November 1, 2021
K-Gr 3-This series captures the sights and sounds of holidays around the world. Young readers are introduced to new holidays and learn the histories of familiar celebrations. Each title reproduces the excitement with descriptive language and engaging illustrations. Modern-day practices are traced back to their origins and the cultural significance of foods and colors is explained, but the books also convey the sheer joy of time spent with friends and family. Included in the books are recipes, traditional songs, poetry, crafts, and ideas for joining the spirit of the celebration. Back matter includes a glossary with pronunciation, index, and additional resources. VERDICT This beautiful series should be a go-to resource for each holiday season.
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February 15, 2022
Grades K-3 More robust than most introductions to the topic, the Celebrating Holidays series (18 titles) examines an array of religious and secular celebrations in an accessible picture-book format. Comprised of eight or nine chapters (typically two to four pages), each book presents a holiday's history, associated foods and traditions (including variations around the world), meaningful symbols, and related poems and songs; simple crafts, recipes, and suggestions to help kids get in the holiday spirit follow the main text, as well. Clean, attractive layouts sport colorful headings, short paragraphs of smoothly written text, and inviting illustrations on nearly every page. Frequent fact boxes and bubbles contribute trivia and quotes that further enhance the proceedings. Kids will learn about the Jewish Festival of Lights in Celebrating Hanukkah, which relays the story of the Maccabees and the importance of the menorah, traditional fried foods, and the game dreidel. A strong, well-rounded series.
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