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The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story
Celebrate the end of Ramadan with this luminous Muslim family story about faith, history, and delicious foods.
On the night before Eid, it's finally time to make special sweet treats: Teita's famous ka'ak. Zain eagerly unpacks the ingredients from his grandmother's bulky suitcase: ghee from Khalo Karim, dates from Amo Girgis, and honey from Tant Tayseer—precious flavors all the way from Egypt. Together with Mama and Teita, Zain follows his family's recipe and brings to life Eid songs and prayers, pharaonic history, and the melodies and tastes of his Egyptian heritage. This Muslim holiday story, featuring a delicious ka'ak recipe, is a satisfying addition to a joyful and expansive Eid.
On the night before Eid, it's finally time to make special sweet treats: Teita's famous ka'ak. Zain eagerly unpacks the ingredients from his grandmother's bulky suitcase: ghee from Khalo Karim, dates from Amo Girgis, and honey from Tant Tayseer—precious flavors all the way from Egypt. Together with Mama and Teita, Zain follows his family's recipe and brings to life Eid songs and prayers, pharaonic history, and the melodies and tastes of his Egyptian heritage. This Muslim holiday story, featuring a delicious ka'ak recipe, is a satisfying addition to a joyful and expansive Eid.
Hardcover
Published January 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 29, 2022
I wrote this picture book during quarantine in 2020, when I was feeling sad, lonely, confused, like most of everyone else. The Night Before Eid is like a big hug we missed during the uncertain times. It's filled with love, baking, three generations of Egyptian Americans sharing tradition and history. I hope kids see themselves in this story and others can relate to the story as well, when it comes to food and trying hard to perfect a delicious recipe!
August 10, 2022
There is so much richness in this book! THE NIGHT BEFORE EID is ostensibly about a little boy learning to making ka’ak, a traditional treat, with his teita (grandmother) on the night before Eid—a great story in and of itself—but it is also about so much more: Egyptian history and traditions, and sharing these traditions in a typical North American classroom. My child particularly found the author’s note fascinating because it speaks to his shared experience of having a holiday few know about. In addition to the descriptive sensory language and the warm, adorable illustrations, you’ll find a ka’ak recipe and great information about Eid.
July 13, 2022
What a gorgeous new book about Eid, one that is steeped in Egyptian tradition and as sweet as the Ka’k it talks of❤️❤️
Genre: Adv. picture Book
Ages: 5-8
-Preorder before it Releases before Eid 2023!!!! (Preorders help authors!)
Zain’s Teta is here from Egypt and it’s the night before Eid! In Egypt, the family used to gather while making Ka’k, packing the eidiya envelopes, doing henna, and playing music together to prepare for the next day’s festivities! Here in America, ZaIn repares the sweet cookies with his grandma himself, and he can’t wait to share them with his class! After a little bit of mishaps with cooking, Zain gets an amazing idea and they packed the cookies together. The class loves them and Zain loves his grandma the most!
Awwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!
Truly I was so in love with this book the whole time I was reading it! It is absolutely adorable and full of layers just like the layers of cookies! I love all the authentic Egyptian traditions shown in the book about Eid! It is so unique and so wonderful to read and the whole book exudes the joy of Eid!!
I loved the respect of tradition and the layer of having recipes and cooking tools passed down from your family members. It was absolutely so heartwarming to see and especially important for children in the diaspora. Holding onto tradition is one of the ways children hold onto their diverse identities!
The Ka’k and how it was described in the book made me really hungry, and I loved the recipe at the back and all the pictures, and the historical touches on how the pharaohs and Egyptian history are entrenched in this cookie recipe and made it so much more awesome!
I love how it also hinted at Zain nervously wanting to show his Egyptian background to his class and it empowers children to be proud of their identities!
This book is surely going to be a favorite Eid book For so many kids, and a wonderful joyful introduction for kids who might not know what Eid is❤️
A true must have!!!!
Genre: Adv. picture Book
Ages: 5-8
-Preorder before it Releases before Eid 2023!!!! (Preorders help authors!)
