A Ramadan Night

Under the light of a crescent moon in Damascus, “It feels like a Ramadan night,” Baba says, to which young narrator Sami responds, “What does a Ramadan night feel like?” The duo’s walk to the mosque to pray Taraweeh offers answers as Sami asks the same question of the moon, the sidewalk, the “echoes of the masjid,” and, upon arrival, a plush carpet. “Lights,” responds the moon; “eager steps,” says the sidewalk; “ripples of peace,” suggest the echoes; “mosaic-engraved dreams,” offers the carpet. And as Sami’s fingers tingle, “more answers come rushing to meet me,” hinting that Ramadan nights smell like a perfumed breeze and sound like “the clinkety-clink” of generosity. Presley’s lyrical language evokes a range of experiences, while Enayeh’s velvety gouache illustrations of the Syrian city captivate. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)