Books on Islamic topics are sorely needed, but this title, which lacks even a resource list, just grazes the surface.
Filled with color photos of Muslims all over the world fasting during Ramadan and then celebrating the fast’s end during Id-ul-Fitr, this entry in a British series has been minimally updated since its initial publication in 1997.
The facts are generally correct in this mundane presentation, but some explanations are glossed over. Nowhere is it specifically said that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year, when the Prophet Muhammed received his first messages from the Angel Jibril (Gabriel), although the vision is described. There is no mention of Lailat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power, an important observance, believed to be one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, when Jibril appeared. A chart showing Ramadan dates for several years would be helpful to demonstrate the difference between the solar calendar and the lunar calendar followed by Muslims. Children would be interested in the Id fairs and carnival rides, and it's a pity there is so little coverage—although two children’s paintings are attractive. The recipe for an Id pudding is useful, but where does the dish originate? The transliteration of the calligraphy for the Id card activity (also used on page borders) should appear in the text, along with its translation.
Books on Islamic topics are sorely needed, but this title, which lacks even a resource list, just grazes the surface. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 7-11)Pub Date: July 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-237-54123-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Evans/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: June 6, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
Lot of food for thought and multicultural programming for schools, libraries and religious classes, despite its limitations...
Focusing on six children growing up in Britain, this photo-laden book provides a very brief introduction to the world’s major religious groups, customs related to holidays and services, and special foods.
Today’s multicultural world is in great evidence as the Muslim family includes people of various ethnic backgrounds, and many in the Buddhism section are not Asian, including Francis, the narrator. Jacob highlights the Jewish Shabbat, as well as Chanukah, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Purim and Passover. The meal described for the Muslim Eid ul Fitr is South Asian with Tandoori Chicken. The pakoras in the recipe section are also from South Asia, but there is no explanation that Muslims from other regions might eat different festive foods. Francesca’s Christingle, a recent Christmas symbol in the Anglican Church, will be of interest. Hinduism and Sikhism are also included. Recipes for one representative dish per religion are included at the back, with the exception of Buddhism, as the text concentrates on the custom of providing plain food to Buddhist monks and nuns. While the book conveys a lot of information, the layout is almost too busy. Photos of children, families, cooking implements, shops and foods are all attractive, but the intense backgrounds and many design elements overpower the photographs.
Lot of food for thought and multicultural programming for schools, libraries and religious classes, despite its limitations and lack of sources. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 7-11)Pub Date: June 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-84507-986-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: April 24, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2012
Despite its purported scope, of limited use in today’s multicultural classrooms and libraries.
Informational tidbits about world holidays will leave readers hoping for more details.
Originally published in Great Britain, this small volume (the size of an elongated board book), perhaps intended as a gift item, tries for diversity but is still heavily weighted toward European traditions. Arranged seasonally, it starts off with a posh New Year celebration with tuxedos and paper crowns (and white faces) although the text mentions “Not every community celebrates its new year on the first day of January. China, Iran, and India are among the many countries that call other dates ‘New Year.’ ” Some headings are amusing. “Great Balls of Fire!” (more memorable to adults than children) leads off the explanation of Hogmanay (New Year) in Stonehaven, Scotland, where inhabitants in kilts celebrate with incendiary derring-do, pictured in a thumbnail vignette. The fierce Hungarian masks used to scare winters away are fun, and the celebration of Holi in India shows up in a double-page spread exploding with color. The Eyo festival of the Yoruba people of Lagos, Nigeria, is presented as a “winter celebration”; it is paired with a Shetland Islands festival, which is the one that’s pictured. Islamic festivals are omitted. The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah is included briefly, but the Easter and Christmas (evidently celebrated in “every country”) descriptions don’t mention Christianity. There is neither index nor sources.
Despite its purported scope, of limited use in today’s multicultural classrooms and libraries. (Nonfiction. 8-11)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-944530-10-5
Page Count: 72
Publisher: 360 Degrees
Review Posted Online: July 1, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
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