10 Ramadan children’s books to read to your child

It can be difficult getting young children to grasp the concept of Ramadan. Children are inquisitive creatures, and may need more that just a verbal explanation to understand what goes on during this time.

Books are a great tool to teach your child about Islamic tradition and get them excited for the holy month. Shared reading is a sure fire way to bond with your child, teach them about Ramadan and give them a deeper understanding of fasting. As well as this, reading has an array of benefits for our cognitive functioning.

We compiled 10 great children’s books to get your child in the spirit of Ramadan this year.

1. My first Ramadan – Karen Katz

‘Finally reaching the age where he can fast with the rest of the family, a young boy proudly takes part in all the traditions and celebrations of the Muslim holy month.’

2. Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story – Reem Faruqi

‘Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom.‘

3. Ramadan – Hannah Eliot

‘In the ninth month of the year, when the first crescent moon rises in the sky, it’s time to celebrate Ramadan! In this lovely board book with illustrations from Rashin Kheiriyeh, readers learn that Ramadan is a time to reflect on ourselves, to be thankful, and a time to help others.‘

4. Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitrr – Lisa Bullard

‘Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, and thinking of others. Rashad tries to be good all month. When it’s time for Eid al-Fitr, he feasts and plays!‘

5. The gift of Ramadan – Rabiah York

‘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.’

6. The White Nights of Ramadan – Maha Addasi

‘Mid-Ramadan is a special time for families in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. These middle days are known as “the three whites,” because they include the day of the full moon, the day before, and the day after. It’s a time when children dress in traditional clothing and go from house to house collecting treats from their neighbors. When Noor sees the full moon rising, signaling the coming of Girgian, she and her brothers prepare for the fun. Together, they decorate the bags they’ll carry to collect the candies. But along with the fun, Noor remembers the true meaning of Ramadan: spending time with family and sharing with those less fortunate.’

7. Hassan and Aneesa Love Ramadan – Yasmeen Rahim

‘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 holy month arrives.’

8. Who Will Help Me Make Iftar? – Asmaa Hussein

‘Mustafa Amca and his wife have a yearly tradition – they cook iftar for their friends and neighbours on the first day of Ramadan. This year, Mustafa Amca’s wife is sick and can’t help him cook! Will he be able to find others to pitch in and create a meal for everyone to enjoy?’

9. Ramadan Around the World – Ndaa Hassan

A story depicting how Ramadan is celebrated around the world.

10. The Best Eid Ever – Asma Mobin-Uddin

‘Young readers can learn about Eid, as well as the Hajj pilgrimage, when Muslims travel back to Mecca for Eid, in this picture book about Muslim culture and traditions.’