Author: jweller

Pay it Forward Summer–August

jweller

Welcome to our Pay it Forward Summer! We at Kids in Service are so ready for the slower pace of summer.  We are looking forward to warm weather, spending more time outside and going on adventures with family and friends. Summer is also the perfect time to reflect upon our blessings and Pay it Forward, so that we can bless others.

Have you ever gone to pay for your coffee at the drive through window and someone has already paid for it? Have you ever gotten a big smile or compliment from a stranger, just when you needed it most? Have you ever been given flowers or a plate of cookies from a neighbor or friend for no reason at all? That is what it looks like to Pay it Forward. Kids in Service is going to encourage you and your family to Pay it Forward all summer long.

Acts of Kindness often have a ripple effect, that we never see. One kind deed has the power to inspire a chain of kindness where hundreds or thousands of people may be blessed as a result. This is the MAGIC of Paying it Forward.

The book Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson is the perfect way to explain the concept of paying it forward to young kids. Young Mary secretly leaves a  basket of fresh picked blueberries on her neighbor’s porch and this kind gesture sets off an infinite chain of kindness. All ages will love this tale of how one kind deed changed the world. Click HERE to check out our Pay it Forward booklist!

We have service project ideas, book recommendations, DIY camps and creative inspiration to help you and your family Pay it Forward this summer.

DIY Camps

Camp Kindness is a 4 Day “Camp” experience that you can do at home with your kids. You can do all 4 days in one week or split them up throughout the summer.  This program can work for all ages and for working families as well.  Click HERE to learn more and get your FREE copy!!
Camp Empathy is HERE! This is our second 4 Day “Camp” experience and we are so excited to share it with you. Click HERE to get your FREE copy.

Summer Service Projects

This is an easy project to make on a rainy summer day and and then keep your seeds of kindness in your car or bag for whenever you need to spread a little kindness.
This is sweet and easy project for all ages that will help spread a little joy to people who could really use some.
Hosting a fundraiser for charity is a WONDERFUL way service project for the summertime. Lemonade stands and bake sales (or a combination) are great ways for children to raise money for a charity that they believe in. Click on the image above to learn more.
Short on time and looking for a quick service project you can do at home this summer? We have 10 options for you! Click on the image above to check them out.

Summer Fun & Creativity

Click the link above for lots of fun ideas to help you give your kids the simple summer of our childhood.
Click the link above for lots of fun ideas to help you give your kids the simple summer of our childhood.

FUN & SPECIAL DAYS TO CELEBRATE THIS SUMMER

Click the image above for more fun days to celebrate this summer!

August–Family Fun Month

Elvis Week-Week of August 16th

Third Saturday in August–World Honey Bee Day

August 3rd–National Watermelon Day

August 4th–National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

August 5th–National Water Balloon Day

August 6th–National Play Outside Day

August 7th–American Family Day

August 9th–National Book Lovers Day

August 10th–National S’mores Day

August 12th–National Middle Child Day

August 13th–National Left Handers Day

August 16th–National Tell a Joke Day

August 21st–National Senior Day

August 24th–National Waffle Day

August 28th–National Thoughtful Day

Pay it Forward Summer–July

jweller

Welcome to our Pay it Forward Summer! We at Kids in Service are so ready for the slower pace of summer.  We are looking forward to warm weather, spending more time outside and going on adventures with family and friends. Summer is also the perfect time to reflect upon our blessings and Pay it Forward, so that we can bless others.

Have you ever gone to pay for your coffee at the drive through window and someone has already paid for it? Have you ever gotten a big smile or compliment from a stranger, just when you needed it most? Have you ever been given flowers or a plate of cookies from a neighbor or friend for no reason at all? That is what it looks like to Pay it Forward. Kids in Service is going to encourage you and your family to Pay it Forward all summer long.

Acts of Kindness often have a ripple effect, that we never see. One kind deed has the power to inspire a chain of kindness where hundreds or thousands of people may be blessed as a result. This is the MAGIC of Paying it Forward.

