From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-While these books are informative and make the most of every page, they are not without flaws. Both look at celebrations in Brazil, China, England, India, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Russia, and the United States. The inclusion of England in Harvest seems a forced example, as the celebration is discussed only in the past tense. The Chinese would not define scrolls as "rolled up tubes of paper" (New Year), and there is an unexplained reference to Brazil's goddess Lemanja in that book. A country map with major cities highlighted as well as a world map are included for each entry and most have a full-color photo of people celebrating. Most of the "Tourism Web Sites" listed are just that and provide very little information about the countries' culture, history, or holidays and seem to be token additions.
Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Includes, among others, the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, the holiday of Sukhot in Israel, a Mexican ceremony of the squashes, and an American Thanksgiving. Cultures all over the world are united in their desire to note and celebrate the cycles of life. And, even though each culture may mark an occasion differently, the joys of birth, coming of age, bountiful harvests, and the beginning of a new year inspire people in every land to burst forth in special expressions of happiness and thanks. Looking at these celebrations not only teaches us about people around the world, but also gives us greater insight into our own culture and identity. Represented in each book: Brazil, England, India, Israel, Japan or China, Mexico, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Russia, and the United States.
