Review by Booklist Review
Afzal's book shares a story about Sarah, a Pakistani girl who is celebrating Eid al-Fitr in a new country. In eager anticipation, Sarah brings along her Eidi bag, ready for new adventures. But when no one around takes interest in her bag--not even her neighbors and friends at the prayer hall--Sarah learns that her new community has its own unique ways of celebrating Eid. Guided by vibrant, warm illustrations from Delsooz, readers accompany Sarah on her journey to experience new traditions for a beloved holiday celebration, which include personalized gifts and a large communal meal with friends and family. Each page is filled with bright spreads of Sarah's loved ones in their home, getting ready to celebrate the holiday, all colored by intricate details like embroidery or food. Perfect for young readers who may be experiencing their favorite holidays in a new home, The Eidi Bag encourages children to be open-minded and to center quality time and cherished experiences for holiday celebrations.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
On the first Eid in her new country, Sarah is excited to put collected Eidi money into a small pouch--a tradition in her native Pakistan. She has big plans for the monetary gifts: "She'll buy candy to share with her best friend, Jessica, something nice for Dada ji, flowers for Mama, and a set of markers so she can draw with her baba." But Sarah's enthusiasm soon becomes disappointment when, at the mosque, congregants admire her bag and don't offer Eidi money. Back at home, guests arrive to the family's open house with arrayed offerings: baklava and candies, flowers and a potted plant, and even a big box of markers. Sarah still misses the way the family celebrated Eid in Pakistan, but realizes there are many ways to honor the holiday--and that her bag now has a whole new purpose. Afzal gently hits a range of emotional beats, and Delsooz's scribble-lined illustrations provide whimsy to this relatable tale of adaptability. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note and glossary conclude. Ages 4--7. (Jan.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--A young Pakistani immigrant celebrates Eid ul-Fitr (as it's spelled in the book, though the back cover copy spells it "Eid al-Fitr") in a story about change, community, and adapting traditions to new settings. When Eid ul-Fitr arrives in her new hometown, Sarah anticipates receiving gifts of money just like in she did in Pakistan. This year, her Eidi bag is not as full of money as she expected, and the day's celebrations start later than usual, leaving Sarah disappointed. As guests come to her home, each with a different gift, Sarah comes to appreciate a new way of celebrating her beloved holiday. Illustrations set a festive tone through details such as the colorful embroidered outfits worn by Sarah and her friends and family. Elements of Islamic design are incorporated in the carpets in Sarah's home and the arches of the masjid. Especially evocative is a spread of Sarah remembering life in Pakistan as she prepares salad with her mother in their new home. Back matter includes a glossary and explanation of the Eidi money tradition. VERDICT Celebrating community and evolving traditions, this book would make a good addition to a holiday book collection.--Nora Clancy
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young girl celebrates Eid in a new way in a new home. It's Eid al-Fitr, and this one is special for Sarah--it's her family's first time observing the holiday in their new country since leaving Pakistan. With a small, beautifully embroidered pouch in hand, Sarah asks family members for her money gift, or eidi. Mama gently reminds Sarah to wait to be offered eidi, but Sarah can't contain her excitement and sweetly plans how she will use the money she collects later at the mosque to buy gifts of her own to give. Her enthusiasm turns to disappointment when her friends and extended family acknowledge her pouch but don't give her any eidi. Back at home, as she helps prepare food for the guests of their open house, Sarah feels unsure when Mama explains that things are different in their new community. But one by one, guests arrive with gifts in hand--candy, a box of markers, and more. Afzal allows readers to see the world from Sarah's perspective as the girl finally understands that there isn't one single way to celebrate Eid. The youngster rides a roller coaster of emotions as she navigates novel situations--a feeling that will resonate with many children, especially those joining a new community. Delsooz's brightly colored, exuberantly scribbly illustrations imbue this important Muslim holiday with warmth and excitement. An accompanying glossary and author's note are welcome support. A festive tale that teaches valuable lessons of resilience and adaptability.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
