Ramadan
Kindergarten-Grade 3?An attractive companion to Mary Matthews's Magid Fasts for Ramadan (Clarion, 1996), set in America rather than Egypt. Hakeem and his family are the focus of Ghazi's description of the holiday?its origin, elements of celebration, and purpose. Though Hakeem plays a prominent role throughout, plot emphasis rests on ritual and events rather than on character development. The boy functions as an "everychild" whose matter-of-fact and heartfelt religious observations help to demystify a part of Islam for non-Muslim children as well as affirm an important part of the Islamic calendar for those who are believers. Ghazi's writing is clear and descriptive with Arabic terms sans pronunciation but described both within context as well as in an appended glossary. The picture-book format creates a warm and welcoming setting, one that beckons to readers and invites exploration. Rayyan's expressive watercolors complete the package with their effective utilization of Islamic stylistic techniques; many are reminiscent of those he created for Eric Kimmel's Rimonah of the Flashing Sword (Holiday, 1995). The artist's skillful juxtaposition of Islamic borders and panels as frames for American Muslim culture highlights the mix of a rich traditional heritage with late 20th-century realities. A good introduction to Dianne MacMillan's Ramadan and Id Al-Fitr (Enslow, 1994), and a fine first look at the richness of Islamic tradition.?Celia A. Huffman, Worthington Public Library, OHCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.