Cookies and Crescents - by Nada Shawish Dutka (Hardcover)

About the Book

After moving away from her extended family and a bustling city, Reem struggles to adjust to her new home but finds solace in her Mom's Eid cookies and a new friend with whom to share them.

Book Synopsis

A touching picture book about moving neighborhoods in the midst of Eid preparations, Cookies and Crescents explores how traditions can evolve when we embrace the possibilities of new beginnings, perfect for fans of Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away and Amira's Picture Day

Reem doesn't want to leave her home in the city, to move far away from her community and the bustling Eid celebrations she's used to. Eid is supposed to be a time to connect with family and friends--and this year was her turn to help make Mama's famous Eid cookies! What will Reem do alone in a quiet neighborhood so far away?

But Mama is sure a place of their own is what's best. Besides, maybe under this new sky they'll finally be able to spot the moon.

This sweet, authentic picture book explores how traditions (and recipes) can change and grow, and how holidays can be special no matter where they're celebrated.

Review Quotes

"[T]he Eid moon is sighted, and new friendships are established in a satisfying resolution to this sweet tale of change and adjustment."-- "Booklist"

"A heartfelt picture book that uses the celebration of Eid al-Fitr as a catalyst for a touching story...Dutka's ­storytelling blends emotional depth with the warmth of family traditions, making it both relatable and uplifting...this book is a valuable addition to Eid ­collections or for families experiencing big life changes."-- "School Library Journal"

"Drawing from her own experiences, Dutka gently delivers a compassionate tale of resilience and introspective growth, emphasizing the adage that "home is where you make it."...Tender, heartfelt, and sympathetic"-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

A daughter of immigrants to the United States, Nada Shawish Dutka now leads digital marketing strategy for big brands. Previously, Dutka worked in nonprofit advertising and traveled to report on internal development and humanitarian conditions of refugees and underserved communities. She has a master's degree from Michigan State University and lives in Fairfax County, VA, with her husband and her Australian Shepherd, where she loves to cook, Crossfit, travel, and do anything outdoors. Zelma Firdauzia is an illustrator from Indonesia. She spends a lot of her time with books and writing whatever she likes. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in visual communication design, it took some time before she found her passion in illustration. Firdauzia enjoys exploring little things such as colorful windows, old buildings, and old tree branches. She has worked for a few local publishers in Indonesia. Right now she lives in a small city on the east side of Java island.