Review Detail

Noura's Crescent Moon

Kids Fiction 160

Celebrate to the moon and back

June 04, 2024

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.