Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle

by Reza Jalali, Anne Sibley O'Brien (Illustrator)

Looking through the tall trees in their backyard in Maine, Shirin and her dad search for a glimpse of the new moon, the sign that the month of Ramadan has begun. Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world pray, fast, and pay special attention to doing good deeds. Shirin is nine and thinks she should be able to fast like her older brother Ali, but her parents feel she is still too young to go without food and water all day. When Shirin catches Ali sneaking food after school, she Should she tattle or is this an opportunity for a good deed? Shirin feels left out when the others break their fasts to have their own meals after dark and in the early morning, before it is light again. But then her grandmother tells a story that shows her a way she can feel more a part of Ramadan and the traditions and closeness her family enjoys during this special month of the year. Her good deeds result in a surprise for everyone! For Muslim people around the world, Ramadan is a month-long time for prayer, fasting, and charity. This "month of blessing" is not viewed as a time of hardship but instead as a time to develop self-discipline and increase awareness of and compassion for the poor and the hungry. It is a time to deepen connection with Allah through prayer and community. For this much-anticipated month, Muslim people gather together in homes, shops, and restaurants to break their fasts and pray.

Islam uses a lunar calendar, so the timing of Ramadan depends on the cycles of the moon. Ramadan lasts a lunar from new moon to full moon and back to new moon. Ramadan always begins on the first night of the new moon of the ninth month of the year. Because the lunar calendar's months are shorter than the solar calendar's months, Ramadan appears to "move" from year to year. As a result, fasting (no food or water) during the winter months is not quite so much a challenge as fasting during long, hot summer days.

It is the custom to start the day with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, then not eat or drink again until after the sun has set. That post-daylight meal is called iftar. Sharing these pre-dawn and post-sunset meals is an important part of community and family bonding, which is part of why Shirin feels a bit left out.

Ramadan is as important to many Muslims as Christmas and Easter are to many Christians, and Passover, Yom Kippur, and Rosh Hashanah are to many Jewish people. Ramadan ends with a gift-giving celebration called Eid ul-Fitr, which means "festival of breaking the fast."

Moon Watchers could promote conversations

Genres: Picture Books, Islam, Childrens, Cultural, Religion, Holiday, Muslims

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 11, 2010

About the author

Reza Jalali, who wrote the foreword for New Mainers, is a writer and community organizer. Originally from Iran, Jalali, who holds an MFA, has taught at the University of Southern Maine and Bangor Theological Seminary.He's an administrator at the university of Southern Maine and is the author of award-winning children's book, Moon Watchers. His latest book, Homesick Mosque, a collection of short stories, is about Muslim immigrants in the post-9/11 America.

Reviews

[Hannah]

Nobody else is going to care about this, and I think it's a sweet little book overall, but mostly I was caught up with Shirin's prayer wishing for straight hair and it wrecked me because things and beauty standards and those aren't tears, they're allergies.

[Elizabeth]

This is a nice story about a 9-year-old girl who wants to be able to participate in the Ramadan fast -- with various information about Ramadan (including the titular moon watching and Ramadan's basis in a lunar calendar) woven throughout. Her familial interactions feel really genuine.

Edit: Another reviewer reminded me that early on our child protagonist prays for "straighter hair and better grades." I winced for her in that moment about her internalization of Western beauty norms, and I hoped there would be a payoff later pushing back against it (spoilers: it never comes up again -- I guess it was intended as a sort of throwaway line?), but then I forgot about it by the time I finished the book :/

In rereading the book, I was also uncomfortable with a throwaway comment about her dad losing weight during Ramadan (implicitly due to fasting). The comment is fairly neutral -- but given our thinness-obsessed culture, losing weight tends to be interpreted as inherently positive unless stated otherwise, and I wouldn't want readers to take up fasting to lose weight.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moon Watchers – Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle by Reza Jalali, illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien – Touching story about a young girl who wishes to practice all the traditions of Ramadan but is too young to practice the fasting. Appreciated the compromise and also the honest sibling relationship.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aware that Ramadan - the Islamic month of fasting - was set to begin again in three weeks' time, I had been looking around for good children's stories which address the topic, when I stumbled across this engaging new picture book by Iranian-American author Reza Jalali, published this past June. I was particularly pleased, moreover, when I noticed that it was a Tilbury House title, as they are one of my favorite smaller presses!