The book Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson is the perfect way to explain the concept of paying it forward to young kids. Young Mary secretly leaves a  basket of fresh picked blueberries on her neighbor’s porch and this kind gesture sets off an infinite chain of kindness. All ages will love this tale of how one kind deed changed the world. Click HERE to check out our Pay it Forward booklist!

We have service project ideas, book recommendations, DIY camps and creative inspiration to help you and your family Pay it Forward this summer.

Nelson Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on July 18th around the world. A great way to celebrate Nelson Mandela, his perseverance and his work for civil rights is to share a book with your children about his life.  Here are a few of our favorites and an interview done on his 90th birthday.

DIY Camps

Camp Kindness is a 4 Day “Camp” experience that you can do at home with your kids. You can do all 4 days in one week or split them up throughout the summer.  This program can work for all ages and for working families as well.  Click HERE to learn more and get your FREE copy!!
Camp Empathy is HERE! This is our second 4 Day “Camp” experience and we are so excited to share it with you. Click HERE to get your FREE copy.

Summer Service Projects

This is an easy project to make on a rainy summer day and and then keep your seeds of kindness in your car or bag for whenever you need to spread a little kindness.
This is sweet and easy project for all ages that will help spread a little joy to people who could really use some.
Hosting a fundraiser for charity is a WONDERFUL way service project for the summertime. Lemonade stands and bake sales (or a combination) are great ways for children to raise money for a charity that they believe in. Click on the image above to learn more.
Short on time and looking for a quick service project you can do at home this summer? We have 10 options for you! Click on the image above to check them out.

Summer Fun & Creativity

Click the link above for lots of fun ideas to help you give your kids the simple summer of our childhood.
Click the link above for lots of fun ideas to help you give your kids the simple summer of our childhood.

FUN & SPECIAL DAYS TO CELEBRATE THIS SUMMER

Click the image above for more fun days to celebrate this summer!

July–National Ice Cream MONTH

July 1st-7th–Clean Beaches Week

Last week in July–National Moth Week

Third Sunday in July–National Ice Cream Day

Third Wednesday in July–National Hot Dog Day

July 4th–National Independence Day

July 15th–National Give Something Away Month

July 18th–International Nelson Mandela Day

July 24th–National Amelia Earhart Day

July 25th–Christmas in July! Surprise your kids with Christmas music and a few holiday decorations when they wake up!

July 26th–National Aunt and Uncle’s Day

July 30th–International Day of Friendship

Mindful March

jweller

Welcome to Mindful March! Teaching children to be mindful is an important step in helping them to be kind and compassionate human beings. There is so much more to mindfulness than yoga and meditation and this month we will explore ways that you and your children can incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Click on the Teaching Mindfulness image below for so many resources of how you can help your kids be more mindful. We hope that you will join us for a reset.

This month, the Iditarod race is run up in Alaska. We have a great article about the race in which we share our favorite books and some service projects you can do to help animals at your local shelter.

March is National Women’s Month and we have a book list that is meant to celebrate women and prompt some rich discussions with your kids. Ramadan begins some years in spring and others in winter, it all depends on the lunar calendar. You can check out when Ramadan is happening this year by clicking here. This calendar has the dates up until the year 2032. Check out our special book list for both Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. Happy March!

September–We are Brave Month

jweller

September is a month of transition and change for many people. It can be EXCITING for some and MISERABLE for others. Another emotion that is felt this time of year is FEAR. Almost all of our children are facing something new right now. That could be a new school, new activity or just a new teacher. These transitions can be difficult for some and that is why we focus on BRAVERY and COURAGE this month. 

September also celebrates International Peace Day and we have a great post about that celebration and a book list that will help to inspire peace and unity. We also have some service projects that would be great to work on this month and some fun days to celebrate with your kids. Talk Like a Pirate day is September 19th, ARGH!

