a treasure bag of things to do stay quietly occupied during night prayers. She also provides a glossary of Arabic words used in the story, a list of selected sources, and a practice for being mindful during Ramadan.
Aya Khalil (she/her), M.Ed, is an award-winning author, librarian and freelance journalist. She holds a master’s degree in Education with a focus in teaching English as a second Language. Khalil and her books have been featured in Oprah Daily, Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Yahoo!, Book Riot and USA Today. Her picture books and board books have won numerous awards and honors including The Arab American Book Award and NCTE’s Charlotte Huck Award. She was a Muslim Highlights Foundation Storyteller and one of the co-founders of Kidlit in Color.