Zain’s Teta is here from Egypt and it’s the night before Eid! In Egypt, the family used to gather while making Ka’k, packing the eidiya envelopes, doing henna, and playing music together to prepare for the next day’s festivities! Here in America, ZaIn repares the sweet cookies with his grandma himself, and he can’t wait to share them with his class! After a little bit of mishaps with cooking, Zain gets an amazing idea and they packed the cookies together. The class loves them and Zain loves his grandma the most!
Awwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!
Truly I was so in love with this book the whole time I was reading it! It is absolutely adorable and full of layers just like the layers of cookies! I love all the authentic Egyptian traditions shown in the book about Eid! It is so unique and so wonderful to read and the whole book exudes the joy of Eid!!
I loved the respect of tradition and the layer of having recipes and cooking tools passed down from your family members. It was absolutely so heartwarming to see and especially important for children in the diaspora. Holding onto tradition is one of the ways children hold onto their diverse identities!
The Ka’k and how it was described in the book made me really hungry, and I loved the recipe at the back and all the pictures, and the historical touches on how the pharaohs and Egyptian history are entrenched in this cookie recipe and made it so much more awesome!
I love how it also hinted at Zain nervously wanting to show his Egyptian background to his class and it empowers children to be proud of their identities!
This book is surely going to be a favorite Eid book For so many kids, and a wonderful joyful introduction for kids who might not know what Eid is❤️
A true must have!!!!
August 18, 2022
The warm embrace depicted on the cover immediately invites the reader into this gorgeous book. And I love the pink and teal color palette. The story is brilliantly structured to include both past and present. Teita and Mama look back fondly at Eids past and staying up “all night to bake with the whole family,” while Zain is focused on the present and making sure the ka’ak (delicate cookies covered in powdered sugar) turn out perfectly so that his classmates will love them. The history of ka’ak is beautifully woven into the storyline. For instance, Teita says that, “ka’ak are as ancient as the pharaohs. Recipes were even discovered in one of the pyramids.” And they often featured geometric designs. Zain struggles a bit with getting the dough into the mold and worries that his cookies won’t have a design. But then he has an idea for creating a design on his cookies in his own way!
This story is rich with history, detail, and warm family traditions. And the wonderful back matter includes an explanation of Eid, a history of ka’ak, a lovely note from the author complete with photographs, and a simple ka’ak recipe that I can’t wait to try! This heartwarming story is perfect for home libraries, school libraries, and public libraries. Highly recommended!
This story is rich with history, detail, and warm family traditions. And the wonderful back matter includes an explanation of Eid, a history of ka’ak, a lovely note from the author complete with photographs, and a simple ka’ak recipe that I can’t wait to try! This heartwarming story is perfect for home libraries, school libraries, and public libraries. Highly recommended!
June 25, 2022
THE NIGHT BEFORE EID, A Muslim Family story by Aya Khalil and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh is lyrical and heartwarming. Khalil's story shimmers with Teita's love and paired with Rashin Kheriyeh's whimsical illustrations makes this story a delicious treat.
My favorite line was:
'Mama scoops the shiny dough, perfectly round and smooth like Ramadan's full moon'
I loved the grandmother bond of Teita and main character Zain and how Mama describes their cookies, that are "loaded with tradition.'
I loved how Khail wove Arabic into her story effortlessly and how Zain's class falls in love with his ka'ak, and who wouldn't? Khalil describes them deliciously: 'The best part is the surprise inside: fillings of finger-licking flavor." The backmatter of the book is inviting adds another layer of depth to this sweet story.
I can't wait to savor more beautiful books from this talented duo!
My favorite line was:
'Mama scoops the shiny dough, perfectly round and smooth like Ramadan's full moon'
I loved the grandmother bond of Teita and main character Zain and how Mama describes their cookies, that are "loaded with tradition.'
I loved how Khail wove Arabic into her story effortlessly and how Zain's class falls in love with his ka'ak, and who wouldn't? Khalil describes them deliciously: 'The best part is the surprise inside: fillings of finger-licking flavor." The backmatter of the book is inviting adds another layer of depth to this sweet story.
