A new children’s book depicts the warmth and diversity of Ramadan

Falak is an inquisitive child, curious to learn about the religious practices associated with Ramadan. She is excited about a month that she knows to include the practice of patience, charity, reflection, and spiritual growth, and she is equally excited about the joy brought by Eid-ul-Fitr. 

Falak is the narrator and protagonist of Falak's Favorite Month Ramadan (2023) written and self-published by Adiba Khaled, a budding author who has been reading countless bedtime stories to her two children. Falak's character is based on her elder daughter. 

The book was launched yesterday at The Bookworm in the capital's Justice Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan. 

"It is a timely book for children worldwide to learn the values of Islam that we practise, especially during this holy month", author Adiba Khaled said to The Daily Star. 

The book comprises five chapters, each centred around key values of Islam—fasting, virtues of patience, importance of charity, and Quran recitation. The text takes Falak through the basics of her religion, accompanied by artwork by Molly Deb. 

"I feel that Ramadan is also a great time for non-Muslims to support their fasting friends and communities by learning about the Islamic faith, fostering a greater understanding and respect for diversity", the author said. "Beyond its educational value, Falak's Favorite Month is a book that resonates with warmth and love, encouraging children to embrace their curiosity, ask questions and learn with an open heart."

The book launch at The Bookworm on April 1 was followed by a reading session with children and adults of all ages. 

Amina Rahman of The Bookworm bookstore opened the session with a warm introduction to the debut author. Adiba spent an hour interacting with 30 children as she read excerpts from her book. The reading was preceded by the author's daughter, Falak, reciting a poem from the book. This was the first children's reading session held at The Bookworm's new branch inside the Shahabuddin Park. A book signing brought up the end of the program. 

"It is the first book of its kind written by a Bangladeshi author—a book that gets down to a child's eye level and allows a simple yet comprehensive guide to the holy month of Ramadan just for children in five carefully crafted chapters", said Sameirah Nasrin Ahsan, a writer, who attended the session with her own child.

"The children enjoyed the books and refreshments inside Bookworm; later, some ran off to stretch their limbs in the adjacent play area, while parents enjoyed the lake-side walk in the cool air and North End's signature coffee around the corner. There was something for everyone", she added. 

Falak's Favorite Month Ramadan is available at The Bookworm and soon to be on display at all other bookstores in the country. It can also be purchased online from the author's Facebook and Instagram pages. The book is also on Amazon for international shipping to the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.