Thank you to the Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's digital copy (ARC) of "Ramadan and Eid-Al-Fitr" by Sara Khan. This book is an excellent introduction to Ramadan and Eid as we learn how it is celebrated and practiced by Islamic family, friends, and community members. 

The book is a visual treat, with beautifully illustrated pages that are sure to captivate readers of all ages. The engaging activities listed further enhance the reading experience.  Kudos to the author and illustrator for their excellent work!

I previewed this picture book as a possible addition to a preschool library. The illustrations are colorful and joyous. About halfway through the book there are pages discussing the significance and activities of Ramadan and some simple related cooking and craft activities. It seems the book would be a good introduction for preschool and early elementary children.

Thank you so much to Quarto Words and Pictures for sending me a copy of this lovely (and gorgeously illustrated!) little book!

I’ve read so many ‘Islamic’ picture books that somehow manage to lose all actual religiosity, and I’m so happy to say that this one doesn’t fall into that trap at all!

I LOVE that we get to see Raya and her parents doing fun (but generic) holiday traditions like baking iftar cookies and making Ramadan cards, and *also* attending tarawih prayers and reading more Quran. AND, the book is explicit about the fact that the purpose of Ramadan is to get closer to Allah, a message which is so sadly lacking from most children’s books.

The back of the book also has activities like a quiz and recipes, as well as more detailed information about what Ramadan is all about - this would be such a great resource for adults to share with the kids in your life, both Muslim and non.

A beautifully illustrated picture book teaching kids about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Picture books just keep getting beautiful.

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by Sara Khan tell a story of how a family spends their time during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. This book is perfect as an introduction to children about fasting and the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

There is just one thing that I disagree with about this book. There is a scene where Raya doesn't wake up for suhoor time. Even though it's allowed for children to skip suhoor—because fasting is not obligatory for them yet—I think it would be a good example if Raya joined her parents for suhoor. Nonetheless, it is a great read for children.

The images are so cute but the document did not show me words for some reason- I tried on multiple technology but it stayed empty

The author takes us through the up to 30 days of Ramadan (because Muslims use a lunar calendar) and what are typical practices during the month leading up to Eid al-Fitr. This provides a good introduction to the customs and practices during Ramadan.

good intro for kids but weirdly formatted! all the information about ramadan was at the end of the book and there was no story to precede it.

This is a great book to introduce to anyone unfamiliar with the holiday of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. It explains everything in kid-friendly language, also noting the differences that may take place between adults and children. The pictures are beautiful and help enhance the information we learn. I love that the back of the book has different activities kids can complete.

This is a great introduction to Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Simple explanations, gorgeous pictures, and likeable people.
I would recommend this for anyone wanting an introduction, I feel the pictures worked well with the text so I am much more informed than I was before.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

This 48 page Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr book in the Celebrations and Festivals series is informational based told through little Raya explaining her Ramadan and Eid days in a fictionalized story format. The information is not new, nor is the framing, and it has my pet peeve (near) opening line of "Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar," but aside from that, the book does a good job of showing the joy, the activities, the faith, and the importance without self-othering, unrealistic cluelessness, or watering down. For whatever predictability the story has, the back matter is excellent. The additional information about Islam, the crafts, and even the quiz make this book a standout in a crowded category. The book does not talk down to readers and thus works for Muslim and non Muslims alike. It also is unapologetic and informative making it a good book to share with non Muslim classrooms wanting to learn about Ramadan without crossing into "preaching." The illustrations are warm and joyful bringing the the lengthy book to life.

