Noura can’t wait for the sun to go down! With Ramadan and her first month of fasting almost over, she and Mama and Papa are headed to the hills for a moonsighting picnic. It would be truly special if Noura could catch a glimpse of the faint silvery crescent, something even her mother has never managed to do. If the moon stays hidden, that means one more long day before Noura can wear her sparkly new dress and the joyful Eid celebrations begin—bringing with them visits with friends, eating sweets, and painting henna on her hands. In a lighthearted introduction to Ramadan and Eid, this family-centered tale of anticipation under the stars pairs an inviting text from Zainab Khan with Nabila Adani’s vibrant illustrations, capturing everything from the bustle of a shared meal to the swirling magic of the night sky. Relevant terms, from food items to the Islamic lunar calendar, are explained in a glossary at the end.
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- Noura's Crescent Moon
Noura's Crescent Moon
Author(s)
Publisher
Age Range
4+
Release Date
April 16, 2024
ISBN
978-1536224740
Buy This Book
Venturing out after dusk with her family, a child is eager to watch for the new moon that signals the start of Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in this charming picture-book debut.
Editor reviews
2 reviews
Celebrating Ramadan
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
5.0
Noura’s Crescent Moon follows Noura and her family through a special celebration during Ramadan. Noura has just participated in her first fast and is excited about all the cultural traditions her faith observes to welcome the new moon. This book highlights the positive experience Muslims have participating in an important holiday in their faith. The back matter explains the references from the book in better detail for readers not of the faith. The illustrations used bright yellows, oranges, blues, and purples to set the festive mood and expectant watching for the new moon. Overall, this book highlights an important tradition of Muslims positively.
Celebrate to the moon and back
Overall rating
4.0
Plot
4.0
Characters
4.0
Writing Style
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
4.0
Noura has just spent her first Ramadan fasting, and is very exciting to celebrate Eid. Will she be able to see the moon? Her parents are making preparations in case the celebrations can begin; frying pakoras for the evening's iftar, and preparing noodles in milk for the Eid breakfast. Noura's mother has even made her a special dress for the celebration. They set out with a basket to a hill to see if they can see the moon. Noura's mother brings her henna cones, and a present for Noura for completing her first fast. Both parents reassure her that not everyone sees the moon, but Noura thinks it would be a perfect way to remember her first time fasting for the holiday. Luckily, a slice of moon peeks through, and the family starts celebrating.
Good Points
While I have talked to many of my students about their family celebrations for Ramadan and Eid, I did not know that the date of celebration depends on seeing the moon! It makes sense, since the days change from year to year depending on the lunar cycle. This would be a difficult concept for young children to grasp, especially since so many Western holidays fall on very specific dates, like Christmas, or the same days within a reliable time frame, like Easter or Memorial Day. This is a great explanation for children celebrating, and also for those unfamiliar with the holiday.
Noura's excitement comes through the pages in the exuberant illustrations. She helps out with the preparations, making a special milky drink, and greets family and friends. The back of the book has very helpful explanations about various terms that are used throughout the book. This would be a great read aloud to an early elementary class where some of the students are celebrating.
Whether you are looking for a book to explain the holiday, or a present for someone celebrating it, Noura's Crescent Moon is a good choice, along with other celebratory titles like The Best Eid Ever
by Mobin-Uddin, Looking for the Eid Moon by Abaza, The Most Exciting Eid by Talkhani, Our Favorite Day of the Year by Ali, and The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story Khalil.
Noura's excitement comes through the pages in the exuberant illustrations. She helps out with the preparations, making a special milky drink, and greets family and friends. The back of the book has very helpful explanations about various terms that are used throughout the book. This would be a great read aloud to an early elementary class where some of the students are celebrating.
Whether you are looking for a book to explain the holiday, or a present for someone celebrating it, Noura's Crescent Moon is a good choice, along with other celebratory titles like The Best Eid Ever
by Mobin-Uddin, Looking for the Eid Moon by Abaza, The Most Exciting Eid by Talkhani, Our Favorite Day of the Year by Ali, and The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story Khalil.
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