The Gift of Ramadan Written by Rabiah York Lumbard
Illustrated by Laura K. Horton
Published by Albert Whitman and Company, 2019
Mom's Review
As the end of Ramadan approaches, I'd like to reiterate how much we love The Gift of Ramadan. It is the story of a little girl who wants to fast with her parents and grandma, in order to have a "sparkly heart" like them. When she fails, her grandma reassures her that she is not expected to fast all day on the first day, and that there are other ways to be "sparkly" during Ramadan.
At once a Ramadan story and a universal tale of childhood, The Gift of Ramadan is for all readers. What child has not wished to do what his/her parents do? Who has not failed the first time they try something new? And anyone with a younger sibling will recognize the love and exasperation the girl feels about her brother. Readers of any background will be able to identify with the characters and celebrate alongside them. Also, the narrative and dialog flow smoothly, very nice for reading aloud, and the illustrations are lovely. As non-Muslim readers, we can better understand Ramadan practices through The Gift of Ramadan, and Muslim readers have a beautiful picture book for their seasonal bookshelf.
The Gift of Ramadan is the best Ramadan book we've read – text, illustration, and storyline come together perfectly in a tale of family, failure, success, and love.
Son's Review
(Age: 5)
Mom: What is your favorite part of The Gift of Ramadan?
Son: I like the pictures.
Mom: What would you tell her when she eats the cookies?
Son: "It's okay if you eat, 'cuz you're too young to fast for a whole day." That is what I would tell her
Mom: What do you know about celebrating Ramadan?
Son: I know that you have to fast and that you have to look at the moon.
Mom: What is the best part of The Gift of Ramadan?
Son: The first part is my favorite. It's the part where we learn about what Sophia likes.
Mom: What can readers expect from The Gift of Ramadan?
Son: The word "food" is used often in that book.
Extra: We included The Gift of Ramadan in our post 5 Books that Celebrate and Teach About Ramadan and Eid.
Note: Albert Whitman and Co. provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
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