I can't wait to savor more beautiful books from this talented duo!
July 7, 2022
THE NIGHT BEFORE EID educates the reader about Egyptian history and culture through sharing about the tradition of baking ka'ak cookies from generation to generation. The story reflects the happiness of many Muslim families on an important holiday as they prepare for celebrations. It also represents the value of sharing the joys of ancient cultural traditions with others who may otherwise not experience it. Beautifully written by Aya Khalil and a true gem to be kept in every child's library to promote respect, appreciation and celebration of diversity, Muslims and Muslim-Americans. I highly recommend this picture book!
August 19, 2022
I had the honor of reading an advanced copy of this sweet story, The Night Before Eid by Aya Khalil and Rashin Kheiriyeh. It’s a heartwarming story about a little boy, Zain, and his grandmother. We are invited to their family tradition of making special holiday cookies called ka’ak to prepare for the Muslim holiday, Eid al-Fitr. While making this delicious treat, we learn about the history of this traditional treat, and how the family prepares for the holiday like making eidiya gift envelopes with money, doing henna, singing and playing music together.
While making the treats, Zain runs into a bit of a challenge but has an ingenious solution to his struggle to make the perfect pattern on the ka’ak cookies.
The illustrations are colorful and whimsical and make the story come alive beautifully.
There’s also bonus back matter like an author’s note, recipe, and more! A lovely story to add to any bookshelf.
While making the treats, Zain runs into a bit of a challenge but has an ingenious solution to his struggle to make the perfect pattern on the ka’ak cookies.
The illustrations are colorful and whimsical and make the story come alive beautifully.
There’s also bonus back matter like an author’s note, recipe, and more! A lovely story to add to any bookshelf.
March 24, 2023
Exceedingly cute and gentle, a wonderful glimpse into the life of a family preparing for Eid! It is wonderfully illustrated with beautiful bright colors and simple, expressive characters. It is quite simply a story of making ka’ak, but so much as well!! The reader goes on a journey through tradition, the making process, and so much joy! Highly recommend!!
August 8, 2022
The Night Before Eid is one of those cozy and heartwarming stories that will be read over and over again, and will very likely become part of a family tradition. Zain’s grandmother, Teita, arrives from Egypt, and the two of them bond as they bake delicious goodies together in preparation for Eid, thus creating memories to last a lifetime.
The delightful illustrations by Rashin Kheiriyeh with a recipe for Ka’ak at the end, and more factual information about Eid, is an added bonus to a perfectly lovely story.
The delightful illustrations by Rashin Kheiriyeh with a recipe for Ka’ak at the end, and more factual information about Eid, is an added bonus to a perfectly lovely story.
July 18, 2022
The Night Before Eid is an absolute delight to read. Teita has finally arrived from Egypt, just in time for Eid, and Zain and Mama can’t wait to help Teita make her famous Ka’ak. The love and tenderness that Teita brings to the story is so beautiful. You can almost hear her voice and imagine what it would feel like to be in her presence. Mama’s memories of Eid when she was a little girl are heartwarming and nostalgic, and progressing through the story of making and molding the Ka’ak and learning how Zain’s ancestors designed patterns and added fillings, makes your mouth water for the sweet, powdery, melt-in-your-mouth treats. When Zain has trouble molding the Ka’ak, Teita says, “El sabr gemeel”. She reminds him that patience is beautiful. This tugged at my heart – I will never tire of seeing unapologetic Muslim-ness in books. Zain shares the Ka’ak with his friends, with great success, and has the best Eid ever.
As a Muslim parent, I long for more Eid and Ramadan books for my children and I am thrilled that I’ll have such a special one to add to my collection next Eid. I’m honored to have had a chance to read an advanced copy of this delectably sweet book!
As a Muslim parent, I long for more Eid and Ramadan books for my children and I am thrilled that I’ll have such a special one to add to my collection next Eid. I’m honored to have had a chance to read an advanced copy of this delectably sweet book!
February 22, 2023
This is a truly heartwarming picture book.
Have you heard of ka’ak? Do you celebrate Eid? Do you wish for more Eid reads from around the world?
