April 16, 2012
In this picture book, Khan (Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story) immerses young readers in “deen”—the Muslim way of life. Each spread portrays a Muslim custom, clothing style, or religious tenet and links it to a color used throughout the scene. “Red is the rug Dad kneels on to pray” exemplifies the accessible mix of tradition (prayer rugs) and modernity (colloquial English) the author uses throughout the book. The emphases are both the particulars of Islam and the universal concerns of all caring societies and religions—devotion; helping the poor through “zakat,” or money for charity; exchanging gifts at the holiday of Eid. Amini’s (The Faerie Door) illustrations apply lush and muted jewel tones to images and scenes from domestic and religious life in a contemporary Muslim culture. Scenes of street life and home life hold architectural detail and textile patterns and attract second and third looks. Arabic terms are woven into the text, some explained directly, some by context, making the book suitable for children of all faiths. A glossary provides additional information. Ages 3–7.