Books for Holy Days

A dinosaur for Ayyám-i-Há

Elaheh Mottahedeh Bos

Ayyám-i-Há is a time of gift-giving and celebration. Even though Sevak felt sad he couldn’t take home his favorite toy from the store, he discovered that giving gifts can feel just as nice as receiving them. Join Sevak and his grandma as they spread Ayyám-i-Há cheer. A light and joyful story to celebrate Ayyám-i-Há. This story is written to share joy!

Abdu'l-Baha Loves Children: Nine Stories of Abdu'l-Baha with Children (Baha'i Holy Days)

Alhan Rahimi , Kseniia Pavska

"Know ye the value of these children for they are all my children."

- 'Abdu'l-Bahá

ʻAbdu'l-Bahá lived in the nineteenth and twentieth century. He was a great example for all the spiritual attributes such as generosity, love, kindness, justice and many more. He was also well-known for His love for children. This illustrated book recounts nine stories of Him with children and is published for the occasion of the centenary of His Ascension.

Ayyam-i-Ha Crafts

Elaheh Mottahedeh Bos

Arts and crafts are a wonderful way to help facilitate and guide conversations around service, charity, and the guidance that we are given through the Writings. This book was created to help families celebrate Ayyám-i-Há and share this beautiful festival with family, friends, classmates, neighbors as well as within the Baha’i community.

Ayyám-i-Há in My Family (Baha'i Holy Days)

Alhan Rahimi

This story shows a family's celebration of Ayyám-i-Há.
Ayyám-i-Há is celebrated by Bahai's all over the world for a period of four days (or five days if it's a leap year) and it falls right before the month of fasting (end of February, beginning of March). It's a time of joy, generosity (gift-giving, charity, etc.) and celebration. In this story, Maya shares what her family does during this time of year.

Baha'i Crafts for Children

Jodell Sprague & Cindy Opong

E-Book - Over 70 creative crafts with Baha’i themes, Baha’i quotes and easy directions. Includes step-by-step instructions, illustrations of each craft, themes such as Diversity, Prayer, and Holy Days, and coloring pages. PDF download allows for easy use in children's classes, Feasts, and other community & Institute activities.

Baha'i Holy Days (5 books) - Kindle

Alhan Rahimi

Each book in this series presents one of the Baha'i Holy Days to young children.

Celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha Around the World

Melissa Lopez Charepoo

A delightful story for children filled with watercolor illustrations. Through simple, melodic rhymes, this story teaches children the meaning and joyful spirit the days of Ayyám-i-Há creates around the world. This story also shows the beautiful diversity of humanity and how to share the greeting “Happy Ayyám-i-Há” in different languages.

During Ayyam-i-Ha: How We Celebrate

Elaheh Mottahedeh Bos

What do Bahá’ís do during Ayyám-i-Há? There are so many different ways to celebrate Ayyám-i-Há. This special festival is even more fun when we get to share it with the people we love. We hope this book inspires you to create your own Ayyám-i-Há traditions with your family and friends so you can enjoy this wonderful Bahá’í festival together! Join us on a journey of discovery and love!

Garden of Ridvan: The Story of the Festival of Ridvan for Young Children

Alhan Rahimi

A nightingale tells us about the garden he lived in and the twelve joyful days that we celebrate today. "I live in this garden, Riḍván is its name. I wish that the people would know of its fame."

Lilly and Peggy

Ronald Tomanio

A story for young children - especially those who love dogs! On Naw-Rúz Lilly goes down to the river with her dog, Peggy, and throws a bottle into the water. Inside the bottle is a message that brings hope and joy to someone on the other side of the ocean. Soon Lilly finds that she, too, must draw strength from the message.

Luciana's Parents Are Fasting

Sahar Sabati & Tina Toosky

Luciana knows she is the only one eating during the day because her parents are fasting, but it doesn’t make eating alone any easier! Dinnertime turns into a question-and-answer period as Luciana’s parents help expand her understanding of the Bahá’í Fast.

Maggie Celebrates Ayyam-i-Ha

Patti Rae Tomarelli and Wendy Cowper-Thomas

This picture book tells the simple, lyrical story of one child's joyous, creative celebration of Ayyam-i-Ha. Each day finds Maggie doing something special and wonderful all on her own, without prompting from the adults in her life. Through her actions, Maggie shows the true meaning of Ayyam-i-Ha, demonstrating that children can give to their communities and be of service to others. Includes instructions for repeating Maggie's special activities in your own home.