Forthcoming Curious George book is about Ramadan

(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Curious George has taken a job, ridden a bike, gotten a medal, and learned to fly a kite — but in his latest adventure, the classic children's book character will be taught to celebrate Ramadan. It's Ramadan, Curious George, which will be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, is the latest in a trend in children's publishing to appeal to a more diverse audience, including Muslims.

Author Hena Khan told BuzzFeed that she hopes the Curious George book will help people to realize that "Muslim-Americans are a part of the very fabric of American society and are engaged at every level... We embrace our American identity along with our Muslim identity."

While Curious George doesn't fast in the book, he does help his friend, Kareem, stay distracted by playing games. Later, The Man in the Yellow Hat becomes The Man in the Yellow Fez:

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Kareem gives George a gift"New clothes for Eid," he says.It's a fancy vest for George,And for the man, a yellow fez! [Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via Buzzfeed Books]

It's Ramadan, Curious George is available for pre-order through Amazon.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.