The Night Before Eid

★ “A beautiful story of joy, tradition, and family.”―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Celebrate the end of Ramadan with this luminous Muslim family story about faith, history, and delicious foods.

On the night before Eid, it’s finally time to make special sweet treats: Teita’s famous ka’ak. Zain eagerly unpacks the ingredients from his grandmother’s bulky suitcase: ghee from Khalo Karim, dates from Amo Girgis, and honey from Tant Tayseer—precious flavors all the way from Egypt. Together with Mama and Teita, Zain follows his family’s recipe and brings to life Eid songs and prayers, pharaonic history, and the melodies and tastes of his Egyptian heritage This Muslim holiday story, featuring a delicious ka’ak recipe, is a satisfying addition to a joyful and expansive Eid.

A CCBC Children’s Choice Best Book of the Year

• Praise for The Night Before Eid:
  A CCBC Children’s Choice Best Book of the Year
   
  ★ "Khalil’s descriptive prose is filled with culturally specific details, including the use of Egyptian Arabic dialect and references to poetry, music, and food. Equally textured are Kheiriyeh’s illustrations, done in acrylic, oil, ink, spray paint, crayon, and pencil on watercolor paper. A beautiful story of joy, tradition, and family."
  Kirkus Reviews
• "Not only is there lots to learn from this tale but there is also plenty for young ones to see; the illustrations are done in cozy hues of pink, teal, orange, and black by award-winning illustrator Kheiriyeh. Children will delight in spying Zain’s mischievous black-and-white cat, who is a vital part of the action. A solid and worthwhile purchase."
  School Library Journal
• "Kheiriyeh’s mixed media illustrations use dappled backgrounds and crayon-textured lines to capture the essence of youthful excitement and anticipation. Rhythmic onomatopoeia in the text mimics the sensory pleasures of baking."
  BCCB