Night of the Moon

Night of the Moon

Picture book
Most kids adore the special holidays of their faith traditions.
I know in the Decembers of my childhood it seemed like Christmas would
never arrive. Hena Khan's Night of the Moon, an older book very worth
borrowing through inter library loan, combines the universality of
childhood celebration with a lovely introduction to Ramadan and Eid.
Yasmeen's mother shows her that the moon is in its first
crescent. It is the beginning of Ramaden, a month when Muslims old
enough to do so safely fast from sunrise to sundown. Families and
friends celebrate night meals together. There is sharing with the
poor. Finally the month ends with the very festive Eid and Yasmeen
receives a very special gift.
Remember the saying about small pitchers having big ears?
During this election season a lot of kids will hear nasty and
misleading statements about followers of Islam. Books that show the
truth about this ancient faith and its practitioners can go forward to
innoculate then against fear and hatred.
On a personal note, one on the secular Maine traditions is the Common
Ground Fair. This year I was lucky enough to go on a Common Ground
road trip with my Real Food Challenge crew. We explored, checked out
exhibits, ate yummy local food, and had a great time.
A great big shout out goes out to all the fine folks who made the fair
possible.
jules hathaway


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