Aisha is waiting impatiently for the crescent moon to show itself, because this signals the end of Ramadan – the festival of Eid-al-Fitr. Her brother Samir comes back from the mosque with the news that the crescent moon has been spotted in the sky and Eid is definitely tomorrow. Aisha was particularly excited because family friends had promised a game of hunt the present. The traditional Eid presents would be hidden in the house and there would be clues to solve, but first there were other traditions to complete. Mum painted beautiful henna designs on Aisha’s palms and she had to sit still to let them dry while her Dad and Samir decorated the living room with lights , balloons and tinsel. The next day at the mosque everyone greeted everyone else happily while Aisha itched to go home and look for the presents. Finally, after giving Eid greetings to everyone, the family went home, but before looking for the presents Aisha and Samir took gifts to all the neighbours, as is the custom. After lunch Aisha could wait no longer and demanded to be allowed to find the clues that would lead to the presents and she and Samir solved them and soon found their Eid gifts. This engaging story effortlessly conveys a great deal of information about customs and tradition of Ramadan and Eid. The vivid colours and stylised images, almost like cut-outs, accentuate the excitement and joy of the festival and readers from 5 or 6 upwards will be intrigued – and can join in – as Aisha solves the clues to find her presents.
Eve Bearne
The Best Eid Ever by Sufiya Ahmed
Illustrated by Hazem Asif
Bloomsbury Education
ISBN 9781801993777
£7.99
Published 2024
