Shazia Afzal's latest book, "The Eidi Bag," is about Sarah's first Eid in a new country to life. As Sarah holds onto the traditions she cherished back in Pakistan, she discovers new ways to celebrate in her new home. Afzal beautifully explores themes of adaptability and resilience, making it a touching story with warmth and authenticity for young readers. The book includes a glossary and an author’s note, enriching the reader’s understanding of Sarah’s cultural heritage. Shiva Delsooz's vibrant, scribble-like illustrations capture the joy and energy of the celebration, sure to captivate the hearts of many readers. This is a wonderful addition to any classroom library. Ideal for readers ages 4-7

This book was given to me through Netgalley for my honest review. I want to thank Netgalley, the Author, and the Publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

I enjoyed this story. It definitely gives a look into another culture. I always find learning about new cultures amazing. The differences in the things they do. This is about a little girl who expects to receive money on a holiday. However, she's surprised to learn that this holiday is celebrated differently than the country they previously celebrated it in. Instead of money she received gifts and they are gifts she would have purchased with the money she had hoped to receive.

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
Sarah is excited for Eid to begin. She has her Eidi bag ready and jumps in to wish everyone, "Eid Mubarak." Her hope is that they will fill her bag with coins as she is used to when they lived in Pakistan. She soon learns that the traditions are different here and is disappointed. At the beginning, readers learn what she wants to spend the money on - gifts for others in her life. The story comes full circle when friends and family bring those items when they gather together that afternoon. Afzal does a terrific job of acknowledging differences in customs and helping readers understand this holiday. A brief description is also included at the end of the book.

This is a cute picture book that shows how traditions are not the same from place to place. Sarah has always celebrated Eid in Pakistan, and there everyone gave her money for her bag. She expects that this same thing will happen in her new home, in this new country.


And that thing is to get Eidi coins. She asks her mother for money, and her father, who does give it to her. But her mother warns her it is rude to ask for gifts.So when she sees friends at the Mosque, she just shows her bag off, but no one offers to fill it.
She wanted the money to buy sweets, flowers and markers, but now she can’t. She is sad. But her mother says that is not what Eid is all about. Later, friends come buy and bring all the things Sarah wanted, such as flowers and sweets. And she gets a gift of markers, so she is happy again.


Cute way to show that customs change. Also cute way to say that things can be different, but not bad. Nicely illustrated as well.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 7th of January 2025.

Awesome book! I especially loved how the beginning and the end of the story tied together and came full circle. This shows that the author pays a lot of attention to details, which I always appreciate. The illustrations worked hand-in-hand with this, perfectly connecting the story with the drawings. Adding onto the illustrations, they were so beautiful and intricate! The illustrator captured the artistic and gorgeous details of Sarah's Eidi bag, which I absolutely adored. It's also so important for kids that celebrate Eid to have a book like this, because there aren't enough inclusive books like this one out there. I can't stress enough how crucial it is for young readers to see aspects of their own identities in the books that they read. This book definitely achieves that goal.
Bravo!

This is really cute. I’m not super familiar with Eid traditions, so this was a great way to see how Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Sarah, a young girl who recently moved from Pakistan, and so traditions are slightly different than she’s used to. I really enjoyed this.

A good non-fiction title able Eid that follows a young girl as she celebrates in a new country. Definitions at the end of the book provide additional context and information for readers learning about Eid celebrations.

Sarah is excited for her first Eid in her new country! But when the festivities begin, she's disappointed to realize it's not quite the same as it was in Pakistan — especially when it comes to receiving coins to put in her special Eidi bag. A happy surprise from her aunt quickly turns her mood around, and she realizes that she can find new fun ways to celebrate the holiday.

This is such a sweet, adorably illustrated story. I'd never heard of an Eidi bag, so it was cool to learn about an Eid custom!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book!

I really appreciate that the author gave a glossary and explained the most important parts of the holiday for both adults and children.

I loved the illustrations in this book and love seeing the pictures of the family celebrating.

This is a great book that will help explain a holiday that some folks may not be familiar with. I really enjoyed reading it!