Id-ul-Fitr

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Harvest Celebrations is a colorful overview with pictures that range from a reproduction of a Pieter Brueghel painting to a photograph of bread baked in the shape of a sheaf of grain. However, the content is curiously arranged and developed. The chapter on "Religious Festivals" begins with Christian celebrations; continues with Thanksgiving in the United States (officially a public holiday); followed by information on Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian festivals. "Other Harvest Festivals" highlights holidays in Asia and Africa with occasional reference to prayer and includes mention of "God's Acre," an African-Christian tradition. Only one (ancient) South American custom is noted and merely in a sidebar. Id-Ul-Fitr has more information as it looks at just one festival. The book explains the origins of this joyous holiday and what it signifies, and includes full-color photos showing how Muslims celebrate it around the world. Several examples of prayers and songs are also included. To non-Muslims, the text may leave questions unanswered. While "Id" is defined as "happiness," the meaning of the rest of the name is not discussed. An important note on the use of the "CE" in reference to the Muslim calendar and on a symbol following each mention of the Prophet Muhammad is found with the bibliographic data and photo credits, easily missed by most readers. While the book has value as an introduction, most collections will need additional information on hand.-Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC