­Ramadan Rain

PreS-Gr 2–In this tender and quietly powerful picture book, Haneen and her mother journey through the rain to their masjid one night during Ramadan. Haneen longs for new shoes and bright Eid clothes—things her family can no longer afford—but her mother reminds her that prayers (duas) made in the rain, especially during Ramadan, are especially blessed. Though never explicitly stated, readers glean that Haneen’s family has faced recent changes. As she helps prepare for Eid, Haneen reflects on her circumstances, listens to her friends’ hopes, and begins to understand what she truly desires. Thompkins-Bigelow (Your Name Is a Song; Mommy’s Khimar) brings her signature warmth and emotional depth to this story of spiritual reflection and quiet resilience. Lyrical, introspective text gently introduces readers to the richness of ­Ramadan and the emotional complexity of longing, gratitude, and faith. Betawi (A Map for Falasteen) illustrates with soft, expressive compositions that evoke warmth, humility, and sacred intimacy. Each spread includes thoughtful details—Arabic words woven into the design, varied modes of prayer like beads and books, and an elderly woman with tears—that enrich the visual storytelling. This is not a flashy holiday book but a deeply human one. It centers a Black Muslim family with authenticity and grace, offering a rare and needed mirror for some readers and a window for others. A moving, beautifully crafted addition to Ramadan and Eid collections that is ideal for storytimes, classroom or family discussions, and any setting where empathy and emotional literacy are nurtured.