The Ramadan Drummer written by Sahtinay Abaza and illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova is a colorful, tender, and joyous story about Ramadan and the Ramadan drummer.
Before the sun rises and a day of fasting begins, Adam, a young boy, must get out of bed and eat with his family before the sun is up. Mother has made all sorts of tasty dishes such as steamed rice, salad, lentil soup, and pizzas! Aunt Norah and Uncle Omar are also there. They brought cookies and dates.
During a discussion between his mother and his aunt, Adam hears about the Ramadan Drummer----a drummer who walked through the town to wake people up in order to eat before the sun was up. The very next night Adam decides to go outside to find this drummer. And he does.
The book also gives the reader a lovely thought, namely, that during Ramadan every act of kindness is greatly rewarded. This causes Adam to do a wonderful act of kindness for each of three people in his community -----namely, Hannah, Mr. Sami, and Zane.
The Ramadan drummer himself is visually spectacular! He wears a white cap, a long beautiful white beard, puffy decorative orange pants and pointy red slippers! He is elegant.
The Author’s Note and the Illustrator’s Note are both beautifully written and bring forth interesting personal experiences.
The Ramadan Drummer written by Sahtinay Abaza and illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova is a beautiful story well-told in both words and illustrations for children 5-8 years of age (Reycraft) 2024.
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Activity Questions for The Ramadan Drummer
Older readers: In this story Adam does three acts of kindness for three people in his community. Reread that portion of this book to refresh your mind as to these actions. If you were to design three acts of kindness for you to enact for people you know who would these three people be and what act of kindness would you do for each of them? Think carefully before you begin.
Younger readers: Read the description of the food prepared for Adam and his family to eat and break the fast. If you were to plan such a menu, what would you include? Next, draw a picture of you and your family around the table eating. Have fun.
All Readers: There are 17 pictures of a black cat in this picture book. Some are big pictures, and some are very small and almost hidden. Try to find them all. Then, give the black cat a name.
