The White Nights of Ramadan

by Maha Addasi, Ned Gannon (Illustrator)

Overview

Mid-Ramadan is a special time for families in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. These middle days are known as "the three whites," because they include the day of the full moon, the day before, and the day after. It's a time when children dress in traditional clothing and go from house to house collecting treats from their neighbors. When Noor sees the full moon rising, signaling the coming of Girgian, she and her brothers prepare for the fun. Together, they decorate the bags they'll carry to collect the candies. But along with the fun, Noor remembers the true meaning of Ramadan: spending time with family and sharing with those less fortunate.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629798462
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	05/09/2017
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	620L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 9 Years

About the Author

Maha Addasi was born and grew up in Kuwait. After a career as a news correspondent and producer for Jordan and Dubai television, she moved to the U.S. and began writing books for children. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia. mahaaddasi.com

Ned Gannon is a painter, illustrator and writer. He lives and teaches in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. gannonned.wordpress.com

Editorial Reviews

"An excellent introduction to this Muslim celebration." —Kirkus Reviews

"An excellent choice for units on diversity and multiculturalism." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

Instead of focusing on Eid, the holiday that concludes Ramadan, this title recounts a Kuwaiti family's celebration of Girgian, a lesser-known tradition observed in many Persian Gulf countries. Noor and her younger brothers, Sam and Dan, prepare candy for the Halloween-like event in the middle of the month, when the moon is full. After praying, fasting and breaking their fast with an evening meal, the siblings don their traditional dress and walk door-to-door by lantern light. At each neighbor's house, Sam beats his drum and announces that he is the new musaher, a man who uses his drums to wake people for their predawn meal, and the children receive candy in return. Their grandmother acknowledges the fun surrounding Girgian, but reminds Noor of the true meaning of Ramadan. In the spirit of the religious observance, the girl concludes her exciting night by delivering food to the mosque. Illustrated with detailed, luminescent oils, this picture book makes an excellent introduction to this Muslim celebration and a good companion to Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith's Celebrating Ramadan (2001). (author's note, glossary) (Picture book. 7-10)

Kirkus Reviews