Editorial Review
SLJ Review of Festivals and Celebrations
International festivals and celebrations are highlighted in each title. Each volume opens with a table of contents and uses colorful borders and large photos with a paragraph of text to describe the topic. A short quiz, glossary, and index are included in the back matter. Vocabulary words are underlined; labeled pictures and info-graphics are used to further understanding, explaining, for example, that Eid-al Firtr means a festival of breaking fast. Diverse people, places, and foods are pictured. Titles validate that many people who celebrate may do so differently, offering wider worldview understanding, such as for Hanukkah “In Cuba, people celebrate with fried plantain, which is a type of fruit.” Although titles are short, each topic touches on multiple aspects of each observance being discussed. VERDICT A great introduction to festivals and celebrations around the world for beginning readers.