RAMADAN DINNER GUEST

Elzein highlights the power of kindness to reach across cultural and religious divides in this illustrated children’s story about the spirit of Ramadan.

The house next door to young Ahmad and his mother, Leila, is for sale, and an elderly woman named Gladys, and her cat, Fluffy, come to see the place. Gladys notices a sign in front of Ahmad’s house that reads, “Salam Alaikum” and wonders what it means; the real estate agent says that he doesn’t know, but that the home belongs to a Muslim family. The woman troublingly expresses worry and says that she’s “not sure about this neighborhood,” but the agent convinces her to try the house for a month and “meet the neighbors.” It’s soon established that her worries are based on ignorance regarding a faith and a people she knows nothing about. Ahmad and Leila knock on Gladys’ door that evening, bringing her a plate of warm food and inviting her to be their special guest for dinner the next night in celebration of Ramadan. As Ahmad and Leila offer kindness to Gladys and others in the community, Gladys learns the true meaning of Salam Alaikum (“peace be upon you”) and forges a special bond with Ahmad. This sweet story offers children a beautiful example of cultural competency and what it means to love one’s neighbor. As Gladys and Ahmad share their Egyptian Muslim and English Christian cultural backgrounds (and foods) with each other, it offers valuable opportunities for learning, empathy, and mutual understanding. The story also demonstrates the uniting power of kindness, community service, and hospitality—the perfect book to read with children during Ramadan. It also shows kids how they can make a difference in their neighborhoods, no matter how young they are. Elgazzar’s bright, friendly illustrations have a soft, childlike appeal and ably communicate the warm, friendly tone of the story.

A sweet and valuable tale of cultural understanding and the meaning of kindness.