Zahra's blessing A Ramadan story

Shirin Shamsi

Book - 2022

Zahra wishes for a sister, never dreaming that volunteering with her mother at a refugee shelter might make her wish come true.

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j394.2657/Shamsi
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Location Call Number   Status
Children's Room j394.2657/Shamsi Due Apr 4, 2024
Subjects
Published
Concord, MA : Barefoot Books 2022.
Language
English
Main Author
Shirin Shamsi (author)
Other Authors
Manal Mirza (illustrator)
Physical Description
32 unnumbered pages : chiefly illustrations (colour) ; 28 cm
Audience
Ages 3-7.
ISBN
9781646864935
9781646864942
Contents unavailable.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

A young Muslim girl, cued as Pakistani American, prays for a blessing and ends up being one. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Zahra and her parents fast, worship together at home, and attend mosque. Zahra has learned from her mother that Ramadan is the month of blessings, so she prays for a sibling (specifically a sister) and for her lost favorite toy, a teddy bear, to be found. At the local refugee center where Zahra volunteers regularly with her mother, she meets and paints with Haleema, a young girl who has lost both of her parents. As the days of Ramadan go by, the two girls grow closer, and Zahra wishes she could find her teddy bear and give it to her new friend. The night before Eid al-Fitr, Zahra's parents reveal that they have "something special to tell" her. Readers discover (eventually) that Zahra's parents are adopting Haleema--just one of the unexpected blessings Zahra receives as Eid morning dawns. Shamsi's narrative is engaging, portraying a Muslim community assimilating to life in America but also holding on to important cultural traditions. The text makes references to Pakistani foods and to religious rituals like iftar, and the dialogue includes a few Muslim phrases. Mirza's digital paintings depict rosy-cheeked, brown-skinned main characters (background characters are racially diverse), are full of vibrant colors, and incorporate patterns that echo Pakistani textile design. As some Muslim women do, Zahra's mother covers her hair in public but not at home except when praying. Members of Zahra's community are depicted wearing shalwar kameezzes, hijabs, and topi hats as well as Western clothing. A sweet story about the importance of sharing and caring that's embedded in Islamic traditions. (notes, author's note, illustrator's note) (Religious picture book. 8-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.