Talkhani, Zeba. The Most Exciting Eid. Illus. by Abeeha Tariq Feb. 2024. 24p. Scholastic, $7.99. ISBN 9781338877816. Grades PreK – 2
In this Eid story, Safa and her family, cued as having Pakistani heritage, see the new moon marking the end of Ramadan. Knowing that it is now Eid ul-Fitr, Safa looks forward to all the things her family will do. There is decoration of their home, henna decoration for hands, and preparation for the next day which will bring a family party with new outfits, delicious food, and presents. In her prayers Safa asks Allah for a new bicycle, and is delighted when she gets it, but when her cousin Alissa asks if she can have a turn on the bicycle, Safa does not want to share.
Though it is during the party, Safa’s mother calls her into the kitchen telling her that this year she is now old enough to help to bring food to their neighbors and visit with them. While on their visits, Safa spends time thinking about how they make their neighbors happy and how sharing makes her feel connected to others. Finally, Safa and her mother stop at her grandparents’ house. She is happy to see them, but there is no explanation as to why her grandparents are not at the family party. Returning home, Alissa tells Safa that she had been looking for her, and later pages show them riding bicycles. Readers may wonder why the narrative wanders in its sequence, but the celebration of Eid and discussions of sharing and the spirit of giving may help families introduce their children to Eid, Islamic phrases, concepts, and practices while also observing interwoven aspects of Pakistani Muslim culture.
