7 books to read with the kids this Ramadan

When you’re searching for Muslim representation it’s important to seek out stories that showcase positive messages and visuals. Here are a selection of our favourite 7 books to read with your children this Ramadan.

My first Ramadan

Thank you to author Sara Khan for sending a copy of this book, we loved it! Inside this board book toddlers and young children will find out about the beautiful holy month of Ramadan, it’s meaning and purpose, as well as how and why it is celebrated. Stunning illustrations, full of colour, bring the pages to life and the carefully written text is simple, easy to understand, and suitable to be read aloud. It also features some facts about Ramadan and common questions children might ask. Best for ages 4+

Ramadan in Space | Children’s Book

Its the first day of Ramadan! Hamzah and Maryam are all set to blast off into space in the rocket. Imagine that! Ramadan in Space! What will they do as they float among the stars, and will they get back in time for Eid? Buy this book today from MySalahMat – £9.99

The Gift of Ramadan

What a lovely read! There are many ways to participate in Ramadan, especially for children, and this book shows how ”The Gift” of Ramadan showcases celebration, a multigenerational family. It also demonstrates how to pick ourselves up after failures. The story follows a little girl who doesn’t manage to make it through the whole day of fasting but learns the different ways to participate in Ramadan with the help of her family. Best for ages 4+

Big Red Lollipop

Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can’t convince Ami that you just don’t bring your younger sister to your friend’s party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina’s prized party favor, a red lollipop. What’s a fed-up big sister to do?

Like the Moon Loves the Sky

A lyrical and heartwarming celebration of a mother’s love for her children by the award-winning author of Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns.

In this moving picture book, author Hena Khan shares her wishes for her children: “Inshallah you find wonder in birds as they fly. Inshallah you are loved, like the moon loves the sky.” With vibrant illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran, this charming picture book is a heartfelt and universal celebration of a parent’s unconditional love.

• A reassuring bedtime read-aloud for mothers and their children.
• A perfect book for sharing Muslim family traditions and for families teaching diversity and religious acceptance.
• Hena Khan’s books have been widely acclaimed, winning awards and honors from the ALA, Parent’s Choice, and many others.

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter

From Muslim and Latino poet Mark Gonzales comes a touching and lyrical picture book about a parent who encourages their child to find joy and pride in all aspects of their multicultural identity.

Dear little one,
…know you are wondrous.
A child of crescent moons,
a builder of mosques,
a descendant of brilliance,
an ancestor in training.

Written as a letter from a father to his daughter, Yo Soy Muslim is a celebration of social harmony and multicultural identities. 

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices

A joyous short story collection by and about Muslims, edited by New York Times bestselling author Aisha Saeed and Morris finalist S. K. Ali
 
Once Upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.