Laura Jacobsen Illustration

From School Library Journal (December 2007):
"Gr 1-4 –This beautifully composed story straddles two worlds–America and Islamic Indo-Pakistani culture. Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration of Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice and trust in God. It is celebrated in a manner similar to Thanksgiving by offering lamb rather than turkey, which is distributed among the poor, the family, and friends. This benevolent distribution is a key part of this story. Aneesa is missing her parents, who have gone to Saudia Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, leaving her at home in America . Her grandmother distracts her with gifts, then cooks her favorite meal–lamb korma. Dressed in their elegant holiday clothing, Aneesa and Nonni visit the mosque. Aneesa notices two sisters in ragged clothing who are refugees from a war-torn country. Feeling concern for them, she puts together a plan with Nonni’s help. This is a heartwarming tale of a child’s generosity, and Jacobsen’s illustrations flesh out the warmth and tenderness of the characters’ interaction. This is a welcome contribution, giving much-needed visibility to a celebration observed by over ten million people in North America . A glossary explains the Arabic and Urdu terms.–Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OH "

From Southern California InFocus
"Though Muslims pride themselves on the non-commercialization of Eid, many Muslim children approach the Islamic holiday as a chance to stock up on the latest toys, forgetting that most children have little more than nothing with which to celebrate. Asma Mobin-Uddin’s new children’s book, "The Best Eid Ever," is a gentle reminder that what makes Eid special is not the new clothes and toys, but giving from what you have for the sake of Allah.

In the beautifully illustrated book, little Aneesa has to spend Eid ul-Adha without her parents, who are in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. Her Nonni, or maternal grandmother, tries to make Eid special for Aneesa by surprising her with three new outfits from Pakistan and cooking her favorite dinner, lamb korma. At Eid prayer, Aneesa notices two young refugee girls wearing torn and ragged clothing. The girls tell Aneesa that their father could not afford to miss work even on Eid, and that they escaped their war-ravaged country for safety in America. Aneesa cannot shake the image of the girls as she returns home with Nonni. After discussing the situation with her grandmother, Aneesa decides to make the girls’ Eid special by giving them two of her new outfits and the entire pot of lamb korma, in addition to candy and other treats. Nonni and Aneesa end up ordering pizza for dinner, but both agree that this was their best Eid ever.

Mobin-Uddin, an active member of the Ohio Muslim American community, fills an obvious lack of quality Islamic children’s literature with this book and with her previous book, "My Name is Bilal," which won the Paterson Prize for Books for Young People. However, this book is not only a valuable part of a Muslim child’s library; it is a significant instrument to encourage positive discussions about Islam in classrooms across America. At the end of the book, the author provides descriptions of Hajj, Eid, and the story of Hajar and Ismail, as well as a glossary of non-English words and phrases. And, of course, people of all ages respond better to colorful pictures and a simple tale than a dense textbook chapter on world religions.

"The Best Eid Ever" is a delightful story that is worth sharing with the children in your life on both Islamic holidays and any time of year. In fact, you might be surprised how much you enjoy the book as well!"

From The Edge of the Forest:
"Eid, the biggest holiday of the Muslim year has finally arrived. Aneesa just knows things won't be the same this year, though, because her parents are far away in Saudi Arabia. To cheer her up, Aneesa's grandmother gives her beautiful new Eid clothing and even makes her favorite dinner, lamb korma.

Nonni's surprises brighten Aneesa's day, but when she meets two girls who have lost everything they own, she loses a little of her joy. The determined and big-hearted Aneesa comes up with a plan that will salvage the spirit of Eid.

This is a culturally diverse story full of heart and human spirit. Jacobsen's brilliant illustrations match the moods of the text and introduce new objects, while bringing new life to familiar objects at the same time.

A gorgeous picture book that would look perfect on any child's bookshelf!"

From Young Adult (& Kid's) Book Central:
"Aneesa and her grandmother prepare to celebrate this year’s Eid holiday. Aneesa is sad because her parents are away in Saudi Arabia, but Nonni has special plans to cheer her up. Nonni’s surprises work their charm, and Aneesa finds some joy in the beautiful new Eid clothes from Pakistan and in her favorite dinner foods cooking on the stove.

A little of her cheer fades when she meets children who have lost all of their own belongings in a devastating fire. The brave and big-hearted Aneesa comes up with a plan that will bring the joy of the Eid holiday to her own family as well as her new friends.

A cultural awakening for curious spirits, this is a fabulous and educational picture book.

Jacobsen’s full-page, colorful illustrations show a mastery of light and shadow. They bring life to everyday household objects and parallel the emotions of the text perfectly.

A lovely addition to any child’s bookshelf!"



