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
Sales rank:	419,014
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

Gr 1-4

This story is centered around Girgian , a Muslim celebration observed mostly in the Arabian Gulf states during the middle of the month of Ramadan. When Noor, who lives in Kuwait, sees the almost-full moon rise, she knows it's time to prepare for the festival. The family makes candy from honey, sugar, and nuts to share with the children in the neighborhood, wrapping it with cellophane and colorful bows. Then the siblings decorate canvas bags with bright colors, hoping to fill them with treats on the following evening. Noor spends the next day reading the Koran and praying while she fasts but wishes the time would go more quickly. Finally, the sun sets, and the streets are filled with youngsters singing, carrying fanouses (Ramadan lanterns), and knocking on doors to collect candy. Afterward, Noor and her grandfather deliver a food basket for the poor to the mosque. The story underlines the gift of sharing during a month dedicated to self-improvement and community welfare. Shimmering with moonlit hues, the attractive illustrations are done in a style that reflects one of many Muslim cultures. A helpful author's note and glossary are appended. An excellent choice for units on diversity and multiculturalism.-Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OH

School Library Journal

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