30+ Ramadan Picture Books {Resource}
Tomorrow marks the official two month countdown to Ramadan 2021, due to start on April 12th. To get our home ready, I like to gather all our Ramadan picture books to have out for our kids to read.
This year is extra special in our home as I am taking part in the writing course Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Picture Books as a grateful recipient of an Yuyi Morales Merit Scholarship.
I have been reading picture books every week as part of the curriculum and you can follow along on these books here. I can’t wait to finish the course & share my lyrical and silly manuscripts with my own children and those at the library where I give story time.
The course has taught me so much about historical fiction, plots, circular endings, onomatopoeia, illustrations and finding a character’s voice. It has given me more appreciate for the authors listed for writing beautiful stories for children.
I will be updating this list as more books come in.
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Time to Pray by Maha Addasi and Ned Gannon, translated by Nuha Albitar
Yasmin is visiting her grandmother (Teta) in the Middle East who teaches her about Ramadan. They pick out fabric for special prayer clothes and a small rug as well. Teta, her grandmother, sews her the clothes, practices the prayers with her and takes her to the mosque.
The White Nights of Ramadan by Maha Addasi and Ned Gannon
Noor and her little brothers are excited to make the special pistachio candy for Girgian. She’s so excited for the festival to arrive that she wakes up before dawn, even before the musaher drums everyone else awake for the morning meal. Noor’s grandmother reminds her that Ramadan is fun, but it’s also about spending time with family and sharing with people who have less than you do. Finally, after spending time in prayer and reading the Koran, sundown arrives. Noor and her brothers get to take their special Ramadan lanterns and go door to door asking for candy. (Recommended for ages 5 – 10)
Owl & Cat: Ramadan Is… by Emma Apple
Owl & Cat: Ramadan Is… follows Owl & Cat, and their family and friends as they celebrate the 30 days of the Islamic month of fasting. They learn that Ramadan is about patience, prayer, kindness and many wonderful traditions!
Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr by Lisa Bullard and Holli Conger
Rashad is the first one in his family to spot the new moon. He tries to be good the whole month of Ramadan, while learning about the many aspects of this special holiday. When it is time for Eid, he enjoys the celebrations together with his family. With detailed comment boxes, Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr is suitable children who don’t know much about Muslim faith and its traditions yet.
Let’s Celebrate Ramadan & Eid! by Ajanta Chakraborty and Vivek Kumar
Maya, Neel and their famous pet squirrel Chintu fly to India for yet another fun adventure. This time, they get to experience all about Ramadan including the vibrant markets of Chand Raat (night of the moon), the famous Jama Masjid, the delicious food, the exciting Eidi gifts and even a trip to volunteer at the local shelter.
The Month of Ramadan Is Here by Ali Elsayed, Neda Elsayed and Sousann Elsayed
“The Month of Ramadan Is Here” is A sing-along children’s book about the amazing Hijri month of Ramadan. Through the colorful illustration and the rhyming text, Kids can easily learn the virtues and etiquette of the month Ramadan while having fun. The book is also a sing-along children’s book with two audio versions to the text, one with music and one with vocals and duff (drums).
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi and Lea Lyon
The author based Lailah’s Lunchbox on her own experiences as a child. Last year, when Lailah lived in Abu Dhabi, UAE, she wanted to fast for Ramadan. But her mother told her she was too young. This year, she’s finally old enough to join the month-long fast. Now, Lailah is hesitant to tell her teacher and classmates in Peachtree City, Georgia that she’s fasting. Will they even understand what Ramadan is? During lunch, Lailah sneaks from the cafeteria to the library to escape the smells and sights of food. There, the librarian helps her figure out how to share her news about fasting with her teacher and friends. (Recommended for ages 4 – 10)
Ramadan by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi and Omar Rayyan
While most books talk about fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, this book also explains that those observing Ramadan are not allowed to put anything into their mouths during the fast period including chewing gum or cigarettes.
The Last Night of Ramadan by Maissa Hamed and Mohamed El Wakil
A young Muslim boy experiences the Holy Month of Ramadan and all the traditions associated with it. With simple text and unique, bright illustrations, The Last Night of Ramadan brings to life this important time of the yearly cycle for Muslims around the world is for children.
Ramadan Around the World By Ndaa Hassan and Azra Momin
Join the Ramadan Moon as it travels the world to visit children and their families observing Ramadan. Ramadan Around The World showcases how various cultures celebrate the Islamic holiday. The purpose of this book is to illustrate the diversity of the global Muslim community. Children of various nationalities and abilities are represented throughout the book. Families of diverse sizes and demographics have also been equally represented. This book is an adventurous read for children and useful as an educational tool for educators.
