The Eidi Bag

Ages 4 to 7

A little girl adapts to the Eid traditions of her new home

Today is Sarah’s first Eid Ul Fitr in her new country. She’s excited to celebrate the breaking of the fast with her loved ones, and collect enough money in her Eidi bag to buy goodies for her friends, and a new set of markers for herself. In Pakistan, after the Eid prayer at the masjid, Sarah’s friends and family would fill her bag with coins. But in her new country, no one pays any attention to her waiting Eidi bag. Sarah is disappointed—this year’s Eid celebration is nothing like she thought it would be.

Later that evening, friends and family arrive at Sarah’s house to celebrate Eid. She greets them at the door, wearing her Eidi bag just in case. But instead of money, the guests come bearing other gifts: baklava, candies, flowers, and a new set of markers! Sarah still misses Pakistan, but she’s delighted by the gift-giving traditions of her new home.

With lively, colorful illustrations and subtle humor, this cheerful holiday story gently explores an experience kids who immigrate to new countries often face: adapting to new traditions. The Eidi Bag is an authentic look at Eid Ul Fitr through the eyes of a child, and a comforting tale about discovering joy in what is unfamiliar to us.

About the Author

SHAZIA AFZAL has been teaching children for more than 20 years. She worked as an elementary school teacher, then as a Montessori teacher and now runs her own Montessori school. Her favourite thing to do is read storybooks to children. She is a storyteller at heart and has published five children's books. She fasts in Ramadan, celebrates Eid Ul Fitr and has experienced it in four different countries including Canada. She loves walking and hiking in nature and lives with her family in Mississauga, Ontario.SHIVA DELSOOZ is an Iranian-Canadian illustrator born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She graduated from Loyalist College with a diploma in animation. Shiva has been interested in drawing since early childhood. She grew up with severe hearing loss, and she often used art and music to cope with her situation. Shiva lives in Toronto, Ontario.