A RAMADAN TO REMEMBER by Marzieh A. Ali, illustrated by Najwa Awatiff
A Ramadan to Remember: Ramadan is almost here! It’s Zain’s favorite time of the year. Well, it usually is. After a recent move and with no mosque or Islamic school in his new neighborhood, will Zain find a new Muslim friend to celebrate with him? Children will learn what makes the ninth Islamic month special—from pre-Ramadan decorating, the importance of fasting and volunteering in the community, and the festivities and prayers that continue through the month, ending with Eid al-Fitr. Marzieh A. Ali and Najwa Awatiff join together to celebrate their respective cultures as Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world.
THE GABI THAT GIMA WORE by Fasika Adefris & Sara Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Netsanet Tesfay
Written in the cadence of The House That Jack Built, this vibrant and lushly illustrated tale pays tribute to the Gabi—a traditional Ethiopian cloth that is used to celebrate both community and culture. From the tiny seed to the fluffy white cotton, from the steady hands of the farmer to the swift fingers of the weaver, from the busy shopkeeper, to a gift for a loved one, follow the journey of the Gabi that Girma wore in this lively and rhythmic tale that’s perfect to read aloud.
NOURA’S CRESCENT MOON by Zainab Khan, illustrated by Nabila Adani
Noura can’t wait for the sun to go down! With Ramadan and her first month of fasting almost over, she and Mama and Papa are headed to the hills for a moonsighting picnic. It would be truly special if Noura could catch a glimpse of the faint silvery crescent, something even her mother has never managed to do. If the moon stays hidden, that means one more long day before Noura can wear her sparkly new dress and the joyful Eid celebrations begin—bringing with them visits with friends, eating sweets, and painting henna on her hands.
TRICKY CHOPSTICKS by Sylvia Chen, illustrated by Fanny Liem
A humorous picture book about a girl named Jenny Chow who has the hardest time getting the hang of chopsticks, but uses persistence and STEAM-thinking to try to single-handedly master them for good. Filled with fun read-out-loud onomatopoeia and entertaining chopsticks challenges—not to mention the added pressure of a competitive cousin and a chopsticks-savvy little sister—TRICKY CHOPSTICKS will appeal to those who have achieved the momentous milestone of chopsticks mastery, as well as wobbly chopsticks hopefuls who can relate to Jenny’s harrowing chopsticks mishaps. Click here for kid-centered TRICKY CHOPSTICKS freebies.
AWE-SAMOSAS by Marzieh Abbas, illustrated by Bhagya Madanasinghe
This warm and joyful picture book blends family tradition and creativity as Noor puts an awesome spin on her Dadijaan’s yummy but ingredient-specific samosa recipe. It’s Noor’s first time making her Dadijaan’s Special Samosa recipe. When she can’t get in touch with her Dadijaan because it’s nighttime in Pakistan, Noor must improvise to make her family’s recipe without all of the correct ingredients. Noor uses her creativity and problem-solving skills to create something new and exciting for her friends: flaky, super-crispy Awe-samosas! Marzieh Abbas weaves Urdu words into her narrative of creativity, problem-solving, and love of food and cooking. Includes traditional samosas recipes.
NOURA’S CRESCENT MOON by Zainab Khan, illustrated by Nabila Adani
Noura can’t wait for the sun to go down! With Ramadan and her first month of fasting almost over, she and Mama and Papa are headed to the hills for a moon-sighting picnic. 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.
NOT JUST THE DRIVER! by Sara Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Robert Neubecker
Who sends riders—CLICK, CLICK, CLACK—down the proper railroad track? It’s not just drivers and pilots and conductors! Come along for the ride and meet the teams behind the machines that get us to our destinations in this rhyming picture book celebrating transportation teamwork!
PEACHES by Gabriele Davis, illustrated by Kim Holt
A young girl is determined to bake the perfect peach cobbler—just like Mama used to. From picking peaches, to stirring and mixing, to kneading the dough, it’s a little bit messy. But with sure hands to guide her and her mother’s memory hanging sweet in the air, she has the recipe to make Mama proud.
WAT TAKES HIS SHOT by Cheryl Kim, illustrated by Nat Iwata
A stirring biography of Japanese American basketball star Wataru Misaka—the first person of color to play in the NBA! Wat’s motivational story of rising to any challenge and bringing your best to everything you do is a reminder of the power we each have to inspire others—if we just take our shot!
I AM BOTH by Kerisa Greene
For Hương, life in Saigon, Vietnam is mostly normal—at least, as normal as it can be while a war is going on. But when her family decides to build a new life in America, Hương worries about missing her home. Through new friends and old traditions, Hương learns that no matter where we go, the smell of home and the taste of love can happen anywhere, as long as we have our family.
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