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Nabila Adani Books

Venturing out after dusk with her family, a child is eager to watch for the new moon that signals the start of Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in this charming picture book debut.

In a light-hearted introduction to Ramadan and Eid, this family-centred tale of anticipation under the stars captures everything from the bustle of a shared meal to the swirling magic of the night sky.

With Ramadan and her first month of fasting almost over, Noura, Mama and Papa are headed to the hills for a moonsighting picnic. It would be truly special if Noura could catch a glimpse of the faint silvery crescent, something even her mother has never managed to do. If the moon stays hidden, that means one more long day before the joyful Eid celebrations begin – bringing with them visits with friends, eating sweets and painting henna on her hands.

From the author of My Name is a Gift, Zeshan Akhter, comes a sensitively told story about a young refugee as he settles in a new country. It is beautifully illustrated by Nabila Adani.

In a tale of home and healing, Noah’s family have taken a journey no one should have to make. They arrive in a different country as refugees. While settling into their new house, Noah misses his Baba, Jida and their old home. When a fireworks display brings back both happy memories and difficult moments of their journey and arrival, his family and their new community support him in facing his fears and feeling hopeful for the future.

This timely and heartfelt story is a deeply emotional exploration of the lasting impact of the refugee experience and the tragedy of war. The perfect companion to The Suitcase, The Journey and The Other Side.

When Eid arrives, so do the decorations, the games, the family, the food and the fun! But where are the presents? Ibraheem can think of nothing but presents! He loves Eid and he loves presents. But despite his searches, there are none to be found. He eats, joins in with the fun and games and visits the mosque. But there are still no presents.

Ibraheem asks his dad to help him find the presents, but instead, he talks him through his day. Then as Ibraheem remembers all the special things he’s done, he realises that the greatest gift of Eid is time, love and togetherness, through his family, his culture and his community.

This is a beautifully illustrated picturebook, ideal for sharing with friends, family or classmates. Full of warmth, celebration and family – and a reminder that although presents are great, love is better! This is a great book for primary teachers to share with a class of children. There are so many opportunities to talk, share personal stories of celebrations and allow children to shine within their own culture.

Sunny and the Birds is a gentle narrative telling the tale of a young boy and his daddy settling into a new life. There is a new house to get used to but other subtle themes weave throughout the story too. It would be interesting to ask children what other things they thought were a ‘new’ part of Sunny’s life. The voice of young, purposeful Sunny shines through and reminds us that children often adapt more easily to new homes and communities than adults, having perhaps fewer expectations and abundant natural optimism. The book uses garden birds as a bridge from past to present and includes the names of commonly found garden birds with an extra labelled illustration on the last page. Children will enjoy noticing for the subtle bird imagery in Nabila Adani’s delicate artwork; with echoes of Alison Jay style repetition, there are bird images on every page!

Ultimately a story of belonging and the small things that make a difference, Sunny and the Birds touches softly on the topic of putting down roots in a new place.

Noor loves her mum, and all the other hijabi women in her family, but wonders why do they wear headscarves? Is it so they can hide snacks for later? Or because they’re a super spy and hiding their secret identity?

Full of curiousity, Noor sets out to find her answer, but her family are all busy and have no time to answer this important question. Just as Noor is ready to give up on her quest, her Ammu arrives home and knows just the thing to say.

This heart-warming yet funny tale is a celebration of Muslim women, curious children, and family love.

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