Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A heartfelt tale of loss and love around a Muslim holiday.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Mama and Yasmine discover the joy of being together in THE GIFT OF EID. It is the first Eid since Baba's death, and they are mourning the loss of their beloved husband and father. Money is tight, and so, when wandering through the Souq Al-Hamidiyeh (a popular market), they cannot easily buy the gifts that they want to give one another. They each find a way, but there are complications. Mama makes a trip to the mosque where, after prayers, they exchange Eid holiday gifts. Their gift-giving turns out to highlight the joy of laughter, love, and being together.
Is It Any Good?
Despite their grief, Mama and young Yasmine determine to celebrate the Muslim holiday of Eid in this heartfelt picture book. The Gift of Eid is a story about a family's first Eid without Baba. Mother and daughter remember him as they make their way through the Souq Al-Hamidiyeh to shop for food and perhaps gifts. Yasmine provides a simple narration while the flat art fills in cultural detail around the popular market and the grand mosque. Inspired by the Gift of the Magi, a famed short story by O. Henry, this Eid version revolves around the true spirit of gift-giving. Loss is handled gently, allowing the joy of laughter and love to emerge.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Gift of Eid and discuss gift-giving. Why do you think people like to give gifts?
Have you ever given a special gift or received one? What and when?
Mother and daughter are compassionate to one another and courageous in dealing with their loss. Have you ever had to comfort someone who is sad?
Yasmine and Mama find joy in being together. How do they show gratitude for each other? How do you show gratitude to people you love?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Aaliya Jaleel
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Holidays
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Gratitude , Humility
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Holiday House
- Publication date : February 11, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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