Ramadan

Abbas, Marzieh. Radiant Ramadan: For Toddlers Celebrating Islam. illus. by Anoosha Syed. little bee. (Our Neighborhood). ISBN 9781499816273.
Baby-PreS–Abbas introduces very young readers to the traditions of Ramadan in this engaging board book. A simple rhyming text and only a few words on each page show aspects of the holiday, which parents or educators can explain in further detail. Syed’s illustrations are interesting and uncluttered, just right for young audiences. This book is part of the “Our Neighborhood” series that highlights different cultural celebrations from around the world; other series entries about Islam include Excited for Eid and Friday Fun. VERDICT A good choice to introduce babies and toddlers to the celebration of Ramadan.-Mari Pongkhamsing

Algarmi, Wahab. Almost Sunset. HarperAlley. ISBN 9780063355675.
Gr 5-8–Seventh grader Hassan is fasting for the month of Ramadan, which means no burgers at lunchtime, accidentally dozing in math class, and leaving soccer practice early to nap. Despite the challenges of balancing his faith with school and extracurricular obligations, Hassan is dedicated to fasting throughout the month. To make things even more stressful, Hassan’s friends are not Muslim, so he feels increasingly isolated as the days progress. With his grades slipping and his soccer position in jeopardy, will he be able to make it to Eid? Algarmi pens a moving middle grade tale of adolescent Muslim identity that will find purchase with any tween, especially those overwhelmed with the demands of school, family, and activities. The illustrative focus is emotion and action, thus characterization takes precedence over elaborate dress and detailed backgrounds. VERDICT A necessary mirror for middle grade Muslim readers, and a tremendous window into the customs of Ramadan for peers and educators to learn more about Islamic traditions.-Sarah Simpson

First Festivals: Ramadan: A Lift-the-Flap Book. Running Pr. ISBN 9798894140360.
Toddler-PreS–Ramadan is a monthlong celebration. This board book goes over the traditions of the holiday in age-relevant detail, explaining the importance of good deeds, fasting, traditional foods, and prayer. It does a great job demonstrating the diversity of the celebrants, with colorful illustrations depicting a wide range of ages and races, as well as girls with and without hijabs. The lift-the-flap elements reveal traditions and symbols, including the new crescent moon that marks the start and end of Ramadan. While the format is perfect for babies and toddlers, the simple and informative content could expand the appeal to children in kindergarten. VERDICT A wonderful early introduction to this holiday; a must-purchase for all libraries.-Shana Shea

Odeh, Maysa. Upside-Down Iftar. illus. by Nadine Issa. 32p. Holt. Jan. 2026. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250365552.
Gr 1-3–A glimpse into a family’s Ramadan celebration that is centered around the preparation of a beloved dish: makloubeh. Malak, a young girl with tan skin and brown hair, and her teta, or grandmother, bond in the kitchen while navigating new changes—namely, Teta’s need to refrain from fasting due to her medication. As Teta teaches Malak how to make makloubeh, each family member brings their own favorite ingredient to the mix, from eggplant to potatoes to carrots and cauliflower. What begins as a traditional family recipe becomes a reflection of love and compromise. Odeh’s (A Map for Falasteen) warm style of writing captures the essence of intergenerational relationships, cultural tradition, and the spirit of togetherness that defines Ramadan. The addition of a kid-friendly recipe at the end makes it a great choice for families who want to connect through food and storytelling. While the book does include a few phrases in Arabic without translation or glossary, context clues provide enough for most readers to grasp the emotional tone and meaning. These moments also offer natural opportunities for discussion or exploration. Digital illustrations, using many vibrant details when it is necessary and more subtle imagery where needed, also add depth. This illustration style enhances the cultural richness of the story, accurately depicting details such as clothing and decor. VERDICT A strong addition to school and public library collections, this is ideal for young readers, especially those interested in learning about family traditions, Ramadan, or the joy of preparing special meals together.–Jessica Clark

Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah. Ramadan Rain. illus. by Aliaa Betawi. 40p. Random House Studio. Mar. 2026. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593705445.
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. VERDICT A recommended purchase, especially to add Islamic titles to picture book shelves.–Cassie Veselovsky

Eid

Dutka, Nada Shawish. Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story. illus. by Zelma Firdauzia. Abrams. ISBN 9781419773327.
K-Gr 3–A heartfelt picture book that uses the celebration of Eid al-Fitr as a catalyst for a touching story about Reem, who is facing a major life change: moving away from her city home, family, and friends. As Eid approaches, Reem struggles with leaving behind the people and traditions she’s always known, including the community’s love for her mother’s famous Eid cookies. The story beautifully captures her feelings of sadness and frustration—especially when the cookie recipe causes a snag. They are missing walnuts and now live too far away from stores to just run and purchase some. Through her mother’s gentle care, wisdom, and encouragement, Reem learns to find hope in her new surroundings and discovers the strength to look forward to what’s ahead and embrace change. Dutka’s storytelling blends emotional depth with the warmth of family traditions, making it both relatable and uplifting. Firdauzia’s illustrations bring the story to life with vibrant full-page spreads. The use of rich golds, calming blues, and harmonious greens adds warmth and depth to the narrative, perfectly complementing Reem’s emotional journey. VERDICT While not an essential purchase, this book is a valuable addition to Eid collections or for families experiencing big life changes.-Cassie Veselovsky 

Khan, Hiba Noor. A Golden Eid. illus. by Singgih Cahyo Jadmiko. 32p. (Festivals of the World). Candlewick. Jan. 2026. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536251562.
PreS-Gr 1–Hafsa, a young girl with dark hair and light brown skin, gazes at the sliver of crescent moon hanging in the night sky; it’s almost Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. After a month of prayer and fasting, Hafsa is eager to enjoy the delicious dishes Mama and Abu are preparing for the family’s Eid feast; especially her favorite, halwa. Soon, the table is laden with irresistible, aromatic food, but Abu begins to pack up the spread, “Get your shoes on, Hafsa. We’re taking some to our neighbors and friends.” Hafsa is disheartened that the feast is slowly diminishing, distributed across the neighborhood, but their final visit to a lonely woman helps her understand the true essence of Eid. In this character-driven story, Khan (Safiyyah’s War) invites readers in as guests for the family’s observation of Eid, while weaving in an opportunity for social-emotional learning. Digitally rendered illustrations by Jadmiko are richly colored, depicting the cozy details of everyday life, and warmly enticing readers into feeling at home with Hafsa’s family. This is Jadmiko’s first picture book. Back matter offers a recipe for halwa and instructions for crafting Eid bunting. VERDICT An exceptional, heartfelt Eid story that gently impresses upon readers that community is about both giving and receiving.–Emily Brush

Shah, Sabrina. Music of the Mountains. illus. by Manal Mirza. Barefoot. ISBN 9798888593660. 
Gr 2-4–A beautiful story focusing on the fear of failing in public. Roohi, a young girl in Pakistan, is learning to play the rabab, a folk instrument resembling a lute, from her grandfather. When he becomes ill and cannot continue their lessons, she must find the courage within herself and “the courage of those who came before” to play in public for an Eid celebration. Both the author and illustrator are of Pakistani heritage, lending authenticity to the story and beautiful digital art. With principal colors red and pink juxtaposed with greens and blues, the intricate details surrounding the characters and scenery will remind readers of embroidery. Readers will cheer with Roohi when she finds her music. Back matter regarding vocabulary, geography, and culture is informative and fun. VERDICT A narrative steeped in tradition and family with a modern plot, this book will be a welcome addition to picture book collections.-Jessica Durham