Welcome everyone! I’m thrilled that you stopped by because Zainab Khan is here to talk about her debut picture book, Noura’s Crescent Moon. 

Beautifully illustrated by Nabila Adani and released by Candlewick six weeks ago, Noura’s Crescent Moon is the charming and heart-warming tale of Noura and her parents as they end their Ramadan fasting and begin the joyful Eid celebrations. It’s Noura’s first time to join in. And what’s truly beautiful about this story is the way Zainab captures Noura’s delight in each tradition, her impatience, and her never-ending hope that she will see the Eid crescent moon—despite her parents’ reminder that it is rare to see it. 

For those unfamiliar with Eid traditions, Noura’s story is the perfect lead-in for the backmatter that follows. With the reader caught up in Noura’s excitement for the traditions she is experiencing for the first time, the explanations of the food she eats, the clothing she wears, and the Islamic lunar calendar contribute an additional, celebratory layer of understanding. 

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Venturing out after dusk with her family, a child is eager to watch for the new moon that signals the start of Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in this charming picture-book debut.

Noura can’t wait for the sun to go down! With Ramadan and her first month of fasting almost over, she and Mama and Papa are headed to the hills for a moonsighting picnic. It would be truly special if Noura could catch a glimpse of the faint silvery crescent, something even her mother has never managed to do. If the moon stays hidden, that means one more long day before Noura can wear her sparkly new dress and the joyful Eid celebrations begin—bringing with them visits with friends, eating sweets, and painting henna on her hands. In a lighthearted introduction to Ramadan and Eid, this family-centered tale of anticipation under the stars pairs an inviting text from Zainab Khan with Nabila Adani’s vibrant illustrations, capturing everything from the bustle of a shared meal to the swirling magic of the night sky. Relevant terms, from food items to the Islamic lunar calendar, are explained in a glossary at the end.

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Born in Singapore, Zainab grew up in different parts of the world before she landed in New York for high school and then Boston for college. After graduating, she taught elementary school and then ran her own preschool program, where her favorite part of the day was telling stories. 

And so, I’m curious… did Noura’s Crescent Moon start as one of the stories she told her students? Did it come from her own experience? Or from those of one of her students? And most important of all, how old was Zainab when she saw the rare Eid moon for the first time—or is she still waiting to see it?

And with those wonderings, let me turn things over to Zainab. She joins us from New York, where she lives with her family and Pawsy the cat, to tell us What Was On Zainab Khan’s…

First version of the story: I wrote this story because of my critique partner, Aimee Haburjak. She kept encouraging me to write the stories only I could tell. 

One day, the idea creeped into my head. Write a story that talks about Eid ul-Fitr, Ramadan and the moon sighting. There weren’t any stories out there about the moon sighting, and as a child I loved watching sunrises and sunsets. So, Noura’s Crescent Moon fulfilled the desire to share what I witnessed as a kid. 

First celebratory Eid menu: We always ate vermicelli noodles cooked in sweet milk and pistachios every Eid morning. Sometimes, my mom would make a sweet saffron rice dish with raisins. That was all we needed before my dad went to Eid prayer.

Calendar the first time she saw an Eid crescent moon: For years, I have searched for that elusive moon. I’m hoping I might see it one day. That new crescent is practically impossible to sight. It is only visible for a brief time around twenty minutes after sunset. 

Book Launch Day: I felt so much love and support that day from my family, my friends who flew in from California, my local and amazing critique partners, and the community. I am so grateful for everyone who came, especially the kids. 

The kids’ excitement peaked when they saw themselves represented in my book. Their feelings of belonging permeated the air. Some kids even shared how eager they were to write their own stories. This is all I want my words to do–spread light and empower our future generation. 

Desk: My second book, HANA’S HAJJ (Candlewick Press) comes out Spring, 2026. It is about a young girl who can’t wait to do what she thinks is Scout camping when she performs the Islamic requirement of Hajj (the Pilgrimage of Abraham) with her Papa.  

I am also diligently (well trying to) write a middle grade novel. It is based on my friend’s and my family’s experiences during the Partition of Pakistan and India in 1947. As a child of a parent and grandparents who witnessed genocide, my hope is that people understand that they can overcome generational trauma. Humanity first. 

Mind: I wish to promote empathy and build bridges of friendship between kids. Growing up (and even now) I experienced hate, bullying, bigotry, racism, and xenophobia. My wish is that kids in similar situations know that they are not alone. Perhaps, something they read will spark a solution to their very real problems and give them peace. That’s the main reason I write.   

You have a generous heart, Zainab. That’s a beautiful reason to write. Truly beautiful. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experiences, hopes, and of course, Noura’s Crescent Moon.

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You can keep up to date with Zainab Khan by visiting her online at zzkbooks.com and by following her on Twitter at @zainabzk, on Instagram at @zainabzk1, and on Facebook at Zainab Khan.

If you would like to order Noura’s Crescent Moon, click on the book below:

 

 

 

 

 

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If you would like to know more about me and my writing, please visit sandranickel.com.