The Month that Makes the Year by Inda Ahmad Zahri

Title: The Month that Makes the Year

Author: Inda Ahmad Zahri

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Published: 28^th February 2023

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 32

Price: $24.99

Synopsis: Exploring Ramadan through the eyes of a Muslim child, this graceful and authentic story illuminates the sense of belonging to both the community and the universe that this month of fasting, prayer and reflection brings, as well as the sense of accomplishment that springs from sacrifice.

This month is different from the others.
It starts with the sighting of a new crescent moon.
‘Slow down, be kind to yourself and think good thoughts.’
This month, we learn to do big things by changing one little thing at a time…

It’s the first time for Deenie, the youngest member of a Muslim family, to fast during Ramadan. She comes across some challenges, but by the end of the month, she learns that there is a lot more to Ramadan than giving up food and water.

A warm and joyful story offering children the chance to see themselves or their friends in the celebration of the spiritual practice of Ramadan.

~*~

Deenie is about to take part in her first Ramadan – and she unsure f how she will go, but she is determined to make it through the month because it is important to her and her family for their religion – Islam. As she navigates the month of Ramadan, she comes to understand what it is all about, and how everyone in her community comes together, and the role of reflection, sacrifice, and a sense of belonging to the community in more ways than one. It is a delightful story that is aimed at a broad audience.

The book is a celebration is Ramadan, and not only does it allow Muslim children to be seen and have their world reflected for them. At the same time, it is a beautiful way to help non-Muslims understand what Ramadan is and how they can help any Muslims in their lives and communities during Ramadan. It is the kind of book that would work well across all ages in an educational situation and be a good book to display during Ramadan in schools alongside other books about other celebrations if they coincide with each other.

I liked learning more about Ramadan and its importance for so many people. Books like this can help make the world more understanding and accepting because it gives everyone space to be represented and to understand something we might not know much about. It shows that there are different things that are important to everyone, and I think Deenie was a genuine character whose reactions suited a child of her age, and it was dealt with sensitively and with a thorough understanding of Ramadan, Islam, and what it means for a child experiencing it for the first time.

I liked the way the book explained little kids like Deenie didn’t have to fast all day, but she was determined to – I loved that about Deenie, and I loved the inclusion of everyone and the community as a book and how non-Muslims in their lives helped them and included them. The book is beautifully written and illustrated by Inda, and I think it will be loved by many, as it will mean so much to those who celebrate Ramadan, and give those who don’t a chance to learn about it.