Fun and Special Days this Month

September–Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th)

First Friday in September–National Food Bank Day

Sunday after Labor Day–National Grandparents Day

Third Sunday of September–International Coastal Cleanup

Last Saturday in September–National Family Health and Fitness Day

September 5th–National Cheese Pizza Day

September 11th–Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

September 12th–National Hug and High Five Day

September 13th–Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day

September 19th–Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 21st–International Day of Peace

September 22nd–First day of Autumn in Northeast

September 24th–National Punctuation Day

September 25th–National Lobster Day

September 27th–National Day of Forgiveness

September 30th–National Orange Shirt Day

Celebrating Diwali

jweller

Diwali, The Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. This post focuses on the Hindu celebration but the last book recommendation on this page, Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi, discusses some of the similarities and differences between the festivals of each religion.

What is Diwali?

Diwali or Dipawali is a 5 day Hindu festival of light that celebrates the victory of good over evil. Diwali is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. Clay lamps called diyas are lit around homes to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. Drawings, called rangolis, are made out of colored powder. Lord Ganesha is also worshiped during the festival in hopes that he and the Goddess will bring wealth, good fortune and prosperity. The lights of the festival are lit to protect the homes from the spiritual darkness.

When is Diwali celebrated?

Diwali is celebrated in either October or November. The date is determined by the calendar in India. Click here for the dates of Diwali up until the year 2040.

What are the 5 Days of Diwali?

  1. The first day of Diwali is Dhanteras. On this day people prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating their homes.
  2. The second day of Diwali is called Naraka Chaturdasha or Choti Diwali. On this day people bathe in special oils to remove sins and wear new clothing. They also decorate their homes with diyas (clay lamps) and rangoli (drawings done in colorful powders on the floor and sidewalks.
  3. The third day of Diwali is called Lakshmi Puja and it is the main day of the festival. On this day homes are lit up with diyas and twinkle lights so that the Goddess Lakshmi will enter the homes and bless the people with good fortune. Families gather to eat a meal, sparklers are lit and many communities set off fireworks in celebration.
  4. The fourth day of Diwali is Govardhan Puja or Padva and families typically exchange gifts on this day (or on day 3).
  5. The fifth day of Diwali is the last day of the festival and it is called Bhai Dooj. This is a day for siblings to get together and exchange gifts and prayers.

Crafts for Diwali from Red Tent Art

Books for Diwali

From the publisher: “Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favorite holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty all the children ooh and aah.Featuring a heartwarming story by Thrity Umrigar, enchanting illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, and detailed information about the Hindu festival of lights, Binny’s Diwali is a holiday treat.” This book is great for ages 4 and up.

From the publisher: “The perfect picture book to introduce children to Rama and Sita and the story of Diwali, with text by award-winning author Malachy Doyle and stunning, colourful illustrations from Christopher Corr. Rama and Sita live happily in the forest – until Sita is kidnapped by the demon king, Ravana. Can Rama and the monkey king Hanuman follow the trail she has laid for them and save Sita, or will she be lost forever? Whether you’re looking for a Diwali gift or a simple introduction to the Diwali story to share with your children, this beautiful book, now reissued in a larger picture book format, is ideal. Book band: Purple Quizzed for Accelerated Reader Ideal for ages: 6+”

From the publisher: “You know about the 12 Days of Christmas. But do you know about the 5 days of Diwali, India’s Festival of Lights?

Go on an adventure with Maya, Neel and their cute little partner, Chintu the squirrel, as they learn all about this famous Indian festival of lights including Dhanteras, Diwali sweets, Rangoli drawings, fireworks and the special sibling bond of Bhai Dooj.

Maya & Neel’s India Adventures 10+ Book Series is written with the mission to RAISE MULTICULTURAL KIDS! We are Indie authors and 1st generation Indian immigrants, who have dedicated the past decade to spreading multiculturalism through our local dance & culture company as well through this book series whose extreme popularity has taken even us by surprise. You can follow our cultural journey on social media at Bollywood Groove and Culture Groove. To all our little and grownup readers: Thank You for supporting our work & mission!” Perfect for ages 4 and up.

