An interesting collection of short stories, tied together by the theme of Eid. They are American based, so reflect a wide range of cultures, including Ghana, Syrian refugees and American converts. This was really interesting as I had never really thought how Eid is celebrated in America, although it makes the book slightly less useful for me in a UK school, as fewer of my children might relate to some of the stories. However, there was a nice mixture of nostalgic, happy and sad stories, each with a message of celebration. Could well be useful for older children 8+, learning about Eid around the world.

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories about Eid. Some of the stories were funny, some a bit sad, and all hopeful! They were all well-written but showed different lives of Muslims. They showed newly converted Muslims, refugees, second generation immigrants, and more. This is a great collection to introduce an important holiday to millions of people around the world. Obviously you can read any of the stories you want but I would recommend reading them all.

Food, family, friends and faith combine in "Once Upon an Eid", taking the reader on a multicultural trip around the world--and through the seasons--as Muslims celebrate Eid. Whether celebrating the end of Ramadan or the Feast of Sacrifice, there is plenty to look forward to and many different ways to celebrate. Special food--ranging from brownies and donuts to lontong and chicken biryani--as well as gifts, new clothes, parties and lots of love. Written by an amazing cast of Muslim voices, every single story is a delight! A definite must-by for librarians, but especially as an Eid present!

Ok I know very little about Eid apart from the little pieces of information I have picked up from various work colleagues over the year so for me this book was a fascinating read about what Eid means to different people and the different traditions related to the event across the world. This book is a great read to anyone that wants to know more about Eid.

A beautiful collection of stories filled with warmth, love, and joy. It is so important for kids to see themselves in what they read. Loved each and every story, and loved the mini-biographies of all of the authors at the end of the book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for a copy to review!

Lovely short stories of an important holiday for Muslims but absolutely relatable as some traditions (and the family dynamics) are a universal theme.

Simply marvelous! I loved how each story was so distinct even with the similar theme and how there were so very many types of families represented in each story. This is a book that will connect with a lot of kids who need to see more people like them in stories, but it's also a wonderful window book for non-Muslim kids (and grownups!) to learn about Eid and the diverse families that celebrate it.

Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift-giving and holiday parties to come that day.

Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.- Goodreads

I did not convert to Islam until I was in my twenties. However, for years as a teen I identified as a Muslim as my parents were studying and taught my siblings what they learned. With that being said, I want to note that although I have never experienced the Muslim way of life as a teenager, I felt extremely connected to this book as an adult.

These stories are simple yet complicated and have an extreme depth of emotion. They are not only reflective but informative. Each author adds in information about Islam that I was extremely happy to see.

But what stood out to me in the most surprising and wonderful way was to see Black stories. What I mean by this is the first story within this novel is about a Bi-racial girl spending time with the African side of her family (this was written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow). Having this as the first story was powerful and intended as stories about Black Muslims are rarely heard. I appreciated it as well as seeing other Black authors within this book ( Candice Montgomery and Ashley Franklin).

Before writing this review, I sat and thought about what was my favorite story and it was Perfect by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Generous by Asmaa Hussein and Searching for Blue by N.H. Senzai. All the stories within this book were amazing but these three stood out. All the stories connected with a theme of well obviously about EID but about growth, love, and self-discovery. It flowed very well. 

Overall, there is nothing that I didn't love about this book and I am so happy I was able to read it. 

4 Pickles