Eid for Nylah

PreS-Gr 2--Nylah the neighborhood cat just wants to find someone to play with, but in every house she visits, the families are busy. Some are cleaning or decorating their home while others are baking or wrapping presents. In each home, Nylah makes a mess, and a child who is helping his or her family must gently tell Nylah that it isn't play time. "Poor Nylah!" The adorable cat doesn't know that they are preparing for Eid al-Fitr. Finally, Eid arrives, and the Muslim families come together in the park for a day of community prayer and celebration--and "everyone had time to play with Nylah." Firdauzia uses bright, two-dimensional drawings to capture inviting home interiors that are filled with kind, connected families. Background tones of turquoise, blue, and pink complement the happy faces and colorful clothing. Elements of Muslim life are depicted, including a mosque in the background of one spread and women wearing headscarves. The author's endnote states that although the book is based on her childhood, Eid customs may differ as the Muslim community is diverse. Even the new moon of Shawwal, shown in a beautiful spread toward the beginning, can look different, depending on the location where it is viewed, Farook explains. VERDICT A sweet story of Eid al-Fitr that underscores the universal experience of families celebrating a religious holiday together.--Sally James

A ginger cat who just wants to play goes from house to house witnessing preparations for Eid. As night falls, a bright sliver of moon hangs in a starry sky. Nylah the cat watches as young Zahra and the rest of the family tidy their house. Unfortunately, no one has time to play with her. Curious Nylah jumps through the window of a neighbor's home, where she finds Bilal and his family hanging ribbons, balloons, and lanterns, but he's too busy decorating to play--a pattern that repeats at each house she visits. Nylah returns home and falls asleep. She awakens early the next morning to find her family decked out in their finest. As they all make their way to the park, Nylah realizes why everyone was so preoccupied…it's Eid! Telling her story from the perspective of a sweet, friendly cat, Farook creatively highlights the different ways Muslims prepare for this holiday, from painting henna in intricate designs on their hands to cooking lavish feasts. Firdauzia's bright illustrations of cozy, homey scenes are suffused with dreamy blues and purples--a reminder that the night before Eid is a special time for Muslims. This heartwarming tale concludes with an author's note in which Farook looks back on her own childhood memories and offers more information about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Nylah's family is brown-skinned; her neighbors are diverse in terms of race and ability. A clever exploration of a significant Muslim holiday.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.