From the publisher: “Harini is excited to share her Diwali story during circle time at school. She quickly learns that she’s not the only one with a story to share! Join Harini as she learns about Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist Diwali traditions.”

October–Empathy Month

jweller

October is Empathy Month here at Kids in Service! We have resources below to help you teach your children all about empathy. We also have some Halloween fun, a resource to help you and your family learn about and celebrate Diwali and some service projects that are perfect for this time of year. Happy October!

Halloween Books for Children

jweller

If you are looking for some fun and festive books this month that are not scary and have a positive message or lesson, we have you covered. Check out some of our favorite Halloween/Fall books for kids!

From the publisher: “It’s Halloween night. While a mother is upstairs getting her daughter’s costume ready, lots of trick-or-treaters stop by the house. From werewolves, ghosts, and zombies to witches, bats, dinosaurs, and more! But are they really real?” This book is great for ages 3 and up and can be found on the author’s website (not an affiliate link).

From the publisher: “The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand!  Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom.  But is there room on the broom for so many friends?  And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?” Perfect for ages 2 and up.

From the publisher: “Rebecca Estelle has hated pumpkins ever since she was a girl when pumpkins were often the only food her family had. When an enormous pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes in her yard, she shovels dirt over the pieces and forgets about them. But those slimy pumpkin smithereens sprout up in autumn, and Rebecca Estelle finds a sea of pumpkins in her garden. 

A heartwarming classic for more than twenty years, this story shows what happens when one thrifty gardener figures out how to make other people happy with the squash she can’t stomach.

Filled with colorful illustrations from a season of gardening, this is a perfect book for young gardeners and pumpkin lovers. It’s wonderful lesson about helping others can be appreciated in the classroom or at home.” Perfect for ages 3 and up.

From the publisher: “One day in the pumpkin patch the strangest little pumpkin hatched…. Spookley the Square Pumpkin was different. All the other pumpkins teased him, until Spookley proved that being different can save the day! “The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin” is a perennial fall-favorite children’s book that is the inspiration for the animated hit, “Spookley the Square Pumpkin,” that airs on Disney Junior and Netflix. It delivers a special message of tolerance and kindness in a fun, accessible format for early learners.” Perfect for ages 2 and up.

From the publisher: “Everyone knows most young saplings dream of becoming Christmas trees. But one grumpy, old tree who doesn’t like lights, decorations, or people is determined to be different. Get ready to meet the Halloween Tree!

The Halloween Tree is not your average holiday book and is sure to warm the hearts of kids and adults-alike as a gnarly tree finds his place in the world. This festive tale will have all youngsters shouting “Trick or tree!” with glee and decorating their own Halloween trees by the final page. The perfect Halloween gift for babies and kids alike!” Perfect for ages 3 and up.

From the publisher: “Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic book from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s Halloween and Brother and Sister can’t wait to go trick-or-treating with all of their friends, but when someone in the group encourages the kids to play a trick, things don’t go as planned. All little cubs can celebrate Halloween and learn about how to be a good friend and neighbor—and the bonus stickers makes this book the perfect gift for Fall!” Perfect for ages 3 and up.

From the publisher: “Bonaparte is having a tough time. It’s hard for this young skeleton to just hang loose when he can’t keep hold of himself.

When he plays catch, his throwing arm literally takes a flyer. Eating lunch can be a real jaw-dropping occasion. How can he start school when he has so many screws loose?

Luckily, Bonaparte hit the bone-anza when it came to his friends. Franky Stein, Blacky Widow, and Mummicula all have some bonehead ideas to help pull him together. But will it be enough to boost his confidence and get him ready for the first day of school?” Perfect for ages 3 and up.

From the publisher: “Everyone knows most young saplings dream of becoming Christmas trees. But one grumpy, old tree who doesn’t like lights, decorations, or people is determined to be different. Get ready to meet the Halloween Tree!

