Noura’s Crescent Moon
NOURA’S CRESCENT MOON is a book about a young, Muslim girl eagerly awaiting the sighting of the new moon so she can celebrate Eid.
This story is for everyone! Muslim kids will see themselves in this book and all kids will learn about Ramadan, fasting, and Eid ul-Fitr. This book gives also children an opportunity to compare Noura’s holiday with their own celebrations. A bonus is the mini lesson on the phases of the moon.
To continue spreading light across the world, I am donating a part of my proceeds to GIVELIGHT.ORG. This organization cares for and educates orphans in thirteen different countries including the U.S.
Praise for Noura’s Crescent Moon
- Crystal Kite Award finalist
- Pick of the Children’s Book Council’s Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
- An IBC Inclusive Books for Children top pick
“Khan’s lyrical writing and Adani’s soft, smudged illustrations delineate Ramadan practices while building one child’s suspense around waiting for the new moon. Back matter includes more about Ramadan.” —Publishers Weekly
“A young girl fasting for the first time during Ramadan anxiously awaits the new moon, which heralds Eid ul-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast. . . . Khan presents a refreshing take on Ramadan stories by spotlighting the holiday that succeeds it and highlighting customs such as wearing new clothes, visiting friends, painting one’s hands with henna, and eating Eid treats. Adani captures the anticipation of Eid with warm and richly detailed illustrations. . . . Sweet, heartwarming, and family centered.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The smudgy, light-dappled textures of Adani’s colored pencil and gouache illustrations convey the hazily energetic feeling of a child’s anticipation. . . . Khan’s clear and sweet prose deftly manages to avoid overt exposition while still making Ramadan traditions accessible for those unfamiliar with them, and several pages of glossary-like back matter provide more comprehensive descriptions of several terms related to this Islamic holiday. Bright and reassuring like the moon, this picture book will appeal to all young readers eager for the traditions that are important to the communities they love.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books