The White Nights of Ramadan
Posted on Oct 26, 2008 under Better World |
The White Nights of Ramadan
Maha Addasi
Illustr. Ned Gannon
Ages 4-8
Hardcover, 32 pages
11 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
Boyds Mills Press
ISBN: 978-1590785232
$16.95
Buy the book
“Look out the window!” Noor said. “The moon is almost full. The middle of Ramadan will soon be here.”
“And Girgian!” said Sam.
“Yes, and Girgian,” said Noor.
In this lovely book, the passage above displays the effortless immediacy of Maha Addasi’s characterization of older and younger siblings using simple dialogue. Older sister Noor is excited about the upcoming festival marked by the full moon (called Girgian in Kuwait) which occurs in the middle of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. But when younger brother Sam’s answer “Yes, and Girgian!” gives away that he’s getting keyed up about collecting candy, Noor answers him in a calmer, measured tone. It is a short passage that does its important work quickly and elegantly.
The Girgian festival involves children in traditional dress going from door to door with decorated bags slung over their shoulders to collect candies, as well as spending time with family and giving to the poor. Grownups will appreciate the opportunity to illuminate Muslim faith and culture for children familiar with the costume-donning and candy-seeking of Halloween.
Some explanation will be necessary for children unfamiliar with Ramadan. For example, some children may wonder why Noor “knew she had to keep busy until sunset” and why, knowing this, she chooses to read the Koran and pray as she kneels upon a rug. Arabic words pepper the text as well, giving teachers, parents, and librarians an opportunity to point up the usefulness of a glossary (Unfortunately, the glossary is printed on a dark background which makes it extremely difficult to read, but the definitions, if read aloud, are well-written and likely to spark a wide variety of useful discussions).
I enjoyed this book not only for its educational value to those seeking to help children understand Ramadan, but especially for its emphasis on the holiday’s emphasis on charitable giving to those less fortunate. Over the years I’ve noticed a surprising dearth of stories encouraging children in the virtue and joy of giving. This one is magnificently painted with intimate evening scenes of a Muslim household and neighborhood which contain themes common to many children: playing with siblings, cooking and sharing a meal, visiting neighbors, and going to church or temple.
The paintings by Ned Gannon ( The Man and the Vine, Evan Early ) appear touched with moonlight. Their mostly warm, earthy palette calls out the connection between the family’s brightly colored and white clothing and the brilliant full moon of Ramadan. With its many double spreads, this big, beautiful book is perfect for reading to children in a group setting.
Night of the Moon
Hena Khan
Illustr. Julie Paschkis
Ages 4-8
Hardcover, 32 pages
11 x 8.1 x 0.2 inches
Chronicle Books
ISBN: 978-0811860628
$16.99
This beautiful and educational book, Night of the Moon, depicts the Muslim holy month of Ramadan from the viewpoint of Yasmeen and Bilal, two Islamic children growing up in the U.S.
Night of the Moon poetically introduces children to the phases of the moon as well as to the way in which this holiday is celebrated by many Islamic Americans. The mother in this story, though clearly a devout observant Muslim, doesn’t wear the traditional hijab, or head covering. (In White Nights, Noor’s mother and grandmother wear head coverings on Girgian night, though at family meals only the grandmother’s head is covered).
The book celebrates the delicious foods the family enjoys when the fast is broken, and the happy feeling of community when families gather in the mosque and in the local community center. The story culminates with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which falls on the day after Ramadan ends. This book would make a lovely focal point for a group lesson in the foods and culture of Islamic countries.
Facing the last page of the story, where we read Yasmeen’s touching whisper of “Subhanallah” (”Glory to God”) beneath a big silver crescent moon, readers find on the facing page author’s notes that include a well-written background lesson on the importance of the moon to Muslims, who honor a lunar calendar, as well as information about the meaning of Ramadan. The glossary on this page further elucidates details appearing in the story, such as henna and Eidee.
In contrast to the realistic paintings of White Nights of Ramadan, this is a more stylized picture book. The paintings are inspired by Islamic tile art, rendered in bright jewel colors by the accomplished Julie Paschkis (illustrator of, among other works for children, Yellow Elephant and Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal).
Under the Ramadan Moon
Sylvia Whitman
Illustr. Sue Williams
Ages 4-8
Hardcover, 24 pages
10.1 x 8 x 0.5 inches
Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 978-0807583043
$15.99
We wait for the moon. We watch for the moon. We watch for the Ramadan moon.
We give to the poor, and read Qur’an, under the moon.
We live our faith, until next year under the moon, under the moon, under the Ramadan moon.
A third viewpoint on Ramadan is presented in the simple poem that graces this colorful picture book. We follow an American Muslim family through the devotional prayers, activities, foods, and deep meaning of this most important of Muslim holidays. Firelight, lamplight, lantern light, and plenty of moonlight evoke the spiritual depth of this tradition which binds families and the greater Muslim community through fasting and prayer, giving and gratitude.
Silvia Whitman’s one-page essay on Ramadan at the back of this book is clearly and personally written in modern language that children and adults of all faiths will find easy to read and understand.
Charming, magical illustrations by Sue Williams depict the innocence, devotion, love, and generosity of an American family’s observance of Ramadan.
Adults and children alike love learning about different faiths and traditions.
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