Happy Holidays! Eid al-Fitr by Rebecca Sabelko
This 24 page 2023 published non fiction book about Eid, is meant for babies to seven year old according to the publisher. A large spread of comprehension abilities that is thus required to be vague, simplistic, and at times not very successful at conveying much of anything. The large font and bright colors are engaging, and it starts out strong with sight words, and identifying Ramadan is a Muslim holiday followed by Eid al-Fitr, but then erroneously states Eid is three days. There is then unnecessary statements such as “They honor their beliefs.” That have no clear meaning, and in fact feel a bit othering. It seems the book is scared to say “Muslims,” saying it only once, it prefers “they,” and “people.” Some pages are clear and accurate, but many are just awkward, such as “Happy Eid! People pray each morning. They go to a mosque.” It seems so stilted. The picture glossary at the end is mostly accurate, but it defines Muslim as “related to the Islamic faith.” Overall, it seems like a little editing would clarify, correct, and even make this book a benefit, but as it is it just feels like token rep to add to a holiday library series.
The book starts with a table of contents and divides a very short book into chapters. The first three pages tell that Ramadan is fasting, Eid is after Ramadan, and a Muslim holiday. It erroneously says Eid is three days, and then says “the dates move each year.” If you are aware of the lunar calendar this makes sense, I’m sure a five year old would not understand that it isn’t just a randomly selected day.
Pages 10 and 11 seem vague at best, “People end their fast. They honor their beliefs.” The previous page was taking about Eid, the following spread is about Eid, it is almost like the pages were plucked from a similar Ramadan book and erroneously dropped in to this one.
We then are at the mosque, and told people pray each morning. I’m not sure if this is on Eid day, or every day, we do pray five times a day, and while it is good to pray at the mosque it is not required, so ultimately another unclear page.
The remaining Eid tradition pages are accurate, visit family and friends and say Eid Mubarak, eating big meals and sweets, giving to others in need, and giving gifts and money. The photographs show joy, and are bright and engaging. The Facts and Glossary at the end are then followed by an index and ways to learn more.
