Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday story

Title:  Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story

Author:  Hena Khan

Illustrator:  Julie Paschkis

Publishing Company:  Chronicle Books

Copyright date: 2008

Number of pages:  32

Genre:  multicultural

          I chose this book because of the pictures and the capturing story line.  I was searching the web for good children’s books about other cultures.  I really like the traditional feel of the book.  This book is about a little girl who is discovering the rituals and celebrations that occur during certain stages of the lunar calendar.   The lunar calendar, she discovers, is used by members of her practiced religion to mark special days.  She is learning how to practice and the significance of these celebrations to the people of her religion. 

          The artwork in this book is done in a traditional Islamic ‘tile’ type of fashion.  The illustrator uses bright colors and rich, deep hues to represent a lively atmosphere.  The medium that is used in this book is gouache and permanent medium masking on paper.  The artwork really lends itself to the overall quality of the book.  The text type that is used is informal; there is no or very little negative space on the majority of the pages.  A few of the pages are set up in a slightly more formal manner; with the words on the opposite page of the picture. 

          This book is intended for grades 2-4, and children ages 6-8 years old.  I think this would be a good book for anyone trying to get a peek at a piece of the Muslim religion.  I would use this book as a way to introduce the student’s to new religions or cultures.  I would use it as a motivator to read.  I would use this book during a discussion of the moon phases in a science unit.  This book has no awards at this time.