Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Two family members not fasting during Ramadan together prepare iftar in a moving picture book ode to a cherished meal. When grandmother Teta starts a new medication that keeps her from fasting, Malak, who is likewise too young to fast, suggests that the two make makloubeh for their family iftar, the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan. As the Palestinian-cued family's other members enter and exit the kitchen, everyone mentions their favorite ingredient: Jido and Khala, each wearing a keffiyeh, prefer eggplant and potatoes, respectively, Mama wants cauliflower, and more. When Malak wonders how everything will go together, Teta reassures her: "Each makloubeh is unique... Just like each family." Incorporating Arabic, Odeh's fond text peppers in similes, and Issa's inviting domestic illustrations feature motifs including keys, olive branches, strawberries, and watermelons. A recipe concludes. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--A glimpse into a family's Ramadan celebration that is centered around the preparation of a beloved dish: makloubeh. Malak, a young girl with tan skin and brown hair, and her teta, or grandmother, bond in the kitchen while navigating new changes--namely, Teta's need to refrain from fasting due to her medication. As Teta teaches Malak how to make makloubeh, each family member brings their own favorite ingredient to the mix, from eggplant to potatoes to carrots and cauliflower. What begins as a traditional family recipe becomes a reflection of love and compromise. Odeh's (A Map for Falasteen) warm style of writing captures the essence of intergenerational relationships, cultural tradition, and the spirit of togetherness that defines Ramadan. The addition of a kid-friendly recipe at the end makes it a great choice for families who want to connect through food and storytelling. While the book does include a few phrases in Arabic without translation or glossary, context clues provide enough for most readers to grasp the emotional tone and meaning. These moments also offer natural opportunities for discussion or exploration. Digital illustrations, using many vibrant details when it is necessary and more subtle imagery where needed, also add depth. This illustration style enhances the cultural richness of the story, accurately depicting details such as clothing and decor. VERDICT A strong addition to school and public library collections, this is ideal for young readers, especially those interested in learning about family traditions, Ramadan, or the joy of preparing special meals together.--Jessica Clark
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Malak and her grandmother observe Ramadan by cooking a cherished meal together. This Ramadan, neither Malak nor her Teta will be fasting--Malak's too young, and Teta's on a new medication. So they decide to find another way to make the holy month special. Malak asks her grandmother to show her how to prepare iftar, the meal eaten to break the fast each evening. But what to cook? Their Palestinian family's favorite meal--makloubeh! The dish contains layers of meat, rice, and fried vegetables, but everyone prefers a different kind. Malak's grandfather likes eggplant makloubeh best, while her mom's favorite is cauliflower. As the ingredient list grows, Malak worries: "What if everything doesn't go together?" But, as Teta points out, "Every makloubeh is unique…Just like each family." Soon, the meal is nearly ready, and Malak's uncle places a tray over the simmering pot and, per tradition, flips it upside down before serving it (indeed, makloubeh is Arabic for "upside down"). While many children's stories about Ramadan emphasize fasting, this charming tale, rooted in the author's own experiences, notably shifts focus to the iftar. Issa's cozy, digital illustrations exude familial warmth and feature deeply meaningful threads of cultural identity such as the traditional Palestinian thobe, keffiyeh, olives, and keys hanging on the wall, symbolizing the right of return. A vibrant, soulful feast of tradition, identity, and love. (author's note, recipe for makloubeh)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
