The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth [Library Binding]

Ellen Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY.

--This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-This is a detailed look at the history and festivals behind this special day, which occurs in the third week of March in the Northern Hemisphere. Jackson begins with ancient Mexico and the Mayans, who believed that special ceremonies were needed to rejuvenate the Earth; otherwise, it would remain cold and lifeless. She mentions other festivals and holidays that are celebrated around this time, such as Passover; Easter; No Ruz, a 13-day Iranian festival; and Holi, an Indian holiday. The book ends with a note that not all spring celebrations are rooted in ancient times, such as Earth Day. A retelling of the story of Ostara, the goddess of dawn and springtime, is included, as are some examples of seasonal activities. The attractive illustrations are as cheery and colorful as a warm and sunny spring day, adding to this informative look at the vernal equinox.
Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. This attractive book completes the quartet that includes The Winter Solstice (1994), The Autumn Equinox (2000), and The Summer Solstice (2001). One or two spring holidays, chosen to represent a variety of cultural traditions, are spotlighted in each two-page spread. Jackson introduces children to a number of spring customs: the Cree Indian practice of offering berries to the Great Spirit; the medieval European custom of a mock battle between summer and winter; the Iranian festival of No Ruz; and the colorful Indian holiday known as Holi, as well as the more familiar Passover, Easter, and Earth Day. An adapted Anglo-Saxon myth and a few activities round out the volume. Warm spring colors set the tone in the well-composed, somewhat stylized illustrations. This volume provides a spirited overview of spring celebrations around the world. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Millbrook Press (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761319557
• ISBN-13: 978-0761319559
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,954,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

WHO: Ellen B. Jackson

WHAT: An award-winning author of 55+ fiction and nonfiction books for children.

WHEN: Born in the days of woolly mammoths, I eventually grew up to be a teacher, counselor, book-lover and writer.

WHERE: I live in Santa Barbara near a very nice beach, ideal for beach-combing and canine stick throwing.

WORKS: Recent books include THE MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE, about supernovae and dark energy (a Golden Kite honor book), and EARTH MOTHER, a timeless tale about the circle of life (three starred reviews).

VISIT: www.ellenjackson.net

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great overveiw for my son!, December 29, 2007

By 

Mary Washington (Clemmons, NC, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth (Paperback)

My son has family members that celebrate both Christian and Pagan holidays. I found this book and others are a great way to put all of our traditions in a historical and equal light. We've been reading it since he was four but I recommend it for 1st graders and older doing a few pages a night.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very inclusive and fascinating history of welcoming the spring, February 20, 2009

By 

L W Storyteller (NM, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth (Paperback)

My 3 yr old enjoys learning about the different rituals and traditions and talking about them with us. I like that this book doesn't focus too intently on one particular religious practice -- we prefer to give our child exposure to different spiritual ideas without pushing one in particular.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We are using this for Ostara, March 8, 2006

By 

Melissa Rolaf "Rowanmamma" (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spring Equinox, The (Hardcover)

great way to explain pagan rites to Children. We will use this in our children's circle. Also briefly mentions Christianity in relation to pagan symbols