Ramadan, the Month of Mercy, "begins with a whisper" as Muslims all over the world look up at the sky waiting to sight the crescent moon. In fact, the exact beginning of Ramadan will vary in different parts of the world depending of the visibility of the moon.

This lovingly-cadenced book captures the anticipation, the atmosphere, and the joy of this month of generosity, self sacrifice and harmony. A family eats and prays together before dawn, spends their days trying to be kind to others in their deeds and in their hearts, and then, at sunset, after a long day of fasting, comes together to share a meal.

In daylight, we feel hungry.
But at sunset, when we eat,
It makes us a little thoughtful,
A little humble,
And very grateful.

Colorful, layered Iranian art and leads the reader through the waxing and waning of the moon.  At the full moon it explains the special Night of Power, "when we ask for all that we desire, Wishes upon wishes, And a prayer upon a prayer," and when the new crescent moon is sighted, it presents Eid Day which ends the fast with joyful family celebrations.

What I found most remarkable about this book is how beautifully the verse and images mirror both the emotions evoked by the text and the intended significance of this holiday. It works as well for families who celebrate Ramadan as it does for anyone wishing to understand what it means to more than a billion people worldwide.

Vivian L.

Ramadan Moon (Hardcover)

By Na'ima B. Robert, Shirin Adl

$17.95

ISBN-13: 9781845079222
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 8/2009

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