This new picture book is a welcome addition to our picture book collection.
It reads like a treat & feels like a family group hug.
The Eid story is as delectable as the ka’ak preparations & togetherness invoked in this vibrant picture book.
Every page is illustrated with touches of loving care. Read aloud, it embraces readers with so many good feels.
Educator note: The end pages are rich with photos, recipe, history & much more to help us learn more about Eid & ka’ak.
Highly recommend for every family & preschool library.
Have you heard of ka’ak? Do you celebrate Eid? Do you wish for more Eid reads from around the world?
This new picture book is a welcome addition to our picture book collection.
It reads like a treat & feels like a family group hug.
The Eid story is as delectable as the ka’ak preparations & togetherness invoked in this vibrant picture book.
Every page is illustrated with touches of loving care. Read aloud, it embraces readers with so many good feels.
Educator note: The end pages are rich with photos, recipe, history & much more to help us learn more about Eid & ka’ak.
Highly recommend for every family & preschool library.
January 30, 2023
What a lovely story that shares the traditions associated with Eid, including baking ka’ak cookies. I enjoyed how the main character learns about his family and cultural history while engaged in the fun activity of baking. I have only one complaint: This book made me my mouth water for those delicious cookies. Thank goodness the recipe is included in the book!
March 12, 2023
4.5
This 40 page early elementary picture book is set the night before Eid and radiates with love from a boy to his Teita, traditional ka'ak, and the family's Egyptian culture. The robust and personal backmatter shares a glimpse into the threads from the author's real life that the story touches upon, and makes the book extend beyond the pages. It is worth noting that this book does not articulate if it is for Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha and thus works for both. There is nothing religious in the book except a reference to something happening after Eid prayer in a memory, and the shape of the cookie being round like the Ramadan moon, Eid day is not mentioned, it is simply the catalyst for this warm family story about a boy and his grandma making a special treat for the first time and sharing it at school. The large hardback book with fun illustrations is ideal for both story time and bedtime readings alike.
It is the night before Eid and Teita has arrived from Egypt. Zain can't wait to make ka'ak to take to school and share with his friends. The beloved powdered sugar cookies are steeped in tradition, both in Zain's family and in Egyptian history. Once the suitcases is unpacked and the special ingredients found, Teita and Mama share memories of baking with cousins, painting henna designs on hands and putting eidiya in envelopes. The family recalls singing together on the balcony while Geddo played the tabla and lights and lanterns filled the streets below, after Eid prayer they would hand out the ka'ak.
Zain wants the ka'ak to turn out perfectly so his teacher and friends will like them. Teita tells him that ka'ak is as old as the ancient pharaohs, and that recipes were found in the pyramids. At one time rulers would even put gold coins in the cookies. Zain and his Teita mix and add the required ingredients, and drink iced apricot juice as they wait for the dough to be just right. Getting the cookies pressed with the molds though is harder than it looks, and Zain gets frustrated. Teita's love and patience and Zain's clever thinking get the treat making back on track. The ka'ak doesn't have a gold coin filling, but they are filled with tradition.
The timeline is a bit off for me with the grandma coming before Eid and then the cookies going to school on Monday, and then Monday evening when Zain is writing down the recipe with Teita he is telling her Eid Mubarak and that it is the best Eid ever. So, it seems that he went to school on Eid, not to Eid prayers, which is fine, just a little sad that there was no Eid celebration or prayers. I don't know that kids will be bothered by it, but the lack of mirroring and stressing how joyous Eid is does somehow get lost and mitigated, in my opinion, by skipping acknowledgement of the religious holiday. In the backmatter the author remarks that she has "outgrown the magic of Eid," so perhaps it is intentional that the day is not included in the text.
The last six pages of the book are filled with informative and engaging information about What is Eid, Ka'ak Time Line, A Note from the Author with photographs of her and her family celebrating Eid, a Simple Ka'ak Recipe and Additional Resources.
This 40 page early elementary picture book is set the night before Eid and radiates with love from a boy to his Teita, traditional ka'ak, and the family's Egyptian culture. The robust and personal backmatter shares a glimpse into the threads from the author's real life that the story touches upon, and makes the book extend beyond the pages. It is worth noting that this book does not articulate if it is for Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha and thus works for both. There is nothing religious in the book except a reference to something happening after Eid prayer in a memory, and the shape of the cookie being round like the Ramadan moon, Eid day is not mentioned, it is simply the catalyst for this warm family story about a boy and his grandma making a special treat for the first time and sharing it at school. The large hardback book with fun illustrations is ideal for both story time and bedtime readings alike.
It is the night before Eid and Teita has arrived from Egypt. Zain can't wait to make ka'ak to take to school and share with his friends. The beloved powdered sugar cookies are steeped in tradition, both in Zain's family and in Egyptian history. Once the suitcases is unpacked and the special ingredients found, Teita and Mama share memories of baking with cousins, painting henna designs on hands and putting eidiya in envelopes. The family recalls singing together on the balcony while Geddo played the tabla and lights and lanterns filled the streets below, after Eid prayer they would hand out the ka'ak.
Zain wants the ka'ak to turn out perfectly so his teacher and friends will like them. Teita tells him that ka'ak is as old as the ancient pharaohs, and that recipes were found in the pyramids. At one time rulers would even put gold coins in the cookies. Zain and his Teita mix and add the required ingredients, and drink iced apricot juice as they wait for the dough to be just right. Getting the cookies pressed with the molds though is harder than it looks, and Zain gets frustrated. Teita's love and patience and Zain's clever thinking get the treat making back on track. The ka'ak doesn't have a gold coin filling, but they are filled with tradition.
The timeline is a bit off for me with the grandma coming before Eid and then the cookies going to school on Monday, and then Monday evening when Zain is writing down the recipe with Teita he is telling her Eid Mubarak and that it is the best Eid ever. So, it seems that he went to school on Eid, not to Eid prayers, which is fine, just a little sad that there was no Eid celebration or prayers. I don't know that kids will be bothered by it, but the lack of mirroring and stressing how joyous Eid is does somehow get lost and mitigated, in my opinion, by skipping acknowledgement of the religious holiday. In the backmatter the author remarks that she has "outgrown the magic of Eid," so perhaps it is intentional that the day is not included in the text.
The last six pages of the book are filled with informative and engaging information about What is Eid, Ka'ak Time Line, A Note from the Author with photographs of her and her family celebrating Eid, a Simple Ka'ak Recipe and Additional Resources.
March 14, 2023
I admit, I didn’t even make it halfway through this book before I had to stop reading and flip to the back to make sure the recipe for the ka’ak cookies was included! By the time the family is scooping the dough onto baking trays and getting ready to put fillings in I knew I wanted to make them myself. Not only did I find a recipe in the back, but there are also photos of the author and her family celebrating Eid, absolutely surrounded by amazing baked goods, as well as information about Eid and a timeline of ka’ak cookies, which date back hundreds of years!
The story itself is as warm and inviting as the color palette used in the illustrations. It draws you in and makes you want to join the family in their preparations for Eid. I loved that this story wasn’t just about baking, there are elements of a young child having to figure out how to adapt a complicated process to work for him, and we get to see his classmates and their reactions to his family’s special treat. I was happy to see that there was a Jewish kid in the class, I’ve seen very few books that depict Jewish kids and Muslim kids casually coexisting and we need more of them.
All in all, I found this to be a fun, inviting book. I thought the main character’s fear of bringing a special thing to school and worrying what his classmates and teacher will think is very relatable, and I adore the little cat who appears in most of the illustrations.
The story itself is as warm and inviting as the color palette used in the illustrations. It draws you in and makes you want to join the family in their preparations for Eid. I loved that this story wasn’t just about baking, there are elements of a young child having to figure out how to adapt a complicated process to work for him, and we get to see his classmates and their reactions to his family’s special treat. I was happy to see that there was a Jewish kid in the class, I’ve seen very few books that depict Jewish kids and Muslim kids casually coexisting and we need more of them.
All in all, I found this to be a fun, inviting book. I thought the main character’s fear of bringing a special thing to school and worrying what his classmates and teacher will think is very relatable, and I adore the little cat who appears in most of the illustrations.
