Under the Ramadan Moon
Grade 2–4—This delightful picture book describes the monthlong Muslim observance of Ramadan by a modern family. It begins, "We wait for the moon./We watch for the moon./We watch for the Ramadan moon." The images of the waxing, full, and waning moon progress along with the spare, lyrical text. Practices such as fasting, speaking kind words, giving to the poor, decorating with bright lights, and praying all take place, "under the moon, under the Ramadan moon." Williams uses soft, luminous pastels in richly textured, detailed spreads. People have warm, generous smiles, and women inhijaabgive tender hugs and talk on a cell phone. Moonlight and firelight add to the congeniality. The repetitive line "under the moon…" also makes this an excellent resource for teachers and librarians for choral reading and discussion.—Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.