			The Best Eid Ever Story by Asma Mobin-Uddin Illustrated by Laura Jacobsen From School Library Journal (December 2007): "Gr 1-4 –This beautifully composed story straddles two worlds–America and Islamic Indo-Pakistani culture. Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration of Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice and trust in God. It is celebrated in a manner similar to Thanksgiving by offering lamb rather than turkey, which is distributed among the poor, the family, and friends. This benevolent distribution is a key part of this story. Aneesa is missing her parents, who have gone to Saudia Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, leaving her at home in America . Her grandmother distracts her with gifts, then cooks her favorite meal–lamb korma. Dressed in their elegant holiday clothing, Aneesa and Nonni visit the mosque. Aneesa notices two sisters in ragged clothing who are refugees from a war-torn country. Feeling concern for them, she puts together a plan with Nonni’s help. This is a heartwarming tale of a child’s generosity, and Jacobsen’s illustrations flesh out the warmth and tenderness of the characters’ interaction. This is a welcome contribution, giving much-needed visibility to a celebration observed by over ten million people in North America . A glossary explains the Arabic and Urdu terms.–Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Oberlin Public Library, OH " From Southern California InFocus "Though Muslims pride themselves on the non-commercialization of Eid, many Muslim children approach the Islamic holiday as a chance to stock up on the latest toys, forgetting that most children have little more than nothing with which to celebrate. Asma Mobin-Uddin’s new children’s book, "The Best Eid Ever," is a gentle reminder that what makes Eid special is not the new clothes and toys, but giving from what you have for the sake of Allah. In the beautifully illustrated book, little Aneesa has to spend Eid ul-Adha without her parents, who are in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. Her Nonni, or maternal grandmother, tries to make Eid special for Aneesa by surprising her with three new outfits from Pakistan and cooking her favorite dinner, lamb korma. At Eid prayer, Aneesa notices two young refugee girls wearing torn and ragged clothing. The girls tell Aneesa that their father could not afford to miss work even on Eid, and that they escaped their war-ravaged country for safety in America. Aneesa cannot shake the image of the girls as she returns home with Nonni. After discussing the situation with her grandmother, Aneesa decides to make the girls’ Eid special by giving them two of her new outfits and the entire pot of lamb korma, in addition to candy and other treats. Nonni and Aneesa end up ordering pizza for dinner, but both agree that this was their best Eid ever. Mobin-Uddin, an active member of the Ohio Muslim American community, fills an obvious lack of quality Islamic children’s literature with this book and with her previous book, "My Name is Bilal," which won the Paterson Prize for Books for Young People. However, this book is not only a valuable part of a Muslim child’s library; it is a significant instrument to encourage positive discussions about Islam in classrooms across America. At the end of the book, the author provides descriptions of Hajj, Eid, and the story of Hajar and Ismail, as well as a glossary of non-English words and phrases. And, of course, people of all ages respond better to colorful pictures and a simple tale than a dense textbook chapter on world religions. "The Best Eid Ever" is a delightful story that is worth sharing with the children in your life on both Islamic holidays and any time of year. In fact, you might be surprised how much you enjoy the book as well!" From The Edge of the Forest: "Eid, the biggest holiday of the Muslim year has finally arrived. Aneesa just knows things won't be the same this year, though, because her parents are far away in Saudi Arabia. To cheer her up, Aneesa's grandmother gives her beautiful new Eid clothing and even makes her favorite dinner, lamb korma. Nonni's surprises brighten Aneesa's day, but when she meets two girls who have lost everything they own, she loses a little of her joy. The determined and big-hearted Aneesa comes up with a plan that will salvage the spirit of Eid. This is a culturally diverse story full of heart and human spirit. Jacobsen's brilliant illustrations match the moods of the text and introduce new objects, while bringing new life to familiar objects at the same time. A gorgeous picture book that would look perfect on any child's bookshelf!" From Young Adult (& Kid's) Book Central: "Aneesa and her grandmother prepare to celebrate this year’s Eid holiday. Aneesa is sad because her parents are away in Saudi Arabia, but Nonni has special plans to cheer her up. Nonni’s surprises work their charm, and Aneesa finds some joy in the beautiful new Eid clothes from Pakistan and in her favorite dinner foods cooking on the stove. A little of her cheer fades when she meets children who have lost all of their own belongings in a devastating fire. The brave and big-hearted Aneesa comes up with a plan that will bring the joy of the Eid holiday to her own family as well as her new friends. A cultural awakening for curious spirits, this is a fabulous and educational picture book. Jacobsen’s full-page, colorful illustrations show a mastery of light and shadow. They bring life to everyday household objects and parallel the emotions of the text perfectly. A lovely addition to any child’s bookshelf!"