Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices by S.K. Ali

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once upon an eid book cover
Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift-giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy.

The stories are fun and wholesome. For non-Muslims, this book is a window into the Islamic culture. Muslim children will be able to see themselves in these stories and experience the same emotions the children in the stories experience - everything from the excitement before Eid, the food, the Eid dress dilemma, to an Eid where we don't feel like celebrating, an Eid where our loved ones are suffering, an Eid when you have just lost someone close to you, an Eid where you are staying at the borders of a new foreign land as a refugee, an Eid where you overlook the differences in sects in the community and come together as one, an Eid away from your family, an Eid where you try to build a new tradition, an Eid where your sole aim is to keep a tradition alive, an Eid where you bond with cousins you previously didn't get along with, and so much more. This book is beautifully written and perfect for anyone wanting to learn about the holidays of other cultures. 

 

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By MadisonS on April 29, 2021