Zahra's Blessing
A Ramadan Story
Published on 29. March 2022
Book
Hardback
32 pages
978-1-64686-493-5 (ISBN)
Description
"A sweet story about the importance of sharing and caring that's embedded in Islamic traditions" - Kirkus Reviews
A prayer rose from Zahra's heart like a sigh and floated up into the starry sky.
"Mama says blessings are all around us during this month. Maybe Ramadan will bring a sister for me."
During Ramadan, Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that she will get what she wants more than anything in the world -- a sister. She remembers, "Baba says we get more blessings when we give." But Mama reminds her we should give without expecting anything in return and to be patient. When Zahra goes with Mama to volunteer at a local shelter for asylum seekers, she befriends a displaced child and finds her prayers just might be answered in unexpected ways.
The perfect book to accompany Ramadan celebrations
Explains the idea of displacement and asylum seekers in a kid-friendly way
Endnotes provide more information on Ramadan, foster care, and shelters
A prayer rose from Zahra's heart like a sigh and floated up into the starry sky.
"Mama says blessings are all around us during this month. Maybe Ramadan will bring a sister for me."
During Ramadan, Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that she will get what she wants more than anything in the world -- a sister. She remembers, "Baba says we get more blessings when we give." But Mama reminds her we should give without expecting anything in return and to be patient. When Zahra goes with Mama to volunteer at a local shelter for asylum seekers, she befriends a displaced child and finds her prayers just might be answered in unexpected ways.
The perfect book to accompany Ramadan celebrations
Explains the idea of displacement and asylum seekers in a kid-friendly way
Endnotes provide more information on Ramadan, foster care, and shelters
Reviews / Votes
"A young Muslim girl, cued as Pakistani American, prays for a blessing and ends up being one . . . A sweet story about the importance of sharing and caring that's embedded in Islamic traditions" - Kirkus Reviews "Colorful illustrations are perfectly framed to show the goings-on of the family during the holy month of Ramadan as they open their fast during their Iftar meal, pray, and read the Quran" - School Library Journal "Zahra and her caring family exemplify a spirit of generous harmony as they follow the traditions of Ramadan" - Children's LiteratureMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 9 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 274 mm
Width: 218 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
408 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-64686-493-5 (9781646864935)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
When Shirin Shamsi became a mother, she began writing stories her own children would see themselves in. She currently lives in the city of Darien, Illinois, USA, with her husband and cat. When she's not busy writing for children, Shirin spends her days sharing her love of Barefoot Books as an independent bookseller in her community.
Manal Mirza is a designer and illustrator based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Manal creates her paintings digitally and draws inspiration from her experiences. Being a young Muslim American Pakistani woman, her illustrations highlight the different identities that she juggles day to day. Manal brings her own positive outlook to her work, aiming to empower women around the world.
Manal Mirza is a designer and illustrator based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Manal creates her paintings digitally and draws inspiration from her experiences. Being a young Muslim American Pakistani woman, her illustrations highlight the different identities that she juggles day to day. Manal brings her own positive outlook to her work, aiming to empower women around the world.