Inda Ahmad Zahri, The Month That Makes the Year, Allen & Unwin, February 2023, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761068423
Above us, the moon reminds us of everything we’ve learned. Inside of me, something has grown bigger and better than ever before.
The Month That Makes the Year is an own voice story exploring the Islamic month of Ramadan through the eye of Muslim girl Deenie, which could well be the author when she was little. This is CBCA Notabled author Inda Ahmad Zahri’s move into illustrating as well as writing picture books. She writes factually but in a soft engaging rhythm. The images are bright and character’s faces happy and warm. The narrative talks the reader through the customs and practices during the month of Ramadan – starting with the crescent moon, the daylight hours of fasting, the surrender of little luxuries all with a big focus on looking inwards and upwards. There is an emphasis at the start of the story that Ramadan is optional and children can fast for shorter periods of time. Deenie also learns about being thankful for what she has.
The Month That Makes the Year is a warm and informative book with heart for children 3-10 years. It would engage any child, in particular those interested in religious customs and cultures. I would have loved this book as a child as I desperately wanted to unlock the mysteries of my peers’ religious customs. Educators and school librarians could use this book for discussion on Ramadan and fasting practices in other cultures.
Reviewed by Stef Gemmill