September 6, 2023
YES. YES. YES!
Shoutout to Aya Khalil for writing this wonderful picture book. I always say this, but I'm going to say it again: picture books have so much to offer us all, adults and children alike. I find myself learning so much about people, their cultures, and traditions that helps me build a human bond and appreciate things I will never experience in my life. While I am familiar with Eid, I knew absolutely nothing about the baking of ka'ak and how important it is to those with Egyptian heritage. First, it sounds delicious and my mouth was watering as Zain and Teita made them together, but I also loved the sense of community and family that Khalil exhibited on every page. Zain wants to help in the kitchen, but sometimes lacks the patience needed. When Teita said "el sabr gameel" to remind him that patience is beautiful, I couldn't help to be reminded of the bond I shared with my great grandmother. It's heartwarming and beautiful. The artwork was simplistic, but held a lightness to it that worked well with the vibe of the story. I loved that Kheiriyeh stuck to the theme of pink, green, orange, and yellow. It worked well. There is some amazing back matter material in this one that is worth checking out as well as a recipe for ka'ak!
Shoutout to Aya Khalil for writing this wonderful picture book. I always say this, but I'm going to say it again: picture books have so much to offer us all, adults and children alike. I find myself learning so much about people, their cultures, and traditions that helps me build a human bond and appreciate things I will never experience in my life. While I am familiar with Eid, I knew absolutely nothing about the baking of ka'ak and how important it is to those with Egyptian heritage. First, it sounds delicious and my mouth was watering as Zain and Teita made them together, but I also loved the sense of community and family that Khalil exhibited on every page. Zain wants to help in the kitchen, but sometimes lacks the patience needed. When Teita said "el sabr gameel" to remind him that patience is beautiful, I couldn't help to be reminded of the bond I shared with my great grandmother. It's heartwarming and beautiful. The artwork was simplistic, but held a lightness to it that worked well with the vibe of the story. I loved that Kheiriyeh stuck to the theme of pink, green, orange, and yellow. It worked well. There is some amazing back matter material in this one that is worth checking out as well as a recipe for ka'ak!
October 4, 2023
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐢𝐝 𝐚 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝-𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 Aya Khalil
.
The night before Eid is full of excitement, hustle, and bustle to get ready for the Big day for Muslims across the globe and yet it's special in Egyptian culture as well with yummy foods, traditional Eid songs, and clothes.
Oh Yes, the treat for your classmates as well. Love to see your grandma especially if you're an Immigrant or your grandma lives far away. Cooking Eid dishes with her feels different 😋 (I'm already feeling excited for Eid here myself).
.
This book can be used for both Eids as it's not mentioned which Eid excitement it's talking about. (Both are full of excitement ❤️)
.
Do you know that back in the times of Pharaoh special cookies were filled with gold coins 💰 🪙 👌 I didn't know that. So, the cookie recipe inside isn't just any but traditional and special one.
.
You'll not be disappointed
To learn about super yummy Egyptian Eid special treat, culture, tradition, and history, you need this book.
.
Yes, it comes with her family photos, recipe, and diverse children. Such a delightful book it is...
.
Teachers and homeschoolers please include this in your Eid lesson plans and Gift bags.
.
Little, Brown Book Group
Hachette Books
.
The night before Eid is full of excitement, hustle, and bustle to get ready for the Big day for Muslims across the globe and yet it's special in Egyptian culture as well with yummy foods, traditional Eid songs, and clothes.
Oh Yes, the treat for your classmates as well. Love to see your grandma especially if you're an Immigrant or your grandma lives far away. Cooking Eid dishes with her feels different 😋 (I'm already feeling excited for Eid here myself).
.
This book can be used for both Eids as it's not mentioned which Eid excitement it's talking about. (Both are full of excitement ❤️)
.
Do you know that back in the times of Pharaoh special cookies were filled with gold coins 💰 🪙 👌 I didn't know that. So, the cookie recipe inside isn't just any but traditional and special one.
.
