Reza Jalali

Aware that Ramadan - the Islamic month of fasting - was set to begin again in three weeks' time, I had been looking around for good children's stories which address the topic, when I stumbled across this engaging new picture book by Iranian-American author Reza Jalali, published this past June. I was particularly pleased, moreover, when I noticed that it was a Tilbury House title, as they are one of my favorite smaller presses!

Wanting to be a part of her family's Ramadan observances, and show more always competitive with her older brother Ali, nine-year-old Shirin pesters her mother and father for permission to fast. Finally, after her grandmother, Maman-Bozorg, relates a story about her own father's youthful desire to observe Ramadan, and the compromise that was reached, Shirin is allowed to make a partial fast. But, as Maman-Bozorg maintains, Ramadan is not simply about fasting, but also about doing good deeds. Will Shirin be able to recognize the good deed that needs doing, when the time comes, or will sibling rivalry get in the way...?

A warm family story that encompasses the themes of religious observance, cultural practice, and the resolution of conflict between siblings, Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle is a lovely addition to any holiday shelf. Young Muslim readers will see a part of their experience reflected back at them - something that is still too infrequent, in the world of children's literature - while those of other religious persuasions will gain an appreciation for this important time in the Islamic year. I appreciated the fact that Jalali managed to incorporate a discussion of the diversity of beliefs and practices, within the Muslim community, as it concerns women's use of a head covering - Shirin's grandmother wears a head scarf, her mother does not - and I thought that Anne Sibley O'Brien's illustrations complemented the tale admirably. In short: this is one Ramadan title that I would recommend to all! show less

Shirin is not yet old enough to participate in the traditional fasting and feasting of Ramadan, so decides to embark on another tradition of Ramadan: doing good deeds. This book tells a nuanced story about how Shirin uses her faith and traditions to inform her decisions and how she eventually find her perfect role in her family's celebrations. I liked the way that the book teaches about Ramadan without portraying it as overly exotic or foreign. Shirin is just a normal girl who is celebrating show more this holiday and coming of age within her family's culture. The illustrations are beautiful and portray both traditional aspects of Ramadan as well as Shirin's family in a modern context. show less

While I was reading this I was comparing the story of religious fasting with my own personal experiences. I related to Shirin because I always wanted to fast during holy times like the older people in my family. The childlike desire to participate in a holy event is universal, so if I could relate to Shirin then anyone can.

Beautifully illustrated, clear story-line, from the perspective of an Iranian family. But it could be the story of any family observing Ramadan.

(That the family is Shite is only alluded to in the pictures where they are shown praying, and the wooden/stone is on the rug. Otherwise it could easily be a Sunni household as well).

Don't let that deter anyone from buying this classic Muslim children's story.