Ramadan Rain - by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Haneen and her Momma celebrate Eid and the end of Ramadan with prayers made on a rainy day"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

In this heartwarming celebration of family and faith, join Haneen and her Momma as they celebrate Eid and the end of Ramadan with prayers made on a rainy day.

Haneen's Momma says that during Ramadan raindrops bring blessings and answer prayers. As they travel through the streets on a slow bus ride, rain drips down the window, and Haneen prays for new shoes and bright dresses--gifts she really, really wants to receive for Eid.

When they arrive at the masjid, Haneen makes Eid cards with the twins, Safa and Marwa, helps give out dates and water and spread tarps for dinner, and whispers duas--and, as she does, she begins to wish for something different. Something she wants more than anything. After all, the most precious gifts are not shoes and dresses, but the kindness of friends and the magic of faith. And, of course, the love of your Momma.

Review Quotes

★ "A contemplative tale of patience, gratitude, belonging, and the beauty of the rain." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "A moving, beautifully crafted addition to Ramadan and Eid collections that is ideal for storytimes, classroom or family discussions, and any setting where empathy and emotional literacy are nurtured." --School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Rainy-day visuals contrast with more vibrant hues in delicate illustrations across a work that employs an apt metaphor--weather--for both the family's economic anxiety and the main character's internal turmoil." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

About the Author

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, MSEd, is a former English teacher who has educated children and teens for fifteen years. As an inaugural AMAL fellow with the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC), she developed foundational curricular frameworks for youth and adult anti-racist programming. Her picture books and short stories, which feature young Black and Muslim protagonists, have been recognized as the best in children's literature by Time magazine, Read Across America, and NPR. These works include Salat in Secret, a Kirkus Best Book of the Year and a Golden Kite Award Honor recipient; Abdul's Story; Hold Them Close; Mommy's Khimar, Once Upon an Eid (anthology contributor), and Your Name Is a Song.

Aliaa Betawi is a self-taught Palestinian artist based in Alexandria, Egypt who developed her craft by observing her gifted mother. She believes that every kid deserves a childhood filled with magical, joyful memories and this is what she works to give to all kids, including herself. Her debut, A Map for Falasteen, was her opportunity to capture a single elusive memory in Palestine, a memory she could not enjoy as a Palestinian child in exile.