This latest non fiction Eid book is not accurate, detailed, engaging, or something I would recommend schools or libraries shelve. It used to baffle me, but it now infuriates me that books like this continue to be published as non fiction, when they unfortunately perpetuate many of the same errors of similar earlier books, Muslim beta and sensitivity readers exist, why do publishers not seek them and OWN voice knowledgeable authors out? At least Google the subject before you write and publish a book.

Lets begin: Muslims fast because Allah swt has commanded it, not so that they "understand what it is like to not have enough food." Sure that might be a resulting lesson, but it is not the reason. It states that "children and people who are old, pregnant or ill do not fast during Ramadan," which technically might be true, but clarifying by saying they are not "required" to fast would be far more accurate. Many children do fast, many pregnant women fast, by simplifying it to such a degree, students fasting may feel less seen when presumably reading a book like this in a school, classroom, or library setting is meant to help provide windows and mirrors and foster understanding and an inclusive environment.

Eid al Fitr is celebrated on the first of Shawwal, some countries, cultures, or families may extend the festivities for three days, but unlike Eid al Adha, Eid al Fitr is only one day.

The brief history of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ receiving the revelation from Angel Jibreel would be even better with proper salawat and respect given. It also seems to imply that he traveled far and wide spreading the message and became a Prophet all within the month of Ramadan. It completely erroneously states that "Muslims remember the meeting of Muhammad and Jibreel and the writing of the Qur'an by fasting during Ramadan." How does remembering translate to fasting? Muslims make an extra effort to read more Qur'an in Ramadan, as blessings are multiplied, but the causation is incorrect.

The information about Zakat and charity is vague, but not problematic. Unfortunately it mistakenly states that Eid prayers is prayed, "just after sunrise." It is not, it is prayed in the morning, but not "just after sunrise." The phrasing about Muslims reciting prayers together to feel closer to Allah also seems off, why not just say Eid prayers are prayed in congregation. And while sure in some places the community might eat together after the khutbah, it doesn't happen everywhere and is not required, nor is eating sheer-khurma. That is simply one of many sweet dishes made in the sub continent that has no religious role whatsoever. The remainder of the book is poorly written and vague, "people play games and eat." It then says that Eid is celebrated in many different countries because Muslims live all around the world, but only gives one example that "in Turkey, baklava is given as presents."

How is this terrible writing making it into a book? I am truly baffled that this is the quality of a book to be published. It is a disservice to anyone seeking information, and the time of Muslims just being happy to be included has long passed. Books written this poorly keep stereotypes about Islam and Muslims as other and backward going. I am very disappointed.

In the series Festivals and Celebrations, this time we learn about Eid al-Fitr, one of Muslims' big holiday. Even though I didn't celebrate Eid, but people around me do, so I can say that the author did well writing about one. It is one that celebrates for days, and people start to buy new clothing weeks before it ends. The new clothes mean that they're restored and starting the new year with new leaf.

I thought this book was a great explanation of eid al fitr. I love the pictures of real people and customs so that kids can understand how eid is a holiday that many people celebrate. I love how the book explained the customs and traditions and origins of eid too. I don't know how applicable the questions in the back would be for us, but my children are younger. I also think the cover could be more inviting to a younger child with more colors or different images.

Before reading this book, I had very minimal knowledge of the story behind Eid, and Ramadan in general. So I learned a lot from this short book. It was easily digestible and defined any words that may be unfamiliar. I liked the pictures too. This would be a good book for kids 1-3 grade who don’t know anything about the holiday.