Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 15-session Literary Leaf for Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan, covering all aspects of the Key Stage 2 content domain.  Children will join Yasmeen, a 7-year old Pakistani-American girl as she celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, 'The Night of the Moon' (Chaand Raat) and Eid.  Children will explore the illustrations and language, make inferences and predictions about events in the story, and discuss emotions and feelings felt at different stages in the story. They will make links between their own experiences and those of Yasmeen, thinking about traditions and special events in their communities. Children also summarise the events of the story.

Synopsis of Text:

This tale about the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is told through the eyes of Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl. The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, and one bedtime, Yasmeen’s mother points out the moon’s first crescent in the night sky, marking the start of Ramadan. Through Yasmeen’s conversations with her family, readers discover more about this Muslim celebration. Parties are held throughout the month, where people come together to share food, gifts and prayers.

Each night, Yasmeen watches the moon as it transforms from the tiniest sliver of a crescent to a bright full circle, then reduces in size until it disappears altogether. The Night of the Moon, when the first crescent appears again, signifies the end of Ramadan and is followed by the festival of Eid. Yasmeen prays in the mosque, has her hands decorated with henna, eats wonderful food, and receives a very special gift.

Beautiful, rich illustrations enhance this joyful and informative picture book. A useful glossary of terms and a note from the author at the end of the book provides further information.

Links:

A window to the world, coming together & community, belief, celebrations, Eid, Ramadan