Eid for Nylah

By Author / Illustrator

Nizrana Farook, illus Zelma Firdauzia

Genre

Seasonal

Age range(s)

Publisher

Nosy Crow

ISBN

9781839947520

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

13-02-2025

Synopsis

Celebrating community as families prepare for Eid al-Fitr, seen through the eyes of a curious cat! From the best-selling author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant - a 2021 CILIP Carnegie Medal nominee.

Nylah the cat is making her usual visits to the homes in her street, but something is very different today . . . Families are creating decorations or making food, some are trying on new clothes or decorating their hands with henna. Everyone is very busy, and they don't seem to want her help either! But why does nobody have any time for Nylah? Finally, all is revealed as they come together for a big Eid celebration, where everyone is welcome - especially Nylah!

Find out more about Eid for Nylah from ReadingZone's featured author Nizrana Farook

Reviews

Elen

Eid for Nylah is a warm and colourful introduction to the Eid al-Fitre festival for children who are not familiar with Eid, and for those who already celebrate it, Eid for Nylah helps to build the excitement as Eid approaches, and also highlights how each family has a different way to celebrate Eid. The final pages share the community aspect of these celebrations.

Eid for Nylah follows a small cat as she visits families in the neighbourhood during the eve of Eid, discovering how families are preparing for this important day. The illustrations are warm and inviting and help build the sense of excitement, and we meet lots of different children who explain to Nylah why they are so busy.

As well as sharing information about the festival - including what the author, Nizrana Farook, remembers from her own childhood - the illustrations are wonderfully diverse and family-oriented. This is a good book to share with children in the run-up to Eid al-Fitre, helping children to learn about the festival if they aren't familiar with it, and sharing and celebrating traditions with those who are. Recommended.

Picture book / Reviewed by Elen Green