Copyright Date:
2024
Edition Date:
2024
Release Date:
04/16/24
Illustrator:
Sonmezay, Huseyin,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
1-623-54296-0
ISBN 13:
978-1-623-54296-2
Dewey:
Fic
LCCN:
2022056432
Dimensions:
27 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
School Library Journal Starred Review
(Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2024)
PreS-Gr 2— A gift to all readers! Sami's special day starts with a gift from his late grandfather, mosque for prayers and a buffet; a stop at the butcher to get food to share with a local homeless shelter; and, finally, a carnival to celebrate the holiday. Readers who celebrate Eid al-Adha will enjoy seeing their annual tradition, while readers who do not practice Islam will get a peek into a modern way to celebrate an ancient holiday. Young readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations and following the journey Sami takes with his younger sister Sara throughout the day. Adults will love to use this story as a model to broach conversations about traditions, as well as deeper themes of loss, philanthropy, and homelessness. Back matter contains a glossary and definitions of Eid al-Adha and homeless shelters. VERDICT An easy recommendation for all libraries. Add it to elementary and high school shelves.— Samantha Hull
It’s Eid al-Adha, and Sami wants to celebrate. But this year is different after his grandfather’s passing. A touching picture book about kindness towards others.
Sami worries that the Eid al-Adha carnival won’t be as fun without Dede (his grandfather), who died recently. Sami’s grandmother sends him one of Dede’s ties, and Sami vows to never take it off.
After going to the mosque for Eid prayer, Sami’s family stop at the shelter where Baba and Anne volunteer. Can an unexpected encounter and a special gift help Sami change his mind about celebrating?
The gift of giving and putting yourself in someone else's shoes shines through in this engaging, poignant holiday story.