Author Hena Khan explains why she used a well-known character to introduce Muslim and non-Muslim children to Ramadan.
Curious George, the children's character,
has travelled to many places, and celebrated several holidays in his
lifetime - Hanukkah, Christmas, even Halloween and St Patrick's Day.
But this year he is breaking his fast, going
to the mosque, and preparing for Eid celebrations. In It's Ramadan,
Curious George, written by Hena Khan, the inquisitive monkey and his
caretaker, the Man with the Yellow Hat, learn about the month when
Muslims eschew food and drink from dawn until dusk.
Through his friend, Kareem, George learns about Islamic culture, charity and prayer.
The two break their fast together as the sun
sets with kabobs, pizza and chocolate-dipped bananas. As Eid, the
holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan, approaches, George is given a
gift as is customary - a vest - and the Man with the Yellow Hat swaps
his headgear for a fez.
Khan, a Maryland-based, Pakistani-American
writer, who has already written two Islamic-themed picture books, grew
up reading Curious George, and writing the latest in the series was an
exciting opportunity to share this classic with her two sons. "Our
shared love for such a timeless and iconic character made it extra
exciting to have the chance to write a Curious George book," she said.
But to Khan, the timing of the book is just
as important as the content. "I'm grateful for the chance to tell my
stories ... to help challenge the dangerous and destructive narrative
about American Muslims that is being propagated ... at a time of
unfortunate hate-mongering, finger-pointing and fear."
For some Muslim American parents, the book
is a means to have Curious George share their traditions and culture,
without forgoing their American identity at a time when Islamophobia is
high and even children are feeling the effects of social stigma. "When
my kids saw that a book about their religion was being made, with their
superhero as the main character, it was a really deal for them," said
Aseel ElBorno, a teacher and mother of two children living in the
Virginia area.
"I think at a time when Muslims are being
made to feel like they are not a part of American society, having a book
like Curious George makes us become more mainstream, and I think that's
the goal for a lot of Muslim Americans at this day and age," she said.
The book has also been a hit with non-Muslim
families, according to Khan. Crystal Lander, a Christian mother living
in the DC area, said the book is a good primer on Ramadan for those who
weren't very familiar with it.
"I think it's so important for kids to learn
about about other cultures and religions," she said. "I have lots of
friends who are fasting this month, and I'm so happy to know a bit more
about their religion."
Al Jazeera spoke with Hena Khan about her book, which, due to demand, is currently in its third printing.
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