Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story

posted on April 10, 2022 by Eve Panzer

Rich language and beautiful art weave a meaningful and timely story. Zahra’s Blessing takes place during Ramadan (in 2022, beginning the evening of April 1 and ending the evening of April 30), teaching the reader about the holiday through the storyline and endnotes. Zahra loses her beloved teddy bear, helping her empathize with the loss, Haleema, the displaced girl she meets at a shelter, is experiencing.

Utilizing the misplacement of a much-loved childhood item as a vehicle to help children understand the desolation of loss is a very shrewd device by the author. All children can identify with this experience. Without creating fear, the author garners empathy in this way for Zahra’s circumstance and Haleema’s displacement.

All picture book writers must select their words precisely since only limited text is available. However, the author of this book is particularly skillful in her choices. Rich language and clever turns of phrases abound in this story. Here are just a few marvelous examples.

“The silver moon hung like a sideways smile.”
“A prayer rose from Zahra’s heart like a sigh and floated into the starry night.”
“Her heart fluttered between sadness and hope.”
“Haleema’s eyes held a sadness deeper than an ocean.”
“Eid Day dawned dazzling bright.”
“And the silver sliver of moon winked down on them.”

The author seamlessly weaves the meaning and traditions of Ramadan into the story, teaching the reader about this significant Muslim holiday. During Ramadan, fasting is used as a way to connect with God. This is similar to the Jewish tradition of fasting during Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) to focus on one’s relationship with God. Also, during Ramadan, there is heightened mindfulness on avoiding hurtful words and actions. Again, very similar to the practice of Jews, during their High Holy Days, asking for forgiveness for any hurt caused, intentional or not. It is striking how these two religions share so many of the same values!

How perfect that this book came out at a time when it is such a relevant and valuable tool. There are so many displaced people from Afghanistan and Ukraine, and this book will nurture empathy for them in so many readers!

Zahra’s Blessing book trailer

The real-life blessing behind Zahra’s Blessing

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