Lailah's Lunchbox

Reem Faruqi based this book on her own experiences as ayoung Muslim girl immigrating to the United States. Shelives in Atlanta, Georgia. Lea Lyon is an award-winning children’s book illustrator, paintingteacher, and portrait artist who has made achildhood dream come true. Lealoved to draw and paint as a child, and she wanted to be a children’s bookillustrator.  She ended up raising afamily, going back to school for an MBA, and working in the corporate world,but she kept painting. Now, at long last, Lea is a children’s book illustratorwith five published picture books: SaySomething, Playing War, Keep Your Ear on theBall (all with Tilbury), The Miracle Jar and Operation Marriage. She lives inRichmond, California.

"If you’re looking for an introduction to Ramadan for young readers (ages 5 to 8), consider this picture book. On the first year she is able to participate in Ramadan, Lailah finds herself in a new country, far from her native Abu Dhabi. She is excited to fast, but nervous that her classmates will not understand. With the help of a teacher and a librarian, she learns how she can explain Ramadan to her fellow students and make friends who are respectful of her culture."