Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kid-friendly look at Muslim traditions of Ramadan and Eid.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
IT'S RAMADAN, CURIOUS GEORGE begins with the beloved monkey helping the family of a boy named Kareem bake cookies for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Man in the Yellow Hat is on hand, too, helping put up a banner that reads "Ramadan Mubarak," which means "Blessed Ramadan" and is a common way to say have a happy holy month, but it's not translated in the book. "Kareem is going to try fasting: / A day without food or drinks. / George is curious—can Kareem do it? / He'll need some help, George thinks." George tries to be helpful by pulling Kareem away from the kitchen so he won't smell the yummy food cooking for the evening feast after folks break their fast. Finally it's sunset and everyone gathers for the feast: "I did it, George!" cheers Kareem. / George nods. He's glad to be there. / The room is filled with happiness / And the peaceful sounds of prayer." Another day they go to the mosque "to do a good deed" and fill food baskets for the needy. And finally it's the festival of Eid with more "fun and feasting" and gifts. The Man in the Yellow Hat gets a yellow fez. When the festival ends, George goes to bed with a smile on his face, happy after experiencing his first Ramadan.
Is It Any Good?
This lighthearted look at the Muslim holy month of Ramadan packs a lot of information into an easy-going rhyming story of the beloved monkey helping a boy get through his first fast. It's Ramadan, Curious George portrays a happy family observing their religious tradition, and readers unfamiliar with Ramadan and Eid will pick up some basics. Those who already celebrate will find this board book a positive representation of their culture and may welcome it as a way to talk to little kids about this special month.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what families do to celebrate this special month in It's Ramadan, Curious George. Have you tried fasting? Was it hard? If you haven't tried it yet, do you think you might one day?
George's curiosity often gets him in trouble. But in this story, he only makes one mild mistake and it's quickly cleaned up. Has being curious ever gotten you in trouble?
What's fun about Curious George stories? Have you read other Curious George books or watched Curious George TV shows and movies? Which are your favorites?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : H. A. Rey
- Genre : Board
- Topics : Animals , Faith ( Islam ) , Holidays ( Ramadan )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : May 3, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 2 - 5
- Number of pages : 14
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 9, 2026
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