A Party in Ramadan

Asma Mobin-Uddin Illustrated by Laura Jacobsen Hardcover From Booklist With lively pastel-and-pencil artwork, this warm picture book shows and tells the observance and meaning of Ramadan through the viewpoint of a Muslim child. Leena is happy to be invited to her friend’s birthday party, although it turns out that the event is on a day during Ramadan when Leena plans to fast with her family. She attends the party and has lots of fun, even though she does not eat or drink. It’s hard for her when everyone else eats chocolate cake, and a close-up picture shows her stress and exhaustion as she maintains her fast. Her loving dad offers support and tells her, “It’s not easy sometimes.” Finally the time comes to break her fast, and as she says the traditional Arabic prayers, she realizes what the day has taught her. The blend of the upbeat and challenging moments will spark discussion, and a final note fills in more about the holy month. Grades 1-3. --Hazel Rochman