UPDATED APRIL 2021!
For over one billion Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is a special time of fasting, praying, giving and togetherness. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it begins with the appearance of the new moon. The month of Ramadan is also a wonderful time for children to learn more about Islam and its traditions – the books on this list are a good start!
33 Children’s Books about Ramadan & Eid
Babies & Toddlers
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. ~ Babies & Toddlers
R Is for Ramadan
by Greg Paprocki
Ramadan is a month-long observance when Muslims all over the world spend more time with each other, emphasize charitable works, fast, pray, and break their daily fast each night together. It’s a time meant to focus on things such as sharing, empathy, compassion, generosity, and selflessness. With engaging illustrations, R Is For Ramadan illustrates these ideals in this fun alphabet book. ~ Babies & Toddlers
It’s Ramadan, Curious George
by H. A. Rey
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! ~ Babies & Toddlers
Ramadan (Celebrate the World)
by Hannah Elliot
Learn all about the traditions of Ramadan with this first book in the board book series Celebrate the World, which highlights celebrations across the globe. Ramadan is a gorgeously illustrated board book that teaches the littlest readers that Ramadan is a time to reflect on ourselves, to be thankful, and a time to help others. ~ Babies & Toddlers
Preschool
The Gift of Ramadan
by Rabiah York Lumbard
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. The Gift of Ramadan is a lovely multigenerational family story that explores the many ways to take part in the Ramadan holiday. ~ Preschool
Raihanna’s First Time Fasting
by Qamaer Hassan
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. ~ Preschool
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors
by Hena Khan
“Red is the rug / Dad kneels on to pray, / facing toward Mecca, / five times a day.” With the most stunning illustrations and simple, informative text, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns is a wonderful introduction to the world of Islam, celebrating traditions like Ramadan and Eid. ~ Preschool
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. ~ Preschool
Rami the Ramadan Cat
by Robyn Thomas
Saleem has just moved to a new city. On the first night of Ramadan, he finds a scruffy kitten clinging to his backyard fence. Even though Saleem and his family make “lost cat” posters to hang up around their neighbourhood, he secretly hopes they never find the cat’s owner! After all, Rami is Saleem’s only friend in this new place. Rami The Ramadan Cat embodies the Ramadan spirit of generosity to family, friends, and neighbours beautifully. ~ Preschool
Tell me more about Ramadan
by Bachar Karroum
Follow the story of Laila, a curious young Muslim girl that wants to learn about Ramadan. Through a fun story, Tell Me More About Ramadan teaches children about the Islamic holy month of mercy, Ramadan. ~ Preschool
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. ~ Preschool
Ilyas & Duck FANTASTIC FESTIVAL OF EID-AL-FITR
by Omar Khawaja
“There is an Eid for every nation”. The book starts with this saying of the Prophet Muhammad, and thus dedicates some pages to two traditions of other major religions: Christmas and Hanukkah. Ilyas and Duck are preparing for Eid-al-Fitr to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Duck starts out by bringing a Christmas tree and a menorah but Ilyas explains to him that those are for their Christian and Jewish friends’ celebrations. Ilyas & Duck: Fantastic Festival of Eid-al-Fitr is a delightful picture book about the fun and excitement of Eid. ~ Preschool
One Meal More: A Multicultural Ramadan Story
by Emma Apple
One Ramadan evening, a knock at the door, brings a new guest, with one meal more. Young readers are invited to join a multicultural iftar meal during the Muslim month of Ramadan. One Meal More is a Ramadan counting story that features a diverse group of Muslim women as well as food from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. ~ Preschool
Elementary School
Ramadan Around The World
by Ndaa Hassan
Join the Ramadan Moon as it travels the world to visit children and their families observing Ramadan. Ramadan Around The World illustrate the diversity of the global Muslim community, from various nationalities and abilities to different family sizes and demographics. An adventurous read for children and a useful tool for educators! ~ Elementary School
Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story
by Hena Khan
A 7-year-old Pakistani American girl experiences the month of Ramadan with her family, from fasting to special meals, from distributing food at the mosque to celebrating The Night of the Moon and Eid. With rich illustrations in the style of Islamic art, Night of the Moon is a beautiful window into modern Muslim culture and its traditions. Includes glossary. ~ Elementary School