The Most Powerful Night – A Ramadan Story by Ndaa Hassan and Soumbal Qureshi
“The Most Powerful Night” is a heartwarming Ramadan story of angels, sweet prayers and blessed nights! It is about the night of power and glory – Laylat Al-Qadr. This is a night so special that it only comes once a year. What is the Most Powerful Night, when is it it and why is it Powerful, are all questions Laila has. She wants to know everything about this beautiful night. Join Laila and her mom for this bedtime story of “The Most Powerful Night – Laylat Al-Qadr.”
Raihanna’s First Time Fasting by Qamaer Hassan and Yasushi Matsuoka
Raihanna’s First Time Fasting is a sweet story about a little girl’s first Ramadan. Little Raihanna learns the meaning of Ramadan, why her family fasts and how important it is to help her community whenever she can. Includes an activity page and a definition page.
My Grandma and Me by Mina Havaherbin and Lindsey Yankey
This gentle story of Mina and her grandmother takes the reader through their celebration of Ramadan at a mosque in Iran. It’s a celebration of an intergenerational family and their loving bonds told in a very personal way, like a gift from Mina Havaberbin to us, the reader.
Once Upon a Ramadan by D.N. Hockey
Three siblings experience Ramadan together with their stuffed animals. When they bake cookies, Monkey, Puppy, and Fox get messy and need a bath. When they collect presents for children in need, Puppy falls asleep in the bag. In the end their mother is very proud of them: “Ramadan is about thinking of others and that is exactly what they did.” With bright illustrations and a playful storyline, Once Upon a Ramadan appeals to children everywhere.
Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle by Reza Jalali and Anne Sibley O’Brien
Like most kids with siblings, Shirin often bickers with her brother Ali. Even though he’s only three years older than Shirin, he talks to her like she’s a little kid. Since he’s fasting for Ramadan and Shirin is not, it gives him one more thing to brag about. Shirin keeps asking her parents if she can fast this year, at least for a few days. Her father thinks she’s too young, and he encourages her to find a way to do some good deeds instead. A story her grandmother tells her convinces her that Allah would still be pleased if her fasting was only done in bits and pieces of the day. And, when she sees her brother having a weak moment during his fast, she realizes what good deed she can do for him. (Recommended for ages 6 – 10)
Ramadhan and Eid-ul-Fitr by Azra Jessa
Children read about how the beginning and end of Ramadhan is based on the lunar calendar. They learn what it is like to fast for 30 days, along with the meaning behind and the motivation for the fast. Charming computer illustrations complement this candid glimpse into a child’s spiritual life.
Tell me more about Ramadan by Bachar Karroum and Tanja Varcelija
Follow the story of Laila, a curious young Muslim girl that wants to learn about Ramadan. Through a fun story for both children and parents, allow your kids to start comprehending religious concepts while also sparking their curiosity for further knowledge about their Islamic religion. (Recommended for ages Baby – 12 years)
My First Ramadan by Karen Katz
“Look! There is the new moon in the sky.” An adorable little Muslim boy is excited that Ramadan is about to begin. This year he wants to fast like the grown-ups! With simple words and colourful illustrations, My First Ramadan is a wonderful first introduction to Ramadan for the youngest readers.
Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan and Julie Paschkis
Yasmeen feels proud when she has the chance to talk about Ramadan at her school. As they celebrate at home throughout the month, Yasmeen’s parents remind her that Ramadan is also a time for sharing. They take extra food to the mosque, because not everyone has as much to eat as they do. As the month goes on, we also get to see how Yasmeen and her community celebrate the Night of the Moon, which happens the night before Eid. (Recommended for ages 4 – 10)
Ilyas & Duck – Ramadan Joy! by Omar S. Khawaja and Leo Antolini
Fasting, good deeds, empathy oh boy! It’s a story about discovery and of Ramadan Joy! The month of Ramadan is here! It’s a special time of year. But, when on the morning of the first day of Ramadan Duck learns he cannot eat or drink until sunset, he gets a little concerned. Join Ilyas & Duck in this rhyming adventure as they learn about the joys of Ramadan and all the blessings they bring. There’s a surprise at every turn!
The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard and Laura K. Horton
Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma tells her that fasting helps make a person sparkly―and Sophia loves sparkles. But when her attempt at fasting fails, Sophia must find another way to participate. This lovely multigenerational family story explores the many ways to take part in the Ramadan holiday. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)
Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan by Yasmeen Rahim and Omar Burgess
It is the night before Ramadan and Hassan and Aneesa are excited for it to begin. In Ramadan they will read the Qur’an, give charity, share food with neighbours and try to fast. Follow them on the first day of Ramadan and find out why Hassan and Aneesa love it when the Muslim holy month arrives.