The Halloween Tree is not your average holiday book and is sure to warm the hearts of kids and adults-alike as a gnarly tree finds his place in the world. This festive tale will have all youngsters shouting “Trick or tree!” with glee and decorating their own Halloween trees by the final page. The perfect Halloween gift for babies and kids alike!” Perfect for ages 3 and up.

From the publisher: “What do you do when you meet a ghost? One: Provide the ghost with some of its favorite snacks, like mud tarts and earwax truffles. Two: Tell your ghost bedtime stories (ghosts love to be read to). Three: Make sure no one mistakes your ghost for whipped cream or a marshmallow when you aren’t looking! If you follow these few simple steps and the rest of the essential tips in How to Make Friends with a Ghost, you’ll see how a ghost friend will lovingly grow up and grow old with you. 
A whimsical story about ghost care, Rebecca Green’s debut picture book is a perfect combination of offbeat humor, quirky and sweet illustrations, and the timeless theme of friendship.” Perfect for ages 4 and up. Warning there is talk of boogers in this book.

Juneteenth Books for Children

jweller

Juneteenth is a day commemorating when the last American slaves in Texas were notified that they were free on June 19th, 1865. This was two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation! Today we are sharing with you some wonderful books to help you learn and celebrate more about this very special day in our American history.

From the publisher: Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.

From the publisher: On June 19, 1865—more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom. That day became a day of remembrance and celebration that changed and grew from year to year. Learn about the events that led to emancipation and why it took so long for the enslaved people in Texas to hear the news. The first Juneteenth began as “Jubilee Day,” where families celebrated and learned of their new rights as citizens. As Black Texans moved to other parts of the country, they brought their traditions along with them, and Juneteenth continued to grow and develop.
Today, Juneteenth’s powerful spirit has endured through the centuries to become an official holiday in the United States in 2021. The Juneteenth Story provides an accessible introduction for kids to learn about this important American holiday.

From the publisher: June 19th, 1865, began as another hot day in Texas. Enslaved African Americans worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people.

From the publisher: Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.

From the publisher: Joining her parents in a community celebration of Juneteenth, Cassie learns about the day when slaves in Texas were freed some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and wonders why the news took so long to reach them.

From the publisher: This lyrical celebration of Juneteenth, deeply rooted in Black American history, spans centuries and reverberates loudly and proudly today. Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas.

From the publisher: On June 19, 1865, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered around a Union solder and listened as he read the most remarkable words they would ever hear. They were no longer enslaved: they were free. The inhumane practice of forced labor with no pay was now illegal in all of the United States. This news was cause for celebration, so the group of people jumped in excitement, danced, and wept tears of joy. They did not know it at the time, but their joyous celebration of freedom would become a holiday–Juneteenth–that is observed each year by more and more Americans.

Fun Days to Celebrate this Summer

jweller

We could all use a little more celebration in our lives. If you do a quick Google search, you can find a National or International holiday for every day of the week. Here are some of our favorites for the summer months.

JUNE

June–National Pride Month

June–First Friday in June is National Donut Day

June–Second Friday in June is National Movie Night

June 1st–National Say Something Nice Day

June 4th–National Hug Your Cat Day

June 6th–National yo-yo Day

June 8th–Best Friend’s Day

June 11th–National Corn on the Cob Day

June 14th–Flag Day

June 15th–National SMILE Day

June 17th–Global Garbage Collector Day and National Eat Your Veggies Day

June 18th–National Go Fishing Day

June 19th–Juneteenth

June 21st–Summer Solstice

June 23rd–National Pink Day

June 27th–National Ice Cream Cake Day

June 30th–National Meteor Watch Day

JULY

July–National Ice Cream MONTH

July 1st-7th–Clean Beaches Week

Last week in July–National Moth Week

Third Sunday in July–National Ice Cream Day

Third Wednesday in July–National Hot Dog Day

July 4th–National Independence Day

July 15th–National Give Something Away Month

July 18th–International Nelson Mandela Day

July 24th–National Amelia Earhart Day

July 25th–Christmas in July! Surprise your kids with Christmas music and a few holiday decorations when they wake up!