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story
by Reem Faruqi
Lailah’s family recently moved to the US from Abu Dhabi. When Ramadan begins, she is excited to participate in the fasting for the first time but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she won’t be eating lunch with them. With help from the school librarian and her teacher, Lailah finds a way to overcome her fears and makes new friends who respect her beliefs. Beautifully illustrated with full-page watercolour pictures, Lailah’s Lunchbox is a gentle story about feeling different, friendship and faith. ~ Elementary School
The White Nights of Ramadan
by Maha Addasi
When Noor sees the almost-full moon rise in Kuwait, she knows it is time to prepare for Girgian, a mid-Ramadan celebration observed mostly in the Arabian Gulf states. Noor and her brothers make candy to share with the children in the neighbourhood, and decorate canvas bags, hoping to fill them with treats when they go from house to house, dressed in traditional clothes. With engaging illustrations, The White Nights of Ramadan underlines the true meaning of Ramadan: Self-improvement, community and sharing. ~ Elementary School
More books about community: 12 Multicultural Children’s Books about the Power of Community
Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s
by Mariaam Saad
Join Sofia and her mom and dad who spend Eid with her Mexican grandmother, who is not Muslim but chooses to throw them a festive breakfast which includes traditional Mexican food, decorations, and activities. Eid Breakfast at Abuela’s introduces the reader to simple words in Spanish and even Arabic. ~ Elementary School
Related: 70+ Picture Books about Mixed Race Families
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. ~ Elementary School
A Party in Ramadan
by Asma Mobin-Uddin
Leena has a dilemma: Too young to fast each day, she decides to fast each Friday instead, but then she receives an invitation to a party that happens to fall on a Friday. Leena decides to go to the party, but not eat or drink. But watching her friends enjoy lemonade and cake is tough – will she be able to keep her fast? A Party in Ramadan is a charming story about a young Muslim girl wanting to do the right thing. ~ Elementary School
Ramadan Moon
by Na’ima Robert
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. ~ Preschool, Elementary School
Crayola ® Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Colors
by Mari Schuh
Brown dates, the pale white moon, the yellow glow of lanterns―colours are everywhere during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr! Crayola ® Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr celebrates the culture and customs of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr by teaching children about the holiday’s colours. Includes a reproducible colouring page. ~ Preschool, Elementary School
Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr
by Lisa Bullard
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. ~ Elementary School
Hannah and the Ramadan Gift
by Qasim Rashid
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 neighbours and by showing kindness and generosity, she can make the world a better place. Hannah and the Ramadan Gift tells a warm-hearted story about the power of good deeds. ~ Elementary School
Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle
by Reza Jalali
9-year-old Shirin follows the stages of the moon throughout Ramadan. She desperately wants to fast like the rest of her Persian American family, including her older brother, and is thrilled when she is finally allowed to do so for half a day. When she discovers her smug brother secretly eating, she decides not to expose Ali but help him instead, acting in the true spirit of Ramadan. Moon Watchers is a moving and authentic story about traditions and sibling rivalry. ~ Elementary School
The Best Eid Ever
by Asma Mobin-Uddin
Aneesha misses her parents who are in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. Her grandmother cheers her up with a gift of gorgeous clothes from Pakistan, complete with matching bangles and handmade shoes, as well as with her favourite curried lamb dish. Meeting two girls at the prayer who had to flee their war-torn country, Aneesha realizes just how fortunate she is and helps make it The Best Ever for these girls. ~ Elementary School
The Last Night of Ramadan
by Maissa Hamed
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. ~ Elementary School
Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting
by Ausma Zehanat Khan
Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting explores the richness and diversity of the Islamic tradition by focusing on an event of great spiritual significance and beauty in the lives of Muslims. Rich with personal stories and stunning photographs, this book demystifies the traditions and emphasizes the importance of diversity in a world where Islamophobia is on the rise. ~ Elementary School
Activity Books
Ramadan Rhymes
by Elizabeth Lymer
Ramadan Rhymes includes colouring pages and nursery rhymes about fasting, sighting the new moon, praying, and celebrating Eid. The book follows Noor, Hicham, and Ali on their Ramadan journey, and can be used together with a free video on YouTube, so young children can be happily immersed in Ramadan. ~ Preschool
Ramadan and Fasting Activity Book (Discover Islam Sticker Activity Books)
by Aysenur Gunes
Due to come out mid-June, the Ramadan and Fasting Activity Book playfully introduces children to the basics of fasting, and the importance of family and friends in Ramadan. This is a fun activity book that includes dot-to-dot drawings, colouring pages, puzzles, and over sixty stickers. ~ Preschool
Ramadan’s Coming!: A Songbook With Activities
by Rabia Bashir
Sing your heart out as you and your children prepare for Ramadan and celebrate Eid, either to the tune of ‘Jingle Bells’ or to your own melody! Ramadan’s Coming! is a joyful song book book that includes other activities as well as access to the song and free printable activities on www.BismillahBees.com. ~ Preschool
Related: 15 Multicultural Children’s Books based on famous songs
Allah to Z: Activity Book: Islamic Activities for Ramadan and All Year Long
by Ms Sam’n Iqbal
Allah to Z: Activity Book is packed with over 30 fun craft ideas for Ramadan, Eid and all year long. From good deed trees to Iftar treat calendars, from Eid lanterns to crescent and star apple pies, there will be a Ramadan activity that captures your child’s interest. ~ Preschool, Elementary School
My 30 Days of Ramadan: Activity and Coloring Workbook about Islam
by Solmaz Parveen
My 30 Days of Ramadan is an engaging activity book that takes children on a fun journey through Ramadan. Colouring pages, word searches, word scrambles, matching, and crosswords keep children entertained, while they learn about basic concepts of Islam. 100% of net sales profits go to organizations that work to improve living conditions and education for children. ~ Elementary School
More books with Muslim characters: 20 Children’s Books set in the Middle East & Northern Africa
*You can buy any of the books on this site from Amazon USA by clicking on the book titles or covers*
11 Responses
Farzana Rahman
Thanks for sharing these wonderful lists on children’s books Islam. I will surely recommend everyone to read these books.
Colours of Us
Thank you!
Natalie
Hi! Wonderful list! We travel with the kids and think that reading before you go is the best way to prepare children for a journey. Teaching them about the new culture and art and history and religious celebrations are a great way to raise global citizens!! I blog all about it.
We had a wonderful time in Turkey one year during Ramadan. What a special time. I’m going to link to this post from my blog about our experience so others can benefit from this great list!
Colours of Us
Thanks for your feedback and for linking to my post from your blog!
Marjorie (MWD)
What a list – thank you – it’s great to see all these together, and so much to explore.
Colours of Us
Thank you!
Jane
Wow! I’m so impressed that mainstream characters like Curious George, and authors like Karen Katz are embracing and showcasing diversity. For non-Muslim children, seeing Ramadan discussed and celebrated by familiar authors and characters helps change perceptions of Muslims as being “others” to being very normal and familiar – kids who celebrate Ramadan are just like other kids! They might have a different religion, but they love fun picture books and celebrate festivals and special events with their families, just like kids everywhere in the world. And for Muslim children, particularly those in the west, seeing their cultural embraced and celebrated in mainstream media must be exciting as well – who doesn’t love Curious George? His naughtiness has been delighting kids for decades. It’s a wonderful thing all around!
Colours of Us
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I was also pleasantly surprised that there is a Curious George book about Ramadan. I also loved the fact that some of the books by Muslim authors mentioned Christian and Jewish holidays, too. If books like the ones on this list help towards a better understanding and respect for other religions and cultures, then that would indeed be a wonderful thing!
Alex Baugh
I did a Ramadan round-up of picture books last year, and now you have added more to my list of good books about this important holiday. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Colours of Us
My pleasure! I must check out your list. too.
Gayle H Swift
These books offer an important insight.