12 books to celebrate Muslim faith & culture with kids this Ramadan

In this moving picture book, author Hena Khan shares her wishes for her children: “Inshallah you find wonder in birds as they fly. Inshallah you are loved, like the moon loves the sky.” With vibrant illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran, this charming picture book is a heartfelt and universal celebration of a parent’s unconditional love. We love that the illustrations allude to prayers and what they mean. Add this book to your shelf to cherish the unique relationship between parent and child.

Best for ages 3 to 5.

This is a magical book that celebrates identity, specifically being Muslim and Latinx. This heartfelt ode from a father to his daughter tears us up every time. We featured “Yo Soy Muslim” in our book club last year, and one parent emailed us complaining that their daughter couldn’t relate to the book. Please know this is exactly what we’re after: kiddos having books that represent all cultures on their bookshelves (not just their own culture!).

Best for ages 3 to 8.

This is our all-time favorite book about Ramadan, which is why we featured it in our monthly book club subscription earlier this year. There are many ways to participate in Ramadan, especially for children, and this book shows how! The Gift of Ramadan showcases celebration, a multigenerational family and picking ourselves up after a failure. The story follows a little girl who doesn’t manage to make it through the whole day of fasting but learns the different ways to participate in Ramadan with the help of her family. This is a wonderful book that teaches the values of Ramadan and explains what the holiday is about, for young and old audiences alike.

Best for ages 4 to adult (honestly!).

There are a handful of stories about Muslim women wearing hijabs, veils, and khimars (yes, there are lots of different types and names), and this is our favorite by far. We love how our book consultant Ashia Ray ( BooksforLittles.com ) summarizes this book, “Countering the Islamaphobic nonsense that a khimar is a tool of oppression against women, Mommy’s Khimar celebrates them as a symbol of joy, faith, warmth, and comfort. Wearing a khimar is a choice, an honor, and a celebration.”

Best for ages 4 to 8.

This is a sweet tale about seven-year-old Pakistani-American Yasmeen who watches the moon grow and change throughout the month of Ramadan, as Eid approaches. The illustrations are unrivaled and evocative, celebrating the holiday with beautiful colors. The story ties in with older cultural traditions and includes a glossary which is great for explaining to younger kids.

Best for ages 4 to 8.

“Big Red Lollipop” is a fast favorite in so many households. We love that this book isn’t about being Muslim, but simply features Muslim sisters. It’s a true gem! It is incredibly hard to find books that normalize diversity, rather than point it out as different. Little Feminist is working tirelessly to feature and help publish children’s books that showcase difference as natural!

Best for ages 4 to 8.

While the book isn’t strictly about Ramadan or Eid, daal is often eaten in many households during Ramadan. This book puts a fun cultural twist on a dish that a lot of families and kids will recognize from their tables, daal. This South Asian dish is made of lentils and requires patience. Watch Bilal make daal, and wonder if his friends will like his favorite dish.

Best for ages 4 to 8.

Yaffa and Fatima have so many similarities but come from different religions, Judaism and Islam. We see how they love and respect each other, sneaking food to each other during a food shortage. We love the muted color palette (different and stunning), and how our kids keep taking it off the shelf. This book is also perfect as Passover just ended!

Best for ages 4 to 9.

“Lailah’s Lunchbox” is based on the author’s own experience when she immigrated to the US. We love how this story features kind, accepting teachers. It makes for a great starting point to discuss what it’s like to be surrounded by people who don’t understand your culture.

Best for ages 5 to 8.

After a frustrating day where teachers and classmates constantly mispronounce her name, a little girl vents to her mother and declares that she won’t be back at school the next day. But on the walk home her mother shares the beautiful history of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. This story is a celebration of names and the rich stories behind them.

Best for ages 4 to 8.

This joyous picture book celebrates Ramadan, the month of peace. As the moon watches over Ramadan traditions in different countries across the globe, young readers catch glimpses of this holiday and understand the meaning behind it.

Best for ages 4 to 8.

Mina and her grandmother are rarely apart. In this charming picture book, Mina’s words to her grandmother are both universal and personal and showcase the love she harbors for her.

Best for ages 4 to 8.