You'll not be disappointed
To learn about super yummy Egyptian Eid special treat, culture, tradition, and history, you need this book.
.
Yes, it comes with her family photos, recipe, and diverse children. Such a delightful book it is...
.
Teachers and homeschoolers please include this in your Eid lesson plans and Gift bags.
.
Little, Brown Book Group
Hachette Books
December 11, 2023
This is a picture book by Aya Khalil, and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. The book follows a contemporary realistic plot where an Egyptian Muslim family is preparing the food, ka’ak as Eid comes closer. The story is targeted for those in Elementary K-5 grades, and engages in telling a personal story and diverse perspective, shared by many others.
The plot of the story is genial, and the speech on many occasions caught my attention for being so easily reflexive and relatable to the circumstances of a reader living through the experiences of the Muslim family the work highlighted. The work in language with warmth as expressed in not only the softness of the artistic medium's visual textures and homely feeling, but also with the reverence in which the cultural heritage of the family is told. I think this book is a really great opportunity to engage young readers with cultural differences and the appreciation of said differences openly in the classroom, engaging the mental schemata, as well as the mental taste buds of young readers!
The recipe at the back of the book just adds to the level of wonder and excitement a young reader can experience and see sparked within themselves to hear and smell and see the beauty of a culture they have never known.
The plot of the story is genial, and the speech on many occasions caught my attention for being so easily reflexive and relatable to the circumstances of a reader living through the experiences of the Muslim family the work highlighted. The work in language with warmth as expressed in not only the softness of the artistic medium's visual textures and homely feeling, but also with the reverence in which the cultural heritage of the family is told. I think this book is a really great opportunity to engage young readers with cultural differences and the appreciation of said differences openly in the classroom, engaging the mental schemata, as well as the mental taste buds of young readers!
The recipe at the back of the book just adds to the level of wonder and excitement a young reader can experience and see sparked within themselves to hear and smell and see the beauty of a culture they have never known.
April 17, 2023
Warning: don’t read this book if you’re hungry! Zain, his mother, and his grandmother are busy making some beautiful ka’ak cookies to share with Zain’s class. By the time you get to the end of the story, author Aya Khalil’s description of the tasty treats will have made your mouth watering. Thankfully, she includes her family’s recipe at the end of the book!
The Night Before Eid is a heartwarming tale of tradition, family, and sharing cultures. It traces the history of ka’ak back to the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs and highlights the importance of passing down recipes through the generations.
Read the rest of the review: https://www.dc-canada.ca/blog/review-...
The Night Before Eid is a heartwarming tale of tradition, family, and sharing cultures. It traces the history of ka’ak back to the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs and highlights the importance of passing down recipes through the generations.
Read the rest of the review: https://www.dc-canada.ca/blog/review-...
August 8, 2023
For more bookish thoughts, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
A delightfully sweet story filled with love, tradition, ingenuity, and genericity.
Zain is excited to share his family’s ka’ak with his classmates. Together with his mother and grandmother, he prepares the treats, learning about their history and adding his own spin to tradition.
The illustrations are lovely. Beautiful use of color that really shows the joy of the occasion.
Includes a ka’ak recipe at the end as well more information about Eid and ka’ak and photos from the author’s own Eid celebrations.
A sweet holiday story, perfect for sharing.
A delightfully sweet story filled with love, tradition, ingenuity, and genericity.
Zain is excited to share his family’s ka’ak with his classmates. Together with his mother and grandmother, he prepares the treats, learning about their history and adding his own spin to tradition.
The illustrations are lovely. Beautiful use of color that really shows the joy of the occasion.
Includes a ka’ak recipe at the end as well more information about Eid and ka’ak and photos from the author’s own Eid celebrations.
A sweet holiday story, perfect for sharing.
December 18, 2023
This delightful story provides a through introduction to Eid as a boy and his grandmother prepare ka’ak, a traditional holiday treat, with special ingredients she has brought from her home in Egypt. Engaging illustrations invite readers into the family home, where the spiced aroma of cloves and cinnamon, vanilla and toasted sesame seeds, honey and powdered sugar wafts through the story. Extensive end pages include a definition of Eid, a description of ka’ak, a note from the author about her own celebration of Eid, and a simple ka’ak recipe, plus a list of additional resources for further study. Bravo!
