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.

In a light-hearted introduction to Ramadan and Eid, this family-centred tale of anticipation under the stars captures everything from the bustle of a shared meal to the swirling magic of the night sky.

With Ramadan and her first month of fasting almost over, Noura, 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 the joyful Eid celebrations begin – bringing with them visits with friends, eating sweets and painting henna on her hands.

Zainab Khan received her BA from Boston University and taught elementary school for several years before starting her own preschool programme. Her debut picture book is Noura’s Crescent Moon, illustrated by Nabila Adani. Through it she hopes that children will learn a little something about the Islamic lunar month Eid-ul-Fitr and Ramadan and recognize that “regardless of their faith, people celebrate in similar ways: with family, food, and gifts, and with prayers for those who are religious.” Of Pakistani heritage, Zainab Khan lives on Long Island, USA, with her husband, two children and a cat. Find her online at zzkbooks.com and on Instagram as @zainabzk1.

Nabila Adani worked briefly as a product designer in Japan and Indonesia before moving to the United States to study children’s book illustration. She is the author-illustrator of Aisha's Colours and illustrator of Not Now, Noor! by Farhana Islam; Be a Bridge by Irene Latham and Charles Waters; and Sunny and the Birds by Wendy Meddour. Nabila Adani lives in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she enjoys illustrating and telling stories for children from around the world. Find her on Instagram as @adaninabila.