Ramadan Readathon: Books We Recommend As Eid Gifts for Children

In a few days the holy month of Ramadan will end for Muslims. During Ramadan Muslims fast for 30 days. This means they do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset. Instead, time is spent praying, meditating, reading the Quran, and engaging in spiritual activities. Ramadan ends with a celebration called Eid. Muslims celebrate by attending special prayers, visiting family and friends, eating feasts, and exchanging gifts (if they choose to).

The inspiration behind this post is my 16 month old niece. Being the booknerd I am, I knew I wanted to start building her library as soon as possible. I also knew I wanted the first books in her library to connect to her Islamic faith and background, as well as represent Muslim writers. I set out to research children's books written by Muslim authors and found some wonderful options. When I learned of the Ramadan Readathon happening this year, I knew I wanted to share this list with anyone interested in diverse children's literature.

If you're interested in book recommendations for adults, check out Nadia's post HERE. Additionally, Zoya has compiled a list of book recommendations for young adults HERE.

Books We Recommend as Eid Gifts for Children

1. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan

"Magnificently capturing the colorful world of Islam for the youngest readers, this breathtaking and informative picture book celebrates Islam's beauty and traditions. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, everyday colors are given special meaning as young readers learn about clothing, food, and other important elements of Islamic culture, with a young Muslim girl as a guide."   

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon} 

2. The Perfect Gift by J. Samia Mair

"Sarah is sad because she cannot find an Eid gift for her mother, so she takes a walk along the secret path in the woods that always makes her feel better. There she finds the first flower of spring—God's perfect gift to the world. Leaving her gift in its place to share with her entire family, Sarah grows in her understanding and appreciation of nature and what it means to live in submission to God."   {GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

3.  5 Pillars of Islam by Anwar Cara

"Written in simple, rhyming language and accompanied with bold, colorful illustrations, this book is perfect to introduce young children to the most important acts in Islam: the Five Pillars. Each spread features one of the Five Pillars: believing in Allah and His Messenger, praying, fasting, giving charity, and performing Hajj." 

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

4. It's Ramadan, Curious George by Hena Khan

"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."    

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

5. An Eid for Everyone by Hina Islam

"Eid is a holiday celebrated all over the world. It is a festival that brings together people through prayer, charity, and family reunions. So let's enjoy this holiday together with some special friends taking part in different traditions of this celebration."
{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

6. Amira's Totally Chocolate World by J. Samia Mair

"Amira loves chocolate so much that every night before she goes to sleep, she asks God to make everything chocolate. On Eid-ul-Fitr, she wakes up to find a totally chocolate world! At first she loves her new world, but when she discovers that she misses all the beautiful colors in nature, she realizes that God, the Creator, knows best."

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

7. Night of the Moon by Hena Khan

"Yasmeen, a seven year old Pakistani-American girl, celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, "The Night of the Moon" (Chaand Raat), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a window into modern Muslim culture-- and into the ancient roots from within its traditions have grown."

{GoodReads} {Book Depository} {Amazon}

Thank you to Nadia and Zoya for organizing the #RamadanReadathon and including me in this special post!!

Posted by: Amna (@perusingya)