I conducted an Arabic public library story time for hajj (plus Eid Al Adha) and wanted to share the children books I took with me to share with the kids.

Eid Al Adha is today and our house is a buzz with excitement, as well as many of the homes of the 1.75 billion Muslims worldwide.

I wanted to show some of the books I took with me that teach about Eid Al Adha, the Islamic festival that honors the willingness of Prophet Abraham (pbuh) to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God’s command.

As a professional storyteller, one of my favorite parts of the job is sharing my collection of diverse children’s books. I hope you enjoy them.

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Owl & Cat Go To Hajj by Emma Apple

This fun day-by-day guide gives little hajji’s, future pilgrims, and curious learners, a head start, answering all their questions by taking them step-by-step on this once in a lifetime journey to Mecca.

The Sheltered Quarter: A Tale of a Boyhood in Mecca by Hamza Bogary
Hamza Bogary describes a bygone way of life that has now irreversibly disappeared. He speaks of life in Mecca before the advent of oil. Only partly autobiographical, the memoir is nevertheless rich in remembered detail based on Bogary’s early observations of life in Mecca. He has transformed his knowledge into art through his sense of humor, empathy, and remarkable understanding of human nature. This work not only entertains; it also informs its readers about the Arabia of the first half of the twentieth century in a graphic and fascinating way. The narrator, young Muhaisin, deals with various aspects of Arabian culture, including education, pilgrimages, styles of clothing, slavery, public executions, the status of women, and religion. Muhaisin is frank in his language and vivid in his humor. The reader quickly comes to love the charming and mischievous boy in this universal tale.

Hamza Learns About Eid-ul-Adha by Asma Chaudhry

Follow along as Hamza learns about Eid-ul-Adha.

Yan’s Hajj: The Journey of a Lifetime by Fawzia Gilani

Yan is a big-hearted young man determined to perform Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah. But first, he must work hard on his farm and fill up his money bag for the journey. Despite the trials he faces on each unsuccessful trip to the Kaaba, Yan’s helpful nature, compassion, and generosity enable him to succeed in the end.

Eid al-Adha by Grace Jones
Covers Islam, the story of Eid al-Adha, The Hajj, prayer and worship, gifts and charity, festive food, and more.

Yippee! It’s Eid-ul-Adha by Farjana Khan

Do you know of a holiday where people give goat meat as gifts? Yes. It’s Eid-ul-Adha. Come and join a family as they wear new clothes, decorate their hands with henna, go to the mosque, visit family and friends, and give meat as gifts. Simple text and colorful illustrations introduce children to the fun-filled holiday-at a critical time. It’s Christmas! It’s Hannukah! Now celebrate another special holiday-It’s Eid-ul-Adha

Ilyas & Duck & Fantastic Festival Eid-al-Fitr by Omar S. Khawaja

Eid-al-Fitr is here! It’s time to celebrate! But what is Eid all about? Join Ilyas & Duck in this fantastically delightful story as they explore the fun and excitement of Eid while learning about the charitable nature of it all. Eid has never been so much fun!

We’re Off to Make ‘Umrah by Sana Munshey

Discover the joys of ‘Umrah when a brother and sister travel with their parents to the city of Mecca and perform this sacred ritual for the very first time. Includes a poster and paper dolls to enact performing ‘Umrah!

Who Hid The Eid Lamb by Taghreed Najjar

Who Hid the Eid Lamb is an Arabic children’s story book about the Eid Al Adha. Grandmother Fatoum tells her grandchildren how as a child she got attached to the lamb meant for the Eid sacrifice. The story is retold in flashback and set in a Palestinian village. The illustrations show the beautiful embroidered dresses of the village women folk and help transport the children to another time and place.

Peg + Cat: The Eid al-Adha Adventure by Jennifer Oxley

It’s Eid al-Adha, a very special holiday for Yasmina and Amir, who invite their friends Peg and Cat to check it out. After they all rock out with some singing, it’s time to head to the celebration, where there’s so much food waiting! Amir explains that an important part of celebrating Eid al-Adha is dividing the meat into three equal parts, one third to be shared with someone who has less. But with all three bowls of meatballs holding different amounts, they’ve got a BIG PROBLEM! Thanks to a balancing scale, a trip to a soup kitchen, and an unexpected visit to a housebound neighbor, Peg and Cat learn all about the concept of taking from where there’s more and giving to where there’s less. Even Cat discovers how awesome giving can be. Eid Mubarak!

The Art of Hajj by Venetia Porter
It is laid down in the Qur’an that at least once in their lives Muslims should undertake the annual spiritual pilgrimage—the Hajj—to the holy city of Mecca. There, within a sanctuary, lies the Ka’ba—a cube of black granite that is the literal center of a Muslim’s world and the compass point towards which daily prayers are made. This striking little book not only takes the reader on a journey, but celebrates the skill and creativity of artists, craftspeople, and the pilgrims themselves who have responded to the call of Hajj over the centuries.

Going to Mecca by Na’ima B. Robert
“Come with the pilgrims as they set out on a journey, a journey of patience to the city of Mecca.” We are led on the journey of a lifetime to the city of Mecca – the pilgrimage known to Muslims as the Hajj. The pilgrims walk with heads bare and feet in sandals; they call to Allah; they kiss or point to the Black Stone, as the Prophet did. Arriving at Mecca, they surge round the Ka’aba, shave their heads and travel to Mount Arafat. Finally, though their bodies are tired and aching, their spirits are uplifted, knowing that with thousands of others they have performed the sacred pilgrimage. This is a window on to a sacred journey for Muslims the world over – beautifully described and illustrated for younger children.

A Little Tree Goes for Hajj by Eman Salem
The little tree has always wanted to travel, especially to Mecca, to perform Hajj (an Islamic religious pilgrimage). But how can he travel when his roots are in the ground? Find out how his dream comes true, and he makes the journey of a lifetime. “A Little Tree Goes for Hajj” is an ideal education tool to introduce the Hajj to children who are learning about important rituals in different world religions; includes a glossary with short definitions and explanations for readers unfamiliar with Hajj.

Little Batul’s Eid Celebration: The Most Pleasant Festival of Sacrifice by Munise Ulker

That year Eid ul-Adha, Christmas and Hanukkah were around the same time. Little Batulâ’s parents were worried about their children learning their own values and having a good Eid celebration in the US. So, neighborhood mothers decided to get together to plan a nice Eid ul-Adha celebration for their children and the kids of the needy families in the neighborhood. They also decide to ask kids living at an orphanage to come to the Eid celebrations. Kids bought or made presents to give to their friends at school and children in need in the community.

Eid Al-Adha (Celebrations in My World) by Robert Walker
One of the most important days of the Muslim calendar, people mark the occasion with a feast shared with people in their community. This fascinating book highlights the customs of this special religious holiday, including the clothing, prayers, food, and gifts.

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Be sure to stop by A Crafty Arab on Pinterest to see more children books about the Arab world.  Or check out the list of Arab books on A Crafty Arab Educational Resources.