January 26, 2023
The Night before Eid does such a great job of weaving the importance of family and a holiday culinary tradition into the context of history, and the story of one little boy and his eagerness to share his holiday with his class! The sweet illustrations will be adored by young readers.
Khalil's author's note beautifully contextualizes the importance of this book as someone who grew up feeling isolated because Eid was not broadly celebrated in her community. Fortunately The Night Before Eid will now be a great resource for kids in a similar situation.
Khalil's author's note beautifully contextualizes the importance of this book as someone who grew up feeling isolated because Eid was not broadly celebrated in her community. Fortunately The Night Before Eid will now be a great resource for kids in a similar situation.
March 10, 2023
THE NIGHT BEFORE EID, A Muslim Family story is a must-read sweet story from Aya Khalil and the gorgeous, lively illustrations from Rashin Kheiriyeh. My boys, ages seven and eight, and I were captivated by the rich details in the book, from the Egyptian history to the delectable story of how a recipe is passed down between generations. We could almost taste the ka'ak! I loved how Aya invited everyone into her kitchen in the backmatter. A wonderful read-aloud to celebrate Eid at home or in the classroom!
November 21, 2023
Good story of a kid enjoying a holiday with his visiting gramma, and then sharing some treats with his admiring class. I wasn’t a huge fan of the illustrations (chalk?) but that was a very personal thing; they are bright and cheerful and welcoming. It would have been a fun read with my kids and a window into a holiday we don’t celebrate and it would work for both Islamic and clueless kids.
I’m mean obviously I’m just guessing about it working for Islamic kids, but given the author and illustrator bios and the recipes included I feel comfortable making that guess!
I’m mean obviously I’m just guessing about it working for Islamic kids, but given the author and illustrator bios and the recipes included I feel comfortable making that guess!
August 7, 2023
What a fun, joy-filled book! Jam-packed with sensory details in its storytelling along with an immersive voice with lovely language layered in, THE NIGHT BEFORE EID shares a cultural deep-dive with constant kid appeal about the celebration of Eid. There's so much to love in this picture book—delicious ka'ak making, family traditions passed down through generations, holiday memories, and sharing cultural joy with family and friends. A very excellent read!
September 2, 2022
The Night Before Eid is a heartwarming story about a boy, his Teita and his Mama who are making ka’ak (a family tradition) for Eid. There are cool historical facts weaved in the book and more information about Eid and ka’ak in the back matter. This multigenerational story with its expressive illustrations is sure to be a favorite children of all ages will enjoy reading!
February 5, 2024
Readers join this family as they prepare for Eid. Zain is excited that his Teita has finally arrived from Egypt and they will make ka'ak to share together and for him to share with his class. Khalil takes us through the baking process and then shows his classmates enjoying the treat. The illustrations capture the love and joy wrapping around this family as they prepare for and celebrate.
April 22, 2023
The story of a boy who bakes traditional ka'ak with his grandmother after Ramadan to celebrate Eid, and shares it with his classroom.
There is a recipe in the back
Themes: Eid, Muslim Holiday, Grandmother
There is a recipe in the back
Themes: Eid, Muslim Holiday, Grandmother
July 24, 2023
A delightful read for the night before Eid! Oh, how I wish Taita could come teach me how to make the best ma'moul. Many an Eid resulted in many experiments. A family recipe at the back of the book might fix that problem once and for all.
February 18, 2024
Zain's grandmother comes to visit from Egypt with special ingredients to help him make Ka'ak to share with his class.
Backmatter gives further information about Eid, Ka'ak, an author's note about Eid with her family, and a recipe for Ka'ak.
Backmatter gives further information about Eid, Ka'ak, an author's note about Eid with her family, and a recipe for Ka'ak.
March 9, 2023
Gorgeously illustrated, steeped in tradition, and a story as sweet as ka'ak. This is sure to be an instant Eid classic! I love, love, love this picture book! It deserves all the praise.
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