NIGHT OF THE MOON

Yasmeen’s mother points out the little sliver of the crescent moon to remind her of the new month that means Ramadan, the holiest month of the Muslim year. As Yasmeen moves through the month and the moon waxes and wanes, she learns the lessons of the celebration. Khan deftly weaves information about the culinary and cultural traditions of Ramadan and Eid with the little girl’s love of her family and growing understanding of her role in the outside world. The gentle and reflective text reflects the simple arc of the month; it’s Paschkis’s stunning gouache paintings that make this book so memorable. Deep, saturated blues and greens remind readers that Ramadan is a celebration that takes place after sunset. When the Night of the Moon celebration occurs indoors at the community center, the reds and oranges burst with happiness. Specialized vocabulary is signaled in the text with an Arabic-flavored display type that leads readers to the terms’ definitions in the back and complements the framed panels bordered with Eastern motifs. Warm, lovely, homey. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)