My First Ramadan

As in My First Kwanzaa (2003), Katz uses a small child's viewpoint to explain the essentials of a traditional holiday. With his father, a young boy reads in the Qur'an about Ramadan, the most sacred time of year for Muslims all over the world. He learns about the prophet Muhammad and what he taught his followers. Clear words and simple, colorful collage illustrations show the family together as the boy learns the meaning of Muslim customs, prayers, and practices. He decides that he is old enough to fast every day of the holy month, so after a big breakfast, he does not eat again until it is time for iftar, the evening meal; then the family goes to the mosque to pray. Children will appreciate the warm, personal narrative, as well as the connections with Muslims all over the world. Rochman, Hazel

Karen Katz has written and illustrated many books for children, including The Colors of Us, Can You Say Peace, My First Kwanzaa, Counting Kisses and Where is Baby’s Belly Button. Long inspired by folk art from around the world, she was inspired to write her first book, Over the Moon, when she and her husband adopted their daughter from Guatemala, and she wanted to tell the story of welcoming Lena into their lives. Katz loves to paint and experiment with texture, color, collage and pattern. Besides an author and illustrator, she has been a costume designer, quilt maker, fabric artist and graphic designer. Katz and her family divide their time between New York City and Saugerties, New York.