Top Childrens’ Book Picks for Ramadan

Ramadan (a Muslim holy month of fasting, where we commemorate when the Quran was revealed), is fast approaching and I’m busy preparing myself as a working mum, for an even busier month ahead. Meal plans, activities for the children and stocking up the house. A like to create as much excitement for my boys around Ramadan as possible.

Teaching my kids to love books and reading is hugely important to me, as is teaching my children the history of Islam. Naturally in Ramadan we increase our reading a bit more, I normally put away all of their other books and we only focus on our Islamic ones. They are at that “in-between” age at the moment, where they are a little too young to start Madrasah (Islamic studies for kids) but are at the perfect age to learn about Islam and its history. I try to increase their knowledge by reading Islamic books at home and encouraging learning in everyday tasks and crafts.

Suhayla Kids is my go to for all Islamic books and educational toys. In Johannesburg I don’t particularly like driving into Fordsburg/Mayfair and dealing with parking and traffic. SUHAYLA kids is an online store and has the best, most up to date titles, follows global trends and they deliver nationwide (they have even done deliveries to Botswana). Their customer service is second to none, and Taahirah’s personalised notes and quick delivery makes every customer feel special and unique.

These books are great for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. Teaching other children about Ramadan and why their friends families are “fasting” teaches understanding and respect. They have also been great helping my family (who aren’t Muslim) understand our traditions and celebrations more.

Here’s a list of my top picks for Ramadan:

Night of the Moon – Hena Khan

I ADORE Hena Khan’s books. She has such a beautiful, simple style of writing and this book in particular is both my boys favourite (apart from Ilyas and Duck which we will get too). Its also a great book to teach little ones about the cycle of the moon.

“The sighting of the Moon’s first crescent begins the month of Ramadan for Muslims all over the world. This vibrantly illustrated story invites children to experience the traditions of the month through the eyes of a seven-year-old girl named Yasmeen, who watches every night as the moon grows and shrinks and finally disappears. When the moon’s first crescent reappears, it’s time to celebrate “The Night of the Moon” and the gift-giving holiday of Eid – when Yasmeen has a wonderful gift in store!”

Available from Suhayla Kids for R230.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of colours – Hena Khan

I got this last Ramadan and we still love it.

“With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, this book magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions. This book uses objects found in many Muslim cultures to teach colours. With simple language suitable for even the youngest readers, a young Muslim girl and her family guide the reader through the traditions and colours of Islam.”

Available from SUHAYLA kids for R120.

Ilyas & Duck and the Fantastic Festival of Eid-al-Fitr – Omar S. Khawaja

One of the boys favourite’s (and mummy’s too). So much so that my son wanted to dress up as Ilyas for World Book Day this year.

Part of the highly-acclaimed Ilyas & Duck series! Eid-al-Fitr is here!

“It’s time to celebrate! But what is Eid all about? Join Ilyas & Duck in this fantastically delightful story as they explore the fun and excitement of Eid while learning about the charitable nature of it all. Eid has never been so much fun!”

2015 Moonbean Children’s Book Awards Silver Medal (Multicultural – Non-Fiction picture book)

Available from Suhayla Kids for R235 (and so worth it).

Hassan and Aneesa love Ramadan – Yasmen Rahim

We love this series, another one we love is the “Hassan and Aneesa go to the Masjid”.

“It’s the night before Ramadan and Hassan and Aneesa are very excited for this special month to begin. During Ramadan, they will read the Qur’an, give charity, share food with neighbours, and try to fast as their parents do.

Follow Hassan and Aneesa on the first day of Ramadan and find out why they love it when this holy month arrives.”

A steal at R50 from you guessed it, SUHAYLA kids

On our wishlist:

I haven’t got my hands on these yet but am determined to add them to our collection this year.

Its Ramadan, Curious George – Hena Khan

One of the most popular books in the UK, and proving to be so here too (Its currently sold out and on my wishlist too).

It’s the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal. Then, George helps make gift baskets to donate to the needy, and watches for the crescent moon with the man in the yellow hat. Finally George joins in the Eid festivities to mark the end of his very first Ramadan.

R125 from SUHAYLA Kids for R125.

Migo & Ali: Love for the Prophets – Zanib Mian

 

I LOVE the fact that this book tells a summarized version of each prophet.

“This delightful hardback book, with 164 full colour pages, contains vibrantly illustrated stories of the prophets, from Adam (as) to Muhammad (saw). These stories are concise, and told in engaging, child-friendly language. A question and answer session after each story is also unique in its style, depicted as a conversation between the two lovable characters. Ali pretty much asks Migo the questions that will be on your child’s mind.”

R275 from SUHAYLA kids

Allah Tells Me – Ali Gator

 

This book just looks like a beautifully simple introduction of the Five Pillars of Faith in Islam.

“This book introduces young children to the 5 pillars of Islam through beautiful illustration and gentle words that will develop both a consciousness of Allah as well as a curiosity to learn more.

InshaAllah (God Willing) this book will inspire young hearts to learn about & love Allah.”

R75 From SUHAYLA kids.

 

That’s our top list! I would love to hear some of your favourites too. ALL of these books are easy to read with no uncomplicated language or descriptions, perfect for young minds. The bright illustrations help children remember and I cant wait to put them all out for our Ramadan book corner this year.

If you are in Johannesburg next week (3-6 May 2018), SUHAYLA Kids will be at the Eid Shopping Festival at the Dome (Stall C5). They will have a wide selection of their Islamic books, toys, decor and more, all to inspire and expand young muslims minds. Including one of our favourites, the Dua Pillow.

Keep an eye on the blog or subscribe to follow some of the cute Ramadan crafts I have planned over the next month!

 

5 thoughts on “Top Childrens’ Book Picks for Ramadan

  1. The illustrations in the Golden Dome book is so beautiful. Similar for the Night of the Moon. Pictures to keeps captivated for hours! #sabloggerscafe

    1. Awwww thats so special xx They are really fun, I have 3 favourites that i think they would love x

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