The Ramadan Drummer

December 18, 2023
In this warmly interpersonal work, the creators illuminate the tradition of the Ramadan Drummer, who, before alarm clocks, would “call us out of bed for our last meal before fast.” After iftar one evening, young Adam’s mother and aunt reminisce about the Ramadan Drummer, a story that works its way into his dreams. Abaza writes that Adam “walked alongside the Drummer beating and chanting, until all the homes were lit,” en route hearing whispers drifting from homes, telling him what’s on his neighbors’ hearts. Reminded by the drummer that during Ramadan, “every act of kindness is rewarded tenfold,” Adam the next day delivers appropriate gifts to the neighbors, realizing that, though his fasting “stomach was empty... his heart was full.” Mirtalipova’s dazzling naif illustrations use blocky shapes, inky colors, and intricate patterns to detail day and night sequences. Characters are portrayed with brown skin. Creators’ notes conclude. Ages 5–9.

January 12, 2024

K-Gr 3-A Ramadan drummer is a centuries-old tradition in many Muslim-majority countries: this drummer traverses neighborhoods before the pre-dawn meal to wake those who will be observing the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Abaza's story opens with a grumpy Adam, hungry from his fast. When Adam and his family end their fast and enjoy the extravagant spread of food, Adam's mom and his aunt reminisce about their first fasts, and the Ramadan drummer from their childhood village. They state that the drummer was part of an old tradition that isn't followed so much anymore, since most people now have alarm clocks. That night, Adam dreams of the Ramadan drummer; he beats the drum with him street after street. As they walk by houses, they hear the whispered secrets of his neighbors and friends-one is homesick, another lonely. The next day, Adam ignores his appetite and sets off to fulfill his friends' desires that he heard in the night. This story about a shared tradition may strike a chord with readers, and will especially resonate with older relatives reading to the younger generations. VERDICT Readers learn, along with Adam, that Ramadan is about more than being hungry all day-it's also about the value in helping and being there for others.-Shazia Naderi

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2023
A Muslim boy's imagination soars as he learns about an old Ramadan tradition. Adam waits impatiently for sunset so he can break his fast. When the family eats together, his mother and aunt reminisce about their first fast, when they were woken up for the pre-dawn meal by the Ramadan Drummer--a tradition that ended when people began relying on alarm clocks. That night, Adam dreams of meeting the Ramadan Drummer. Together they chant and beat the drum "until all the homes were lit." The Drummer alerts Adam to the murmurs coming from the houses--a boy named Zane wishes for a friend; a girl named Hannah has won a tournament; homesick Mr. Sami longs for his family. The Drummer tells Adam, "During Ramdan, every act of kindness is rewarded tenfold." The next day, Adam invites Zane to play, writes a note to congratulate Hannah, and drops off a gift for Mr. Sami. As he races home to break his fast, his stomach is rumbling, but his heart is filled with warmth. The uplifting story comes full circle as Adam realizes that good deeds are essential to Ramadan and fasting. The beautiful folk art-inspired illustrations are peppered with bright florals; scenes of Adam's magical night, rendered in inky blacks and blues with pops of red and yellow, evoke a sense of coziness. Characters are brown-skinned, but the setting is unspecified. A lively telling of the true spirit of Ramadan. (author's and illustrator's notes) (Picture book. 4-8)

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