RAMADAN FOR EVERYONE

Eager to fast all day and pray late at night, a young girl learns lessons in mindfulness during Ramadan.

On the first day of the Muslim month of prayer and reflection, Habeeba beams at the festive decorations and platters of delicious food around her house. Aspiring to be just like her big sister, Sumaya, she declares, “This year, I am fasting every day and staying up for taraweeh” (night prayers). But as the month goes on, Habeeba becomes discouraged. Although she fasts most of each day, she stops early, with a rumbly tummy tempted by foods like Baba’s cheesy, syrupy kunafa. Habeeba tries to stay awake for taraweeh, but she drifts off to sleep at the soothing sounds of the mosque. Are there other ways Habeeba can celebrate Ramadan? Khalil shares a heartwarming tale of family as Habeeba learns about the importance of practicing mindfulness and giving back to the community. Kheiriyeh captures the spirit of Ramadan with her brightly hued mixed-media depictions of Habeeba’s home, bustling with preparations of the meals that start and end the fasting day as well as the spirituality of the nightly prayer rituals in the mosque. Ample backmatter offers more information about this important pillar of Islam, as well as instructions for creating Ramadan-themed crafts. Habeeba and her family are brown-skinned; clues in the text suggest that they are of Egyptian heritage.

A sweet, warm tale of spiritual growth, patience, and perseverance.