July 26th–National Aunt and Uncle’s Day

July 30th–International Day of Friendship

AUGUST

August–Family Fun Month

Elvis Week-Week of August 16th

Third Saturday in August–World Honey Bee Day

August 3rd–National Watermelon Day

August 4th–National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

August 5th–National Water Balloon Day

August 6th–National Play Outside Day

August 7th–American Family Day

August 9th–National Book Lovers Day

August 10th–National S’mores Day

August 12th–National Middle Child Day

August 13th–National Left Handers Day

August 16th–National Tell a Joke Day

August 21st–National Senior Day

August 24th–National Waffle Day

August 28th–National Thoughtful Day

September

September–Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th)

First Friday in September–National Food Bank Day

Sunday after Labor Day–National Grandparents Day

Third Sunday of September–International Coastal Cleanup

Last Saturday in September–National Family Health and Fitness Day

September 5th–National Cheese Pizza Day

September 11th–Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

September 12th–National Hug and High Five Day

September 13th–Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day

September 19th–Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 21st–International Day of Peace

September 22nd–First day of Autumn in Northeast

September 24th–National Punctuation Day

September 25th–National Lobster Day

September 27th–National Day of Forgiveness

September 30th–National Orange Shirt Day

Books for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

jweller

From the Publisher: “It’s time for Ramadan to begin. Follow along with one young boy as he observes the Muslim holy month with his family.

This year, the narrator is finally old enough to fast, and readers of all ages will be interested as he shares his experiences of this special holiday in Islam.”

From the publisher: “Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs. This gentle, moving story from first-time author Reem Faruqi comes to life in Lea Lyon’s vibrant illustrations. Lyon uses decorative arabesque borders on intermittent spreads to contrast the ordered patterns of Islamic observances with the unbounded rhythms of American school days.”

From the publisher: “We wait for the moon. We watch for the moon. We watch for the Ramadan moon. We give to the poor, and read Qur’an, under the moon. We live our faith, until next year under the moon, under the moon, under the Ramadan moon.

Ramadan is one of the most special months of the Islamic year, when Muslims pray, fast, and help those in need. The lyrical story, with luminous illustrations, serves as an introduction to Ramadan–a time for reflection and ritual with family and friends. A detailed note about Ramadan is included.”

From the publisher: “For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, and thinking of others. Rashad tries to be good all month. When it’s time for Eid al-Fitr, he feasts and plays! Find out how people celebrate this special time of year.”

From the publisher: “This Eid, Aneesa should be happy. But, her parents are thousands of miles away for the Hajj pilgrimage. To cheer her up, her Nonni gives her a gift of beautiful clothes, one outfit for each of the three days of Eid. At the prayer hall, Aneesa meets two sisters who are dressed in ill-fitting clothes for the holiday. She soon discovers that the girls are refugees – they had to leave everything behind when they left their native country to live in America. Aneesa, who can’t stop thinking about what Eid must be like for them, comes up with a plan – a plan to help make it the best Eid holiday ever. School Library Journal says: [A] beautifully composed story. . . . This is a welcome contribution, giving much-needed visibility to a celebration observed by over ten million people in North America. And Library Media Connection says: After reading this book, children will have a greater appreciation for the Muslim culture and will have no problem realizing that love is an action word.”

From the publisher: “Maya, Neel and their famous pet squirrel Chintu fly to India for yet another fun adventure. This time, they get to experience all about Ramadan including the vibrant markets of Chand Raat (night of the moon), the famous Jama Masjid, the delicious food, the exciting Eidi gifts and even a trip to volunteer at the local shelter.”

My daughter and really enjoyed this book. This book contains 15 short stories of children from different places, family structures and backgrounds celebrating Eid al-Fitr. It was wonderful to learn about the different ways that families celebrate Eid al-Fitr, their customs and the food they enjoy. There were some wonderful lessons in each of the story but the thread of hope, joy, love and family wove through the entire book.