Perfect Picture Book Friday: My First Ramadan by Karen Katz

Title: My First Ramadan

Author: Karen Katz

Suitable for ages: 3-8 years

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. August 7^th 2007

Theme/Topic: Culture, Muslim Holiday, Ramadan, Muslim Festival, Family

Opening:

         

Look! There is the new moon in the sky. Now we        will begin our holiday called Ramadan……

Synopsis: It is time for Ramadan. Follow along with one young boy as he observes the Muslim holiday with his family. This year, he wants to try to fast like the grown-ups do, and even the youngest readers will be interested as he shares his experiences of this special holiday.

Resources:

A Ramadan Collage: http://amuslimchildisborn.blogspot.com/2010/08/ramadan-collage.html

Ramadan themed stamps: http://amuslimchildisborn.blogspot.com/2009/08/ramadan-craft-5-easy-ramadan-stamps.html

Information about Ramadan: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/islam/ramadan.shtml

Phases of the Moon Project: http://www.dltk-teach.com/rhymes/moon/mphases.htm

Online Word Search: http://www.islamicplayground.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=60

More books about Ramadan for children: http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/tp/ramadanbooks-kids.htm

Ramadan Preparations and Children’s Activities: http://www.happymuslimah.com/2009/08/ramadan-preparation-and-activities-for.html

More Ramadan Resources:

http://tj-ramadan.tripod.com/ramadanlearning.htm

http://tjramadan.blogspot.com/

http://www.firstschoolyears.com/re/islam/ramadan.htm

Online Games and Activities: http://primarygames.com/holidays/ramadan/ramadan.htm

A Ramadan Alphabet: http://tj-ramadan.tripod.com/aramadanalphabet.htm

Why I like this book:

My First Ramadan is meant to introduce young children to the month of Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims worldwide and many practices and traditions that happen through out the month. Karen Katz does a wonderful job illustrating and creating a super cute Muslim boy to share his excitement of the month and coming holiday, Eid-ul-Fitr. With all of her books, I just love her illustrations! Little bodies and big round heads. They remind me of a few of my little ones I care for in my toddler classroom! J The text is simple and straightforward. She includes a pronunciation guide for Arabic words through out the book. Like every holiday, Ramadan celebrates traditions, family, friends and the community. It encourages good deeds and virtues, prayer and charity.