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The Winter Solstice
 
 
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The Winter Solstice (Paperback)

~ Ellen Jackson (Author) "Long ago, on one of the shortest days of the year, a Scottish family huddled by a fire..." (more)
3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)

Price: $7.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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  School & Library Binding, November 30, 1997 $14.35 $14.35 --
  Paperback, November 30, 1997 $7.95 $3.81 $4.67

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The Winter Solstice + The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth + Summer Solstice, The
Price For All Three: $23.85

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4-This picture book does a solid job of explaining various early peoples' attitudes about the winter solstice and related rituals and traditions. Included are the Celtics, Romans, and Native Americans (among others). The information is well presented and flows evenly. The strongest part of the text is the discussion of which aspects of these ancient traditions are celebrated today and why. The book ends with a Cherokee folktale on the creation of the seasons. The attractive, double-page, full-color illustrations enhance the text. A good choice for libraries needing material on the subject.
Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, GA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.


From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. In picture-book format, this introduces the winter solstice customs and beliefs of the ancient Britons, Scandinavians, Romans, and Peruvians, as well as certain Native American sun ceremonies. Jackson also explains how to demonstrate the earth's tilt using an orange and a flashlight; she connects ancient solstice practices to modern customs associated with Christmas and Hanukkah, and she ends the book with an adaptation of a Cherokee creation tale. Teachers will value the book's multicultural approach as well as its simple, readable text and attractive watercolor illustrations. While the introduction to the science of solstice could be fuller and the accompanying illustrations much more precise, the book definitely fills a niche. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 9-12
  • Paperback: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Millbrook Press (December 1, 1997)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0761302972
  • ISBN-13: 978-0761302971
  • Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #35,316 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #29 in  Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Festivals > Non-religious

More About the Author

Ellen B. Jackson
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Customer Reviews

17 Reviews
5 star:
 (11)
4 star:    (0)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:
 (3)
1 star:
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.9 out of 5 stars (17 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Buyer beware, December 22, 2001
By Bedawyn (Asheville, NC) - See all my reviews
I wish Amy's review had been posted before I purchased this; pagans should definitely take the time to read it carefully before buying this book as a gift. If sentences like "many people...thought that ghosts and witches and trolls wandered the Earth" and "just as we now do at Christmas" _don't_ set your teeth on edge, then hey, go for it. There is no discussion of modern multicultural solstice traditions outside of Christmas and Hanukkah and an emphasis on the 'dark and scary' aspects of old solstice beliefs that might be inappropriate for a child's introduction to the solstice. There's also an implicit attitude -- mild but noticeable, though unstated -- that we moderns are superior to those poor superstitious folk of the past. And the scientific explanation, while accurate, is misleadingly phrased. Still, the artwork and general design are excellent, the text is clear and simple without being dry, and the Cherokee tale at the end, explaining why some trees are evergreen, is very nice. I wouldn't recommend it as a first-and-only solstice book or for anyone who's unlikely to have more balanced sources of information readily available. But it could be worthwhile as one of a group of books or as a starting point for discussion.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Not a wiccan friendly book, December 5, 2001
By Amy (Mission Viejo, CA) - See all my reviews
I had seen this book many times on-line yet hesitated to purchase it. After checking it out at the local library, I now understand my hesitation. I am a practicing Wiccan and thought this may be a good way to explain our family Yule celebrations to my son's kindergarten class. I was wrong. This book is inaccurate, disjointed and incomplete . It has a distinct "monotheistic writer attempting to appear enlightned" air about it. I am grateful that I didn't waste my money on it, although the waste of my time is inexcusable. Definately not a Pagan/Wiccan nature-based religion friendly read.
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17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for Neo-Pagan parents, November 21, 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: The Winter Solstice (Hardcover)
Finally! A book which touches upon our winter holiday! Perfect for reading to your younger child (or as a starting place for religious discussions with slightly older children). The celebration of the winter solstice is covered from a variety of cultural viewpoints, with lovely illustrations and accurate information (the scientific explanation is also given). A beautiful story about the Solstice is provided at the end of the book, which can be used as a separate tale for family gatherings. The only caveat is that, although the author mentions that some people still mark the Solstice, that is the extent of the detail given to modern Earth-centered faiths. All in all, a book which will enrich your child's religious education.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Anouther family favorite.
We (my son is 8) love knowing where our traditions came from. This book covers all religions and beliefs equally and with history. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mary Washington

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a celebration of the Solstice
I purchased this book thinking it would be a nice story for my son, who along with the rest of our extended family, celebrates the Winter Solstice. Read more
Published 23 months ago by C. Sanchez

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Modern Pagans--Read Critically!
Though the book is written from a Judeo-Christian perspective, it is an excellent book for educating children about the many ways the winter solstice is celebrated throughout the... Read more
Published on December 15, 2004 by Witchy Mama of 2

3.0 out of 5 stars Intense for kids
I got this and "The Shortest Day" by Wendy Pfeffer to try to provide a non-denominational explanation of Christmas to my toddler. Read more
Published on December 3, 2004 by Jdunleavey

5.0 out of 5 stars The Shortest Day and the Return of the Light
This lovely picture book is a great over-view of Winter Solstice history, tradition, science and celebration. Read more
Published on October 19, 2002 by Terrie

5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced account
This is a very appealing book that looks at the origins of winter solstice traditions. The book surveys the historical roots of common solstice practices and the use of symbols... Read more
Published on January 18, 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Book
I LOVE this book. My dad read it to us and we all think it's just great. It taught me about where all the Christmas symbols came from. The story at the end is so nice! Read more
Published on January 6, 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for Wiccans and Pagans
Clear, concise, and beautifully written! It's possible to be a wiccan AND believe that the earth goes around the sun.
Published on January 6, 2002 by Celeste Wingate

5.0 out of 5 stars Wondreful Book!
I couldn't recomend it highly enough. Great history of how ancient cultures would celebrate the Winter Solstice and why. Read more
Published on December 4, 2001 by Antoinette O'Neill

5.0 out of 5 stars Kids Love This Book!
This is a fabulous book!! My two kids love it. The illustrations are appealing and the text is informative and engaging. Read more
Published on January 12, 2001 by Elizabeth Guerra

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