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)

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.

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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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Customer Reviews

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.

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.

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.