From Publishers Weekly
At a time when many Americans are becoming more aware of the Islamic faith, this book, which explores the Muslim tradition of fasting during the month of Ramadan, is most welcome. Magid, who is too young to fast, watches the other members of his family fasting and wishes to be a truly obedient Muslim too. Unbeknownst to his family, Magid promises Allah that he, too, will fast. His family discovers his fast, and while Magid is chastised for being dishonest, his religious desires are honored, as he is given a modified fast to follow. Excellent watercolor illustrations add to the charm of this book. An informative afterward about the Islamic faith, a glossary and a pronunciation guide make it a good tool for teaching children about Islam and the awakening of religious desires. Ages 5-10. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4?An interesting look at an Egyptian Muslim family's celebration of Ramadan through the eyes of eight-year-old Magid. The boy wants to fast from sunrise to sunset, a tradition usually reserved for those 12 and older. Mama consents to his skipping breakfast but he secretly plans and executes day-long fasts until his older sister discovers his deception and tells their mother. Magid realizes through gentle reprimand and family discussion that an obedient Muslim is also a truthful one, yet he receives congratulations from his grandfather for his true fast of the heart. Lewis's watercolors blend well with the text and give readers an accurate sense of character, location, and cultural tradition as well as a skillful portrayal of emotional nuance through facial expressions and physical stances. The artist's utilization of Arabic border motifs at the chapter heads echoes patterns seen in tile mosaics of the region. This is a refreshing visit to a '90s Muslim family that accurately represents Islamic practice and the spiritual reasons behind it. This attractive title is a warm and welcome companion to Dianne MacMillan's Ramadan and Id Al-Fitr (Enslow, 1994), which presents information from a purely factual point of view. Magid is an amiable ambassador for his faith.?Celia A. Huffman, Worthington Public Library, OHCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 3^-6. Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the U.S., but books about it, especially contemporary stories, are scarce. In this illustrated beginning chapter book, Magid, a boy of eight, wants to fast during the month of Ramadan like the rest of his family. So, unbeknownst to them, he throws away his lunch each day to keep his promise to Allah that he will fast. But fasting from sunrise to sundown is more difficult than it looks, and when his older sister tattles on him, Magid must deal with his feelings of relief and his shame for being relieved. The story is simple, but the thought processes Magid goes through and his up-and-down emotions are true to a child's inner life. It's not clear at first that this is set in modern-day Egypt, but that doesn't matter much. The book tackles some serious questions about what religion requires, while demonstrating a warm family life that will have universal appeal. The book is heavily illustrated with very nice watercolor art that expands the text. A brief introduction to Islam and a glossary are appended. Ilene Cooper


From Kirkus Reviews
Magid, who is eight, wants to join the other members of his family in honoring Allah by fasting for the month of Ramadan. His parents insist he's too young. So Magid goes behind their backs, feeding his lunch to the geese and pouring his lemonade in the river. It works for a few days, until Aisha, his older sister, catches him, and tells his parents. Although he has been dishonest, his parents and grandfather recognize his desire to participate and allow Magid to fast for half of each day. Set in contemporary Egypt and constructed, apparently, with the purpose of explaining Ramadan to non-Muslims, the book succeeds; a glossary extends the lesson. As a story, however, it is rather stiff, with explanations outweighing plot and character; the watercolors have the blandness of textbook fare. There's a shortage of books that explain Islam to children; this one has but limited usefulness. (Picture book. 6-10) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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