Under the Ramadan Moon

September 1, 2008
Gr 2-4-This delightful picture book describes the monthlong Muslim observance of Ramadan by a modern family. It begins, "We wait for the moon./We watch for the moon./We watch for the Ramadan moon." The images of the waxing, full, and waning moon progress along with the spare, lyrical text. Practices such as fasting, speaking kind words, giving to the poor, decorating with bright lights, and praying all take place, "under the moon, under the Ramadan moon." Williams uses soft, luminous pastels in richly textured, detailed spreads. People have warm, generous smiles, and women in "hijaab" give tender hugs and talk on a cell phone. Moonlight and firelight add to the congeniality. The repetitive line "under the moon]" also makes this an excellent resource for teachers and librarians for choral reading and discussion."Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OH"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2008
Preschool-G This simple picture book celebrates the coming of Ramadan and shows a familys activities taking place under the moon, under the moon, under the Ramadan moon. Though the rhythm varies a bit, the title phrase is repeated in slightly varied forms throughout the text. Large, lyrical pictures on double-page spreads illustrate lines such as We speak kind words / and stop bad habits / under the moon, or We give to the poor / and read Quran / under the moon, and We hang bright lights / and bake sweet treats / under the Ramadan moon. In a series of satisfying scenes with glowingcolors androunded forms, the artwork, apparently done in pastels, warmly depictsa familys activities at home and at the mosque.The appended authors noteprovides background information about Ramadans significance as a serious yet happy time for Muslims. A handsome, family-centered Ramadan picture book for young children.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2009
Filled with familial warmth and joy, this book describes, in lilting verse with a comforting refrain, Ramadan observances. Glowing, textured illustrations using gently rounded lines show a family engaged in holiday activities: spending time together, waiting for their day-long fast to end, preparing food, visiting relatives, attending services at a mosque. A worthy addition to any children's library.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)