‘The Month that Makes the Year’ explores the month-long festival of Ramadan through the eyes and experience of Deenie. She is the youngest member of a Muslim family and this is the first time she has been fully involved in the spiritual practice of Ramadan. She faces some challenges especially at the start, fasting from sunrise to sunset is not easy but soon realises that Ramadan is much more than going without food and water.

This is a gentle and authentic telling of the celebration and importantly the spiritual practice of Ramadan. The story includes names in Arabic for significant rituals such as Suhoor for the meal taken before dawn and Iftaar for the breaking of the fast at sunset. It is a time of fasting, prayer and reflection, a time to slow down, be kind to yourself and to think good thoughts. This is a joyful telling of the spiritual value and importance that comes from observing Ramadan.

Too many people the rituals of their faith are highly important and are an intrinsic part of who they are this story introduces and explains in a gentle yet powerful way why to Muslims Ramadan is such a special time of the year.

At the end of the book is a glossary explaining the various Arabic words used throughout the story.

this graceful and authentic story illuminates the sense of belonging to both the community and the universe that this month of fasting, prayer and reflection brings, as well as the sense of accomplishment that springs from sacrifice. It is a warm and joyful story offering children the chance to see themselves or their friends in the celebration of the spiritual practice of Ramadan.

1. Celebrations
2. Cultural Traditions
3. Empathy
4. Family
5. Friendship
6. Kindness
7. Peace
8. Resilience
9. Respect
10. Social Life
11. Tolerance