Ramadan books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate
When is Ramadan? around Monday 8 February 2027 to Monday 8 March 2027. Dates marked “around” depend on the moon and local calendars. Ramadan starts when the new moon is sighted, so the exact first day can differ by a day between communities.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It's a time of prayer, reading the Qur'an, kindness and giving to people in need. The month ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Who celebrates Ramadan, and books for each
Muslim
Adults and older children eat a meal before dawn (suhoor) and break the fast at sunset (iftar), often with dates and water, then share a meal with family and friends. Many go to the mosque for evening prayers. Young children don't fast but often try a 'half-day' fast.
📖 Free guideRamadan Moon
Na'ima B. Robert
the month from new moon to Eid, through a child's eyes
Questions, activities and a printable sheet →
📖 Free guideLailah's Lunchbox
Reem Faruqi
a girl fasting for the first time at a new school
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guideMoon's Ramadan
Natasha Khan Kazi
the moon watches families around the world
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guideNight of the Moon
Hena Khan
a Pakistani-American girl's Ramadan and Eid
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guideUnder the Ramadan Moon
Sylvia Whitman
a simple, gentle read for the youngest
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
Questions to ask while you read
Use these with any of the Ramadan books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.
- What is the family in the story getting ready for?
- Which part of Ramadan would you most like to try, and why?
- How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
- Is anything in the story like something your family does?
- What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Ramadan?
Ways to celebrate Ramadan with children
- Make a moon-phase chart and colour the moon each night of the month.
- Hang paper lanterns and star garlands for the month.
- Fill a 'kindness jar' with one good deed a day.
- Share an iftar meal with neighbours or friends.
Ramadan picture books at a glance
All the Ramadan books on this page: Ramadan Moon (Na'ima B. Robert), Lailah's Lunchbox (Reem Faruqi), Moon's Ramadan (Natasha Khan Kazi), Night of the Moon (Hena Khan), Under the Ramadan Moon (Sylvia Whitman).
Questions parents ask about Ramadan
How do you explain Ramadan to a child?
For a month, Muslim grown-ups don't eat or drink while it's light outside. It helps them think about God, be thankful and remember people who don't have enough food. At sunset, families eat together.
Do children fast during Ramadan?
Fasting starts around puberty. Younger children often try a few hours or a half day to feel part of it.
What do you say during Ramadan?
'Ramadan Mubarak' (blessed Ramadan) or 'Ramadan Kareem' (generous Ramadan).
Related festivals: Eid al-Fitr · Eid al-Adha · Islamic New Year
All festivals, by month and by faith →
Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.