Editorial Review

Readers are introduced to the different beliefs and holiday celebrations of people around the globe. For example, Birthday covers events such as quinceaneras and Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs. The sections are concise (usually one spread or a single page) and arranged by countries or belief traditions with text providing the history and origins, songs, and celebrations of the traditions introduced. Vivid, full-page illustrations and photographs appear throughout. Maps and occasional captions (e.g., ‘The lucky magpie takes Korean children’s lost teeth.‘) provide additional facts. Each title contains a ’Hands On’ activity and an ‘Up Close’ section that extends the topics with crafts, stories, songs, and recipes. Though nothing spectacular, this series integrates visual information and broad facts well, making it a general purchase for most collections.