The story starts with Raya introducing Ramadan and then herself to the reader. She then details her Ramadan day. From sighting the moon to doing the good deed suggestions on the countdown calendar. It explains Allah swt and that adults are required to fast but kids are not. Raya spends time exploring how hard it is to skip snacks, but remains hopeful that when she is ready to fast she will be able. Her father also reminds her about other aspects of Ramadan and being on your best behavior as Raya helps set the table, donates to charity, and reads Quran. Throughout it all, informative details about Muslims are threaded through. Focusing on Raya herself also breaks some stereotypes as she discusses the joy found in a wide variety of foods from many cultures, Eid prep, looking for the moon, having henna put on, and heading out for Eid prayers and festivities. There are numerous details universal to all Muslims presented, as well as unique highlights specifics to Raya's family such as showing the family bowling and reflecting on mini golf last year, activities that even her grandparents can participate in.

The robust back matter starts with Fun Facts about Islam, stats about Muslims, details about the five pillars, etc.. The next two page spread is about the lunar calendar and has a pullout bubble explaining the use of the phrase "peace be upon him." Then there are directions for a pop up Ramadan card, Then information about the month of Mercy, Laylat al-Qadr, paradise, a recipe for Ramadan Cookies, info about Masjids, and finally a quiz, with answers.

I like that the book balances showing joy through Raya's personal experience, with facts about Ramadan, Eid, and Islam. I also like that Raya knows all this, my hatred of the formulaic child waking up and wondering why her family is up so early eating breakfast or a child wanting to fast and the family not supporting them is not widely realistic, and I appreciate that this book feels very reflective of what our kids feel, experience, and know about the blessed month. I also like that it features food, but does not dwell on it, and yes there are presents for Eid, but again it doesn't make it the central factor in the joy she is feeling of being with her family.

I look forward to purchasing this book, sharing it at story times, and recommending it to others.

I think this is the perfect book with Ramadan and Eid! It had beautiful illustrations on each page, and the craft and recipe at the end were enjoyable. I loved the explanations for everything at the end.

Unfortunately, the first half of the galley I received was missing text, so I missed out on a lot of the story, but I am looking forward to reading a completed text when the book comes out, and the part that I was able to read was an easy 5 stars!

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (Celebrations & Festivals)
by Sara Khan
The clearest description I have read about the Islamic traditions of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr.
The use of traditional family celebrations explained by a child help other children to understand the practices and responsibilities of the followers of the faith. Using the given Arabic terms for the five pillars of Islam was a nice piece.
The pictures were bright and intriguing and could be used not only to explain this other wise mysterious time, but also allowing partitioners to show not only their faith, but their various traditions.

This was a cute and informative picture book with fun activities at the end!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 stars

This is a children’s book that explains and celebrates Ramadan and different cultures.

This book is multi lingual. I’m not sure if it was just my copy but only a few pages have written words on, potentially an editing error for the ebook.

The illustrations are beautiful and the colour pallete is gorgeous

Every year, we have an RE unit on festivals and celebrations and I can already see how I can include this charming book as part of this. The information is clear and I love the narrative being told from the perspective of a young girl experiencing Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The additional information at the back for those who want to delve a bit deeper is also really useful.
I'm looking forward to sharing this with my class.

This is a charming book with beautiful illustrations that I imagine a child staring at again and again due to all the colors, action, and detail in them. That being said, the text in my copy only appears on pages 28, 33-48 with text on several pages garbled. Redownloading didn't fix the issue. I always read children's books in the NetGalley app because there are often issues if viewing another way.

Really lovely little book, a simple read for kids with some extra facts and details at the back

I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

What a joy this book is.

It is so rare to find such a beautifully illustrated book which is easy to children to follow and comprehend whilst giving all of the key facts. Such a lovely representation of Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr, using Raya and her family to explain the process.

Bonus activities at the end are the icing on the cake.

Can't wait for this to be released so that we can get it into the classroom and library. Suitable for EYFS and KS1 children age 3-6.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for sending us this eBook to review. All opinions are our own.

This is a cute book with illustrations about Ramadan, which is quickly approaching. Aside from that, we now have a better understanding of the traditions and beliefs that exist during fasting and before Eid. As a Muslim, I was overjoyed to discover this book on Netgalley and hopes that it will be read by more young readers