The Most Exciting Eid

December 18, 2023
Under a thickly rendered new moon, young Safa, who reads as South Asian, cannot wait to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Mom draws henna patterns on their hands to prepare, and Dad appears with Eid decorations, events that see Safa too excited to sleep. At Eid prayers, she asks Allah for a doll, a set of colored pencils, and a bicycle—and opening gifts reveals that she’s received them all. But when Safa refuses to share her new cycle with cousin Alissa, her mother reminds her that Eid is about “sharing our joys and our food with those who might be in need.” Leaving Alissa behind, the two leave the party to distribute gifts and treats to neighbors, portrayed with various abilities and skin tones, until an end further hints at the import of sharing. Tariq’s cartoon illustrations, which feature expressive faces amid bright-hued cultural details, accompany this straightforward holiday tale by Talkhani. A glossary concludes. Ages 4–6.

January 1, 2024
The best part of Eid is sharing with others. When Safa and her family see the new moon, which marks the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, she's excited to start their evening traditions. Mom applies henna to their hands, Dad gets out the decorations, and Safa goes to sleep dreaming of the party they'll have the next day. Safa is ecstatic when she gets everything that she asked Allah for, but she doesn't want to let her cousin Alissa take a turn on her new bicycle. Mom tells Safa that she's old enough now to accompany her on visits to their neighbors. Mom and Safa share their treats with others, and Safa reflects on her actions and sees how the gifts make her neighbors happy, all of which adds to her own joy. Safa and her mother go to her grandparents' house to continue celebrating before heading home. Some readers may be confused by the sequence of events; the story ends with Alissa asking Safa where she went--was Alissa left out of the festivities at Safa's grandparents' home? Nevertheless, brightly saturated, celebratory colors and decorations capture the spirit of Eid. The neighbors are of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Cues in the text and in the glossary suggest that Safa and her family are Pakistani. The glossary includes some common Islamic phrases and terms that are not used in the text. A joyful celebration of Eid with a message of community and gratitude. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from March 1, 2024

K-Gr 2-It's the new moon, and Safa is eagerly preparing for Eid al-Fitr. From henna-painted hands to festive decorations, Safa's anticipation of Eid-and all the wonderful food and gifts it will bring-is palpable. The morning of Eid, Safa's prayers to Allah and her traditional Muslim greetings to her friends and family set the tone for the celebration. Safa opens her gifts and spends time with her cousin, though she's reluctant to share the gifts she's received. It isn't until Mom asks Safa to help her spread joy and food to those in need, to showcase what Eid is all about, that Safa realizes she may have made a mistake with her cousin. Talkhani's writing is simple yet effectively conveys the essence of Eid al-Fitr. The book brilliantly showcases various Muslim traditions and beliefs as well as people with different body types and of various races and orientations. Accompanied by Tariq's vibrant illustrations, the holiday comes to life on the page. Back matter includes a glossary. VERDICT A wonderful introduction to the holiday for those familiar with the celebration or not. The underlying message emphasizes the importance of kindness and joy, making it a valuable addition to any home, school, or public library.-Jessica Clark

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