Wanting to be a part of her family's Ramadan observances, and always competitive with her older brother Ali, nine-year-old Shirin pesters her mother and father for permission to fast. Finally, after her grandmother, Maman-Bozorg, relates a story about her own father's youthful desire to observe Ramadan, and the compromise that was reached, Shirin is allowed to make a partial fast. But, as Maman-Bozorg maintains, Ramadan is not simply about fasting, but also about doing good deeds. Will Shirin be able to recognize the good deed that needs doing, when the time comes, or will sibling rivalry get in the way...?

A warm family story that encompasses the themes of religious observance, cultural practice, and the resolution of conflict between siblings, Moon Watchers: Shirin's Ramadan Miracle is a lovely addition to any holiday shelf. Young Muslim readers will see a part of their experience reflected back at them - something that is still too infrequent, in the world of children's literature - while those of other religious persuasions will gain an appreciation for this important time in the Islamic year. I appreciated the fact that Jalali managed to incorporate a discussion of the diversity of beliefs and practices, within the Muslim community, as it concerns women's use of a head covering - Shirin's grandmother wears a head scarf, her mother does not - and I thought that Anne Sibley O'Brien's illustrations complemented the tale admirably. In short: this is one Ramadan title that I would recommend to all!

[Esther Storrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle, nine-year-old Shirin is anxious to join her family in fasting for the holy month of Ramadan. Her parents say that she is too young to fast, but instead should concentrate on doing good deeds for others. Eventually, they allow her to fast “part-time”, and the book tells of the day-to-day activities of the family during Ramadan.

The illustrations are very realistic, and seem culturally appropriate. Scenes show the family praying on prayer shawls, and preparing tea in a samovar. The book doesn’t specify where the family is from, but the foods (stuffed dates, sweet rice with saffron) and a brief use of Persian indicates the family, like the author, is from Iran. Living in the United States now, the book is mostly about the happenings in the house.

The title of the book comes from Shirin and her father’s nightly tradition of going out to watch the moon. First, looking for the new moon to signal the start of Ramadan, and then throughout the month watching the moon grow wax and wane until the next new moon signals the end of Ramadan. However, her “Ramadan miracle” is not so miraculous, and involves her brother being nice to her. He gets her a present to celebrate Eid after she does not tell her parents that he is sneaking food during the day. That constitutes her good deed for others for the month.

I really liked how this book walks readers through the traditions of Ramadan. I had a much better picture of the month after reading the book. The main focus was on the daily practices during Ramadan, but the story reads more like a diary than a story with an engrossing plot. Shirin’s parents and grandmother encourage her to focus on other aspects of Ramadan since she could not fast, but she is very focused on the fasting. I would have liked to see more of the charitable aspects of Ramadan shown. However, the book would be a great introduction to Ramadan, and very helpful is a school like mine where many children do fast during Ramadan.

[Katie Lebkuecher]

1. Text-to-self connection: Growing up, my family attended church. I remember when I was younger, wanting to get baptized because everyone I knew was baptized. Everytime I would ask my mom about it, she would tell me that I was too young. This is similar to the experience of Shirin wanting to fast with her family during Ramadan. Like Shirin, I was eventually able to convince my mom that I was old enough.
2. A. Knowledge: What doesn’t Shirin’s family do during Ramadan?
B. Comprehension: Explain what happens during Ramadan/
C. Application: Predict whether or not you think Shirin will participate in the next Ramadan.
D. Analysis: What is the main idea of the book?
E. Synthesis: Create a timeline of events from the book.
F. Evaluation: Decide if you think Shirin is old enough to fast for Ramadan or not.
3. (2010, June 1). Booklist. http://www.booklistonline.com/Moon-Wa...

[538am_Kelly O'Hara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about Muslim customs and the Ramadan holiday through a picture book and I believe this would be a good introduction for young students. The book focuses on a young girl's desire to take part in the adult custom of fasting and is relatable to all children who want to be like the grown-ups but aren't allowed. The story humanizes a Muslim family, including sibling rivalry and kind, loving parents, and this is an important lesson in our society. The book does not focus on the religious beliefs so it could be used in public schools as a cultural lesson or part of a unit on different holidays. The illustrations are paintings that show details that may be unfamiliar to American students such as headscarves and traditional foods, but also portray more familiar suburban sights such as the father grilling and the children wearing T-shirts. Best for grades 2-4. Kirkus reviewed.

[Laurie Fieldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book~ from the story to the illustrations, and as an educational tool to understand the sacred holiday. I chose a children's book to keep it simple, direct, and fun.

