Zamzam for everyone Sharing water at Hajj

Gr 1--3--A little girl narrates her first experience of Hajj, a time to "do good, share, and be thankful." Mariam tells of her decision to share her Zamzam water, believed to be blessed in the Muslim tradition, with anyone who needs it on the five-day pilgrimage from Makkah to Mina to the plains of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and then back to Mina and Makkah. In doing so, she encounters Muslims from the world over and receives food, drink, and thanks from people of many different cultures. When she gives her last drops of Zamzam to an overheated bus driver, he in turn gives her a whole new bottle of Zamzam, so that she has enough to take home to those who weren't able to make the journey. Gutta captures a child's excitement at being able to participate in the pilgrimage. The mingling of many cultures joining together for a practice they commonly revere is also effectively conveyed. Dawoud's digital collages amplify the goodwill; her characters exude kindness, while a judicious use of patterns on hijabs, flooring, and walls gives life to the bustling scenes. Helpful back matter explains further about Zamzam water, Hajj, and proper attire. Glossaries, pronunciation guides, and photos and descriptions of the foods fill out the appended information along with author and illustrator notes. VERDICT This joyful collaboration will be equally enjoyed by children who already know about Hajj and by those who are learning of it for the first time.--Jan Solow

Wanting to find a way to do good during Hajj, a young Muslim child shares water with fellow pilgrims from all over the world. Mariam, Mama, and Dad are among the millions embarking on Hajj, the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). Mama says, "Hajj is a time to do good, share, and be thankful." Brainstorming ways to do good, Mariam thinks of the perfect idea: sharing Zamzam--water from an ancient, blessed well of the same name--with others. With each cup of water Mariam distributes, the young protagonist learns ways to express thanks in different languages and samples delicious foods like syrupy koeksisters from South Africa and Indonesian pandan cookies shared in return, each as unique as the pilgrims Mariam meets. But will Mariam have enough Zamzam for everyone? Gutta explores a potentially lesser-known pillar of Islam with text that both educates and entertains. Dawoud's digital collage illustrations perfectly capture the essence of Hajj--the crowds, the awe-inspiring rituals, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing such an important spiritual event--all while portraying the cultural diversity of its attendees in a broad range of skin tones and physical abilities. Mariam is brown-skinned, though the child's ethnic identity isn't mentioned. The backmatter reinforces learning with the story of the Zamzam Well, information on Hajj, and more. A meaningful and heartwarming tale that shares lessons of goodwill, generosity, and gratitude. (photos, treats and thanks from around the word, five pillars of Islam, dressing for Hajj, glossary, steps of Umrah and Hajj, author's and illustrator's notes)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.