The night before Eid A Muslim family story

PreS-Gr 2--Zain's Teita (Grandma) has just arrived from Egypt and is going to teach him how to make ka'ak, the sweet Eid cookie. The little boy plans to bring the treats to school the next day and share them with his classmates. He is hopeful they will be a hit. As they mix the dough, Teita and his mom tell Zain all about their Eid celebrations back in Egypt; these are beautifully conveyed by illustrations of families staying up all night baking and then distributing the delicacies to family and friends the next morning. As they continue to shape and mold the cookies, there is one moment of panic when Zain drops the mold and is sure he has ruined everything. Luckily, Teita is kind and talks to him about practicing patience. All ends well as Zain himself comes up with a way to rectify it. The next day arrives, and his classmates love the delectable cookies and even ask for the recipe. Not only is there lots to learn from this tale but there is also plenty for young ones to see; the illustrations are done in cozy hues of pink, teal, orange, and black by award-winning illustrator Kheiriyeh. Children will delight in spying Zain's mischievous black-and-white cat, who is a vital part of the action. Back matter includes a recipe and pictures of the author and her family, as well as an explanation of Eid. VERDICT A solid and worthwhile purchase.--Amy Nolan

A Muslim boy is excited to help his grandmother make her traditional Eid ka'ak cookies for the first time. Visiting from Egypt, Teita has brought special ingredients--ghee, dates, honey--sent from young Zain's relatives, and the boy can't wait to share the finished sweet treats with his classmates. Teita and Zain's mother relate joyful stories of past Eid celebrations in Egypt, baking, singing, and giving out ka'ak to friends and neighbors. Teita explains the history of ka'ak, a delicacy "as ancient as the pharaohs." When Zain accidentally breaks the beautiful ka'ak mold, he's upset, but Teita's gentle encouragement helps him come up with an idea for a new design. Khalil's descriptive prose is filled with culturally specific details, including the use of Egyptian Arabic dialect and references to poetry, music, and food. Equally textured are Kheiriyeh's illustrations, done in acrylic, oil, ink, spray paint, crayon, and pencil on watercolor paper. Complementary colors of teal and raspberry are festive and bright yet soft and comforting. Readers will enjoy following Zain and his black-and-white cat through the story; endpapers illustrate ka'ak ingredients and Eid lanterns. Zain's classmates are diverse in terms of skin tone, ability, and religion. Backmatter includes information about Eid, the origin of ka'ak, and a recipe as well as an author's note and photos depicting Khalil's family celebrating Eid. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A beautiful story of joy, tradition, and family. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.