Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story
By Shirin Shamsi
Illustrated by Manal Mirza
Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that Ramadan will bring her a longed-for sister. When her bear subsequently goes missing, Zahra finds herself grappling with intense feelings of loss. Over the next few weeks, as she volunteers with her mother at a local shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra befriends a displaced child, resulting in a newfound sense of gratitude and an unexpected Ramadan blessing.
By Shirin Shamsi
Illustrated by Manal Mirza
Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that Ramadan will bring her a longed-for sister. When her bear subsequently goes missing, Zahra finds herself grappling with intense feelings of loss. Over the next few weeks, as she volunteers with her mother at a local shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra befriends a displaced child, resulting in a newfound sense of gratitude and an unexpected Ramadan blessing.
By Shirin Shamsi
Illustrated by Manal Mirza
Zahra hugs her cherished teddy bear and prays that Ramadan will bring her a longed-for sister. When her bear subsequently goes missing, Zahra finds herself grappling with intense feelings of loss. Over the next few weeks, as she volunteers with her mother at a local shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra befriends a displaced child, resulting in a newfound sense of gratitude and an unexpected Ramadan blessing.
“A touching story of longing & blessing, friendship & a young girl’s Ramadan Story. Zahra, who has been praying for a sister, develops a wonderful friendship with Haleema, a young girl who has sought temporary refuge at the shelter where Zahra and her mother have come to volunteer. While sharing of themselves and giving to others, Zahra discovers wonderful blessings through this special month of Ramadan.
This book gently and thoughtfully introduces young readers to the experiences of refugees and displacement, and the role of shelters and foster care. There are also further explanations of Ramadan, Fasting & Eid Al-Fitr to help young readers to understand the special significance of this story.
’Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story’ is beautifully written by Shirin Shamsi and filled with vibrant, stunning illustrations by Manal Mirza, published by Barefoot Books.”
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Format: Hardback picture book
Dimensions: 21.6 cm x 27.3 cm
Pages:
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ISBN: 9781646864935
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Release Date: 1 March 2022
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Author: Shirin Shamsi
Illustrator: Manal Mirza
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Early Childhood (4-6 yrs)
Younger Readers (6-9 yrs)
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CONFLICT & CRISIS, DIVERSE CULTURAL VOICES, FAMILIES
asylum seekers, Islam, muslim traditions, shelters, long-term foster care, Ramadan, blessing, displacement, loss
