Let's Celebrate!

December 6, 2019

K-Gr 2-DePalma chronicles 13 special days around the world in Russia, New Zealand, Peru, Sweden, Iran, and other countries. Celebrations and festivals are highlighted through rhyming text and soothing, soft, colored illustrations that depict families around the world partaking in each celebration, festival, or special day. The book features additional material for older readers, including a calendar with special days, notes, and a pronunciation guide. Lesser-known festivals like the New Yam Festival (Nigeria) are presented with interesting facts and information highlighting the people, culture, faith, and tradition of each geographic region. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to secular and religious celebrations around the world, but it may leave young readers wanting to know more about each special day, since much of the information is not located in the main text. Pair with DK Readers: Festivals and Celebrations by Caryn Jenner, A Ticket Around the World by Natalia Diaz & Melissa Owens, Celebrations Around the World by Katy Halford, and Children Just Like Me: Celebrations! by Anabel Kindersley and Barnabas Kindersley. VERDICT An accessible tool for teaching children about world cultures, seasonal special events, and festivals for school and public library collections.-Angelina Bair, Lakewood Public Library, OH

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