Crayola Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Colors by Mari Schuh
Brown dates, the pale white moon, the yellow glow of lanterns―colors are everywhere during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr! Celebrate the culture and customs of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by learning about the holiday’s colors. Back matter features the Crayola colors used throughout the book and includes a reproducible coloring page.
Amal’s Ramadan by Amy Maranville and Joshua Stevens
When we read Amal’s Eid, he tells us that he is not old enough to fast yet. But in Amal’s Ramadan, Amal is 12 years old, and he’s going to try fasting for the first time. He wakes up early before sunrise (while his little brother sleeps) to eat haleem, a hearty porridge with lamb meat. Since he’s heading off to camp, his parents try to tell him how to listen to his body. But Amal is sure he’ll be fine. When Amal gets dizzy playing tag, the camp nurse calls his mother. Mom encourages Amal to drink some juice, even though Muslims usually don’t usually drink anything while they’re fasting. Amal worries that he has failed, until his grandmother tells him about her first time fasting. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)
A Party in Ramadan by Asma Mobin-Uddin and Laura Jacobsen
Leena is still too young to fast every during Ramadan, but she’s excited try fasting for one day on Friday. When her mother realizes that’s also the day of Julia’s birthday party, she asks Leena if she wants to try a different day for fasting. Since family is coming over for the iftar meal that will break the fast that night, Leena doesn’t want to switch days. The day of the party, Leena’s mom lets Julia’s mother know that Leena can’t have anything to eat or drink during the party. Leena is a little embarrassed that they seem to be talking so loudly! This thoughtful story captures what it’s like to have different customs than your friends, but it also shows how non-Muslim children can support their friends who are observing Ramadan. (Recommended for ages 5 – 10)
Zachariah’s Perfect Day by Farrah Qazi
Zachariah’s Perfect Day follows a 12-year-old Muslim boy through the first day of Ramadan. With colourful illustrations printed on a background of Islamic patterns, this beautiful book explains the traditional routines of Muslim families during Ramadan, from fasting and praying to preparing the Iftar meal and giving to those in need. Includes recipes for Parathas and Deep-Fried Oreos.
Hannah and the Ramadan Gift by Qasim Rashid and Aaliya Jaleel
It’s the first day of Ramadan and Hannah wants to be a part of this important month every way she can. But if she’s too young to fast, how can she observe Ramadan? By saving the world, Dada Jaan tells her. And so Hannah learns that by helping her friends and neighbors and by showing kindness and generosity, she can make the world a better place.
It’s Ramadan, Curious George by H. A. Rey and Hena Khan
George is excited to be celebrating Ramadan with his friend Kareem and his family. Together they make gift baskets to donate to those in need, enjoy the evening celebration and the special treats, and celebrate Eid at the end of Ramadan. It’s Ramadan, Curious George is a playful rhyming board book with fun tabs, perfect for all children who celebrate Ramadan, and for those who are learning about it for the first time!
Ramadan Moon by Na’ima Robert and Shirin Adl
The Holy Month of Ramadan begins with a whisper, a prayer and a wish. Written and illustrated by Muslims, Ramadan Moon is a lyrical and inspiring picture book that captures the wonder and joy of this special holiday from a child’s perspective. The enchanting story is complemented by appealing multimedia illustrations.
Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s by Mariam Saad and Chaymaa Sobhy (Illustrator)
Join Sofia and her mom and dad who spend Eid – the Islamic holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan – with her Mexican grandmother, who is not Muslim but chooses to throw them a festive breakfast which includes traditional Mexican food, decorations, and activities.
I Love Ramadan: أنا أحب رمضان by Taymaa Salhah
I Love Ramadan is an English/Arabic bilingual book. It is part of a series that teaches children about the pillars and traditions of Islam. The cheerful illustrations of this story introduce children to Ramadan and show how a young boy observes the holy month.
Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman
“We wait for the moon. / We watch for the moon. / We watch for the Ramadan moon.” With lyrical text and luminous pastel illustrations, Under the Ramadan Moon warmly depicts a Muslim family as they pray, fast and help those in need. Includes a detailed note about Ramadan.
Fasting and Dates by Jonny Zucker and Jan Barger
A family celebrates Ramadan by fasting each day, going to the mosque on the Night of Power, looking at the new moon, and enjoying a delicious feast at Eid-ul-Fitr. (Recommended for ages 3 – 6)
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Be sure to stop by these other Ramadan lists that I’ve compiled
Visit the Arab World, Muslim Culture, and Arabic Educational Resources page with over 700 children books!
