Jumana releases Ramadan book

Children's book author Jumana Al-Awadhi released her latest activity book 'Ramadan is Back' on the auspicious month of Ramadan. The book centers around the subject of manners, morals and healthy habits. In the book, Al-Awadhi introduces and re-inscribes to children, facts about the month of Ramadan with a focus on the values Islam holds about the holy month. "This book not only teaches children what fasting is and why we fast, but it also emphasizes the importance of practicing all our good manners all year long," said Al-Awadhi. She added that throughout the activities in the book, children are encouraged to commit themselves to healthy eating habits. There are many children who can't fast, noted Al-Awadhi. If children cannot fast due to their young age, then what is Ramadan to them? The book answers this question. So many misconceptions are held by people about the month of Ramadan, even adults, says Al-Awadhi. "To many people, Ramadan is only about abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. It goes way beyond that," she noted. A vital message that is expressed in the book is to use this blessed time of year to send love to the entire world and pray for global peace. Al-Awadhi has worked on a variety of books for the theme of Ramadan, but her previous works were sponsored by clients and tailored around what they demand. Working with clients did not give Al-Awadhi the liberty to discuss all the topics she wanted to tackle. Working on this book was the author's creative outlet. She was unable to criticize eating habits during Ramadan in a book sponsored by a company. However, in a project where she is working solo, Al-Awadhi found the liberty to criticize and re-inscribe One such topic of criticism is 'Girgian', a traditional Ramadan event that takes place in the middle of the month. Children go around houses in the neighborhood singing folklore songs and receive handfuls of candy and sweets from adults that they place in the bags worn around necks or across their shoulders. If you talk to the older generation you'll find out that Girgian candy was basically nuts and dates and dried fruits. There were no sugary candies and chocolates like there are in Girgian today," said Al-Awadhi. 'Ramadan is Back' book is available in Baroue and will soon be available at bookstores across Kuwait.