Editorial Review

A noteworthy review of Holidays and Celebrations from School Library Journal on December 1, 2013

Cover: Chinese New Year

These titles were originally published in 2006 as part of the ‘Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations’ series. Both volumes open with descriptions of celebrations and include information on the history and traditions of their featured holidays. In the first title, Heinrichs describes how Chinese New Year is based on a lunar calendar and why a dragon must be scared away with firecrackers and loud noises. The New Year allows a fresh start and is celebrated with family. Questions guide readers in finding places where the holiday is celebrated and the soft and warm illustrations add to the presentation. Cinco de Mayo explains that the day commemorates Mexico’s victory against France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Common elements include fiestas, floats, and costumes in the colors of the Mexican flag. Pronunciations of Spanish words are found throughout. The illustrations in earthy tones of brown, dark red, deep blue, and bright green depict the foods and celebrations of the Mexican people. Each title includes a recipe and craft. Sidebars and text boxes contain additional facts, songs, and poems. Purchase only if there is a need for lower level materials on these holidays.

—Sandra Welzenbach

← Reviews