Told from the point of view of a young girl, who is not yet able to fully participate in Ramadan. Love the way she gains understanding from various family members, some who are helpful, and one, seemingly unhelpful:)

Her Father involves her in watching the various moon phases and educates her on how this is important throughout the month of Ramadan. The rivalry with her older brother rang true, as he could fully participate, and of course, gave her a hard time.

Sweet, heartfelt, and real.

[Janet Luch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shirin and her father watch the Maine sky for the new moon so they will know when Ramadan begins. The story tells of how she and her family observe Ramadan. Shirin has an older brother, Ali, who is old enough to fast but Shirin seems him sneaking snacks after school. She debates whether to tell on him or not but in the end decides not to. For her good deed, she and her parents are surprised when Ali gives her a present for Eid.
Readers how enjoy this book may also enjoy Magid Fasts for Ramadan

[Bdalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shoring feels left out as she is the only member of her family not fasting for Ramadan. She feels old enough this year. She has lots of questions and struggles to find a way to make a significant offering of her faith to Allah. Shirin overcomes a bout of sibling rivalry and supports her brother as he struggles to keep the tradition that she so desperately wants to be part of. This well crafted story is best suited for 1st graders and up because of its length. Listeners and readers will learn a lot about Muslim beliefs and traditions

[amaya the cactus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little story about a girl who wishes to participate in Ramadan fasting but is too young (aged nine) - and how her family helps her learn the art of compromise. A concise, accessible, and thoughtful way to inform young and old readers alike about the holiday itself - and to see just how alike Muslim families really are to non-Muslim ones. ;)

[Nancy Jo Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely book and story about the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. In our school, we have a very diverse population and our teachers are always trying to expose kids to the different cultures and traditions.

I like that this book explains about the holiday in a kid-friendly accessible manner through a great story. The explanations and descriptions of the fasting and praying were nicely done.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different religions observe different holidays. It is important to teach students this at an early age. In Moon Watchers a little girl also learns what it is like to be a part of her family and her religion. Her family considers her too young to fast for Ramadan, but she learns that she can still be a part of her culture. Most importantly she learns what it means to be a sister, when she keeps her brother's secret.

[Ame · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows one family's celebration of Ramadan and gives non-Muslims a glimpse into this month of fasting and good deeds. The illustrations are beautiful and culturally appropriate. I know I can do a Google search for the "why" reasons for certain customs so it's fine that the book states "then we did this" without giving a long harangue as to the origins. Definitely better for older Elementary school aged kids and not my infant and toddler, but I found the book super interesting myself!

[Mariela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heartfelt book is about a Muslim girl named Shirin and her desire to fast during Ramadan like her older brother and the rest of her family. The book discusses what Ramadan is all about and looks at it through the eyes of a little girl who is just discovering its meaning.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book finds a balance between being informative and not having that be the main focus of the book. Students here will find a story about family and sibling relationships, not a book about "being Muslim."

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, engaging, enjoyable.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl, Shirin, who wants to fast for Ramadan but is told that she is too young. A very sweet story about a family, with a simple explanation of the basic of Ramadan.

[Natalie Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great information in this book. I think this would be a great book to teach with.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was magical.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice book about Ramadan. Wish I had had this book back when I was teaching my kids about religions and holidays.

[Ladyphase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice supplement to more expository juvenile texts about Ramadan. The focus was on telling a nice story. The plot even includes actual (children's related and relatable) conflict. Nice illustrations.

I wasn't expecting the miracle in the story to be the miracle, so it was an amusing way to end the book. I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't feel disappointed.

[Raul Carranza]

This book has a good storyline which in corporates an educational aspect in order to teach children about Ramadan, its meaning, and process; children/parents who read this book will have the basic knowledge of Ramadan.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

9/4/2023 ~ I appreciated the way the adults and brother were portrayed as being tired, but working through it after a day of fasting. Also, the bickering but appreciation of the two siblings was realistic.

A bit too wordy for a picture book, but the story did flow.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to Ramadan for an older child due to the longer and heavier text on each page and more detailed story.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a Religion teacher and used this book to teach what Ramadan is to my students. The family that the author portrays is loving and relatable to anyone from any background. The explanations about Ramadan are also spelled out nicely for non-Muslims. The only reason it did not get a five-star review was because I think it is too long.

[Fred Kohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful little story, not overly religious. I loved the pictures, especially of the night sky.