NOURA'S CRESCENT MOON

A young girl fasting for the first time during Ramadan anxiously awaits the new moon, which heralds Eid ul-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

It’s the 29th day of Ramadan, and Noura and her family are preparing a special moon-sighting picnic. Papa and Mama gently remind Noura how rare it is to see the crescent moon that signifies the end of Ramadan. There might even be one more day of fasting. But Noura can’t contain her excitement—this Eid ul-Fitr will be even more special, since it’s her first time fasting the whole month. A gorgeous spectacle of color fills the sky as the sun sets and Noura’s family drives to the top of a hill away from city lights. But…oh no, the clouds! What if the moon stays hidden? Though Noura is a little disappointed, her parents praise her for her first fast as they prepare for another iftar, and she thinks that maybe fasting one more day won’t be so bad after all. Suddenly the clouds thin, revealing the silvery glint she’s been awaiting. Khan presents a refreshing take on Ramadan stories by spotlighting the holiday that succeeds it and highlighting customs such as wearing new clothes, visiting friends, painting one’s hands with henna, and eating Eid treats. Adani captures the anticipation of Eid with warm and richly detailed illustrations. Cues in the text suggest that Noura and her family are South Asian. Backmatter includes a helpful glossary.

Sweet, heartwarming, and family centered.