I love children’s books about Ramadan. It is such a hopeful and joyful time for Muslim families across the world. Below is a list of picture books I’ve read to my kids and my reviews. 

Lailah’s Lunchbox By Reem Faruqi 

My hands-down favorite Ramadan book. The story centers around a little girl, Lailah, who moved from Abu Dhabi to Atlanta. She was finally old enough to fast during Ramadan but felt huge anxiety about explaining it to her classmates and teachers. It started off slow, but once we got to the gripping conclusion, I was a mess of bubbling tears. My son, Kian kept asking me why I was sad, and I had to reassure him I was happy. This is an essential book for little Muslim girls and boys over the age of 5. It not only explains the purpose of Ramadan but the real-life emotions that many little children in the U.S.A feel during this time.

Ramadan By Hannah Elliot 

This board book does a wonderful job of explaining to small children the why behind Ramadan and fasting. It isn’t a story, but a guide more so, that shares the key traditions of Ramadan: suhoor, iftar, charity, good deeds and also the celebration of Eid. I thought the illustrations were beautiful and showed different types of families (from different countries and time periods). It also showed diverse depictions of Muslim families (interracial, different races, women who don’t cover their hair, etc).

Ramadan Around The World By Ndaa Hassan

This book takes the reader around the world to see how Ramadan is celebrated. There is a lot of information shared in this book, more so than typical Ramadan books. My kids loved learning about the unique traditions. The story is inclusive and thoughtfully written, sharing traditions from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

My First Ramadan By Karen Katz

 

This is a great book for teaching children the tenets of Ramadan: concentrating on faith, reading the Quran, prayer, fasting, and diversity of people. The illustrations are vibrant and inviting. Though there was one inaccuracy that shows suhoor ending at sunrise, instead of dawn. The characters seem to be set in the Middle East or a majority Muslim nation.

It’s Ramadan Curious George By H.E.Rey and Hena Khan 

 

I remember Ramadan 2017 when everyone gifted this book to the children in their lives. Since then it has made its way into many kindergarten classroom presentations. This book teaches children the cultural elements of Ramadan, the big feasts, and distracting yourself when fasting, but it doesn’t go in-depth into the religious elements of Ramadan, such as reading the Quran. I wish it addressed the why, not just the what.

Under the Ramadan Moon By Sylvia Whitman

 

My children love a good rhyming book. This is the only book I found that falls into the rhyming Ramadan category. It accurately covers all of the tenets of Ramadan: fasting, reading the Quran, praying, and giving to charity. I personally liked that it showed Muslim women with their hair covered and uncovered, showcasing traditional and progressive families. 

Fasting and Dates By Jonny Zucker

 

I would describe this as a book that states 7 facts about Ramadan plus illustrations. It’s not really a story. It is the only book that mentions the Night Of Power, so a good introductory book about the basic of Ramadan. The characters belong to a traditional Muslim family. As you can see, I’m not super moved by this book.

I’m always on the hunt for picture books about Islam. So if you have suggestions, I would love to hear them!

Peace and Salam,

Natasha Kazi