The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth (Paperback)

by Ellen Jackson (Author), Jan Davey Ellis (Illustrator) "Spring is a happy, hopeful season in most parts of the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: spring equinox

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

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 --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Millbrook Press (September 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761319832
• ISBN-13: 978-0761319832
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #279,261 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 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

1 of 1 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

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.

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

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.