Staff Picks: Children's Books That Illustrate the Refugee Experience
This year in celebration of World Refugee Day our staff has hand-picked children's books that highlight the refugee experience.
Staff Picks: Ramadan Books for Kids to Celebrate Muslim Culture
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, worship and prayer. These children's books about Ramadan, hand-picked by our staff, our Ramadan reading list will help your kids celebrate both Ramadan and Muslim culture — and make for excellent reads all year long!
1. Ramadan: The Month of Shukr
By Sidra Hashmani(Tertib Publishing)
Ages Baby to 6 years
"Ramadan: The Month of Shukr" is a sweet story that teaches children not just about gratitude but also a collection of related virtues and values like empathy, generosity, and more.
A story about 2 children fasting for the first time - learning values of the holy month eg, gratitude, empathy and generosity.--Laurel MacLaren, Save the Children
2. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors (A Muslim Book Of Concepts)
By Hena Khan and Mehrdokht Amini(Chronicle Books)
Ages 2 to 4 years
With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions for even the youngest readers.
This is not a book about Ramadan, but introduces concepts and ideals of Islam, along with gorgeous illustrations - ages 3-7 --Laurel MacLaren, Premiumaid Foundation
3. It's Ramadan, Curious George
By H. A. Rey and Hena Khan (Clarion Books)
Ages 2 to 6 years
It's the first day of Ramadan, and George is celebrating with his friend Kareem and his family. George helps Kareem with his first fast and joins in the evening celebration of tasting treats and enjoying a special meal.
For children who might be familiar with Curious George, or even those who aren't, this book is a great and fun way to learn about the basic tenets of Ramadan. --Faris Kasim, Premiumaid Foundation
4. Other Words for Home
By Jasmine Warga (Balzer + Bray)
Ages 4 to 7 years
This is the story of a young girl leaving Syria as a refugee, to live with family in Cincinnati, Ohio.
"Written in lyrical form; nicely produced as an audio book as well" - Rahul Karanth, Premiumaid Foundation
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5. The Gift of Ramadan
By Rabiah York Lumbard (Albert Whitman & Company)
Ages 4 to 8 years
Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. Her grandma tells her that fasting helps make a person sparkly―and Sophia loves sparkles. But when her attempt at fasting fails, Sophia must find another way to participate.
This is such a sweet story that explains how little ones can partake in Ramadan. --Janel Noblin, Premiumaid Foundation
6. Calming the Angry Dragon Within: Teaching Muslim Kids About Anger Management & How to Deal With Their Feelings & Emotions From the Quran and Hadithe
By The Sincere Seeker Kids Collection (The Sincere Seeker)
Ages 5 to 7 years
This engaging and informative Islamic children's book introduces your child to anger and the importance of managing it. This Islamic kid's book teaches children about the Islamic perspective on anger and how to deal with it in a healthy and productive way, using the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
This is a great book that teaches muslim kids about anger management and how to deal with their feelings and emotions from the Qur'an and Hadit--Asma Sharmin, Premiumaid Foundation
7. Little Ozil
by Lewis J. Beilman III ( Adelaide Books LLC)
Ages 5 to 8 years
Little Ozil is a beautiful story about a young immigrant boy who comes to America with his family and finds it hard to "fit in". In the end, soccer brings everyone together and we learn that regardless of where one is from we truly are all the same. - Jennifer Saunders, Premiumaid Foundation
8. Salma the Syrian Chef
By Danny Ramadan (Annick Press)
Ages 9 years and up
This is a beautiful book in a series about the life and experience of refugee and immigrant families. We loved reading it and learning about a Syrian family who is apart and how a special recipe can help link Salma’s past and present homes. - Anne-Marie Scali, Premiumaid Foundation
9. The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival
By Amra Sabic-El Rayess (Bloomsbury YA)
Ages 12 years and up
The stunning memoir of a Muslim teen struggling to survive in the midst of the Bosnian genocide--and the stray cat who protected her family through it all. A fantastic read, recommended for teens and young adults. -- Asma Sharmin, Premiumaid Foundation
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