Our Favorite Ramadan Children’s Books
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Ramadan is this week! We are becoming so excited. During this time of year, we pull our Ramadan books out of our shelves and read them together daily as a family. We have so many favorites! Our list keeps growing and growing each year. I’m excited to share some of our favorite Ramadan books with you.
- I purchased many of these from https://crescentmoonstore.com/ in addition to Amazon.
Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story by Shirin Shamsi
“Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that Ramadan will bring her a longed-for sister. When her bear subsequently goes missing, Zahra finds herself grappling with intense feelings of loss. Over the next few weeks, as she volunteers with her mother at a local shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra befriends a displaced child, resulting in a newfound sense of gratitude and an unexpected Ramadan blessing.”
Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi
“It’s Ramadan, the month of peace, and Moon watches over Ramadan traditions with excitement and longing in this sweetly illustrated debut.In Egypt, India, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, in Somalia, New Zealand and Indonesia, in Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, children and their families do good deeds in honor of those who have less.”
The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard
“Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma tells her that fasting helps make a person sparkly―and Sophia loves sparkles. But when her attempt at fasting fails, Sophia must find another way to participate. This lovely multigenerational family story explores the many ways to participate in the Ramadan holiday.”
Ramadan Moon by Nai’ma B. Robert
“This lyrical and inspiring picture book captures the wonder and joy of this great annual event, from the perspective of a child. Accompanied by Iranian inspired illustrations, the story follows the waxing of the moon from the first new crescent to full moon and waning until Eid is heralded by the first sighting of the second new moon. Written and illustrated by Muslims, this is a book for all children who celebrate Ramadan and those in the wider communities who want to understand why this is such a special experience for Muslims.“
It’s Ramadan, Curious George
“It’s the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal. Then, George helps make gift baskets to donate to the needy, and watches for the crescent moon with the man in the yellow hat. Finally, George joins in the Eid festivities to mark the end of his very first Ramadan.”
Amira’s Picture Day by Reem Faruqi
“Just the thought of Eid makes Amira warm and tingly inside. From wearing new clothes to handing out goody bags at the mosque, Amira can’t wait for the festivities to begin. But when a flier on the fridge catches her eye, Amira’s stomach goes cold. Not only is it Eid, it’s also school picture day. If she’s not in her class picture, how will her classmates remember her? Won’t her teacher wonder where she is?”
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
“Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom.”
Hannah and the Ramadan Gift by Qasim Rashid
“It’s the first day of Ramadan and Hannah wants to be a part of this important month every way she can. But if she’s too young to fast, how can she observe Ramadan? By saving the world, Dada Jaan tells her. And so Hannah learns that by helping her friends and neighbors and by showing kindness and generosity, she can make the world a better place.”
Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman
“Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. The lyrical story, with luminous illustrations, serves as an introduction to Ramadan―a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends. A detailed note about Ramadan is included.”
Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift by Siman Nuurali
“It’s Ramadan! In the spirit of the season, Sadiq and his friends want to give back to their community. The friends band together to raise money to build a new school for children in Somalia. They decide to put on a community iftar as a fund-raiser, but not everyone agrees where their efforts should be spent. Can they find a way to work together?”
Ramadan Around The World by Ndaa Hassan
” Join the Ramadan Moon as it travels the world to visit children and their families observing Ramadan. Ramadan Around The World showcases how various cultures celebrate the Islamic holiday. The purpose of this book is to illustrate the diversity of the global Muslim community. Children of various nationalities and abilities are represented throughout the book. Families of diverse sizes and demographics have also been equally represented. This book is an adventurous read for children and useful as an educational tool for educators.”
** All descriptions of these books are from Amazon
