A delightful Ramzan reading list for kids

Editor’s Note: In the month of Ramzan, Chintan Girish Modi has pulled together a list of children’s books with vibrant Muslim protagonists that defy lazy stereotypes. Get ready for Khusrau’s riddles, queer love, Hakeem’s incessant hiccups, and other such delightful stories. 

Written by: Chintan Girish Modi is a writer, journalist, educator, book reviewer and cultural commentator. He writes for Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Art India, The Hindu, Frontline, Queerbeat, Himal, and Teacher Plus, among other publications. His prose and poetry have appeared in books like ‘101 Indian Children's Books We Love’, ‘Bent Book: A Queerish Anthology’, ‘Fearless Love’, ‘Clear Hold Build’, and ‘Borderlines’. You can follow him on Instagram and X.

Here is a Ramzan-special reading list for every child, and for all lovers of children’s literature who want to read stories where Muslim protagonists take centre stage. And not just as tokens, sidekicks or afterthoughts.

Ismat's Eid by Fawzia Gilani-Williams, illustrated by Proiti Roy: Festivals can get really hectic, so every additional chore seems like a burden. But little acts of kindness sweeten the occasion. This hilarious story about shoemaker Ismat’s family is all about buying gifts for loved ones, relishing sheer korma, being creative with frugal means, taking care of each other, and having a good laugh when things take an unexpected turn. 

Hakeem's Hiccups by Sadaf Siddique, illustrated by Babakiki: This is a sweet story about the experience of fasting during Ramzan. Hakeem Sahib, who has a thriving practice with vendors from all over the bazaar lining up as patients, is uneasy because of hiccups and he cannot drink water. Read to find out what provides relief, and to join the sumptuous iftar at the end.

The Henna Start-up by Andaleeb Wajid: Bangalore-based college student Abir Maqsood is furious that her mother, a henna artist, is exploited by a rich lady who refuses to honour the payment terms. Armed with her strong sense of justice and her love for her mother, Abir takes matters into her hands. This delightful read is also about her ambition to be a successful entrepreneur and a love triangle with two guys vying for her affection in the guise of helping her win funding for a henna app.

My Chacha is Gay written and illustrated by Eiynah: Those who believe that children are too young to read a book about same-sex couples in love must pick up this heartwarming little book narrated by Ahmed, a child in Karachi. He is close to his Chacha, who buys him ice cream soda and takes him for camel rides on the beach. Ahmed also has a good rapport with Chacha’s boyfriend Faheem. He cannot fathom why people see their love as different from the love between his own parents. Apart from questioning homophobia, this book offers an affirming representation of queer Muslims.

Nida Finds a Way by Samina Mishra, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan: Abbu loves his daughter Nida, reads to her, and strokes her hair to help her fall asleep, but he is terribly protective. When the little girl insists on joining the Shaheen Bagh protests in Delhi, Abbu worries that something unpleasant might happen to the apple of his eye. But, she sneaks out with her grandmother. This inspiring book is about solidarity, hope, and fighting against draconian laws that threaten to rip apart the democratic and pluralistic fabric of our society.

Amma, Take Me to The Dargah of Salim Chishti by Bhakti Mathur, illustrated by Priyankar Gupta: This book introduces readers to Salim Chishti, the Sufi saint whose finely crafted mausoleum in Fatehpur Sikri was commissioned by emperor Jalaluddin Mohammed Akbar. It has become a gathering place for people of all faiths who knock at the saint’s door to seek blessings and fulfill their wishes. It celebrates Mughal architecture and the tradition of qawwali singing.

Zooni’s Alarm Clock by Vibha Batra, illustrated by Pankaj Saikia: Bud Bab takes pride in being a traditional Ramzan drummer. Throughout the holy month, he walks around town waking people up for sehri—the meal before sunrise. This is unpaid work but people give him grains to express gratitude. When his drum breaks down, his granddaughter Zooni comes up with an unusual plan to save the day. It involves a beatboxer. This cute story, set in Kashmir, captures the festive spirit that brings people together.

Sadiq Wants to Stitch by Mamta Nainy, illustrated by Niloufer Wadia: This book will be a hit among boys who enjoy homely craft-based activities that give them a creative outlet. A boy named Sadiq from the nomadic Bakarwal community is raised by a single mother, who makes and sells embroidered rugs. Sadiq loves stitching colourful patterns but his mother feels that he should tend to their sheep, just like other Bakarwal boys. This book honours the bond between mother and son, and the crafts they want to keep alive.

Amir Khusrau: The Man in Riddles by Ankit Chadha, illustrated by Urmimala Nag: One rarely thinks of riddles as literature but, when a poet of the stature of Amir Khusrau dabbles in them, it is hard not to take notice. This book is woven around some of the Hindavi riddles that Khusrau left behind, urging his listeners to look at familiar objects through new eyes, delight in wordplay, and take a break from being all serious and self-important.

Mission Cycle by Rohini Mohan and Jayesh Sivan: Srinagar-based Noorain’s parents gift her a cycle on Eid. She is thrilled to bits but there is a curfew in the city, so she cannot meet her best friend Wasim. The adults in the house lift her spirits by giving her cycling lessons so that she can defeat him once he returns. This is a touching story about finding little joys in harsh circumstances.