April 1, 2017
K-Gr 2-Basic introductions to widely celebrated holidays. Spreads are composed of one to three sentences and full-page photos. There are several weaknesses to note. Most photos feature children, but many are generic stock images recognizable from other series. Christmas and Hanukkah provide perfunctory explanations of their religious origins and lasting significance, but readers will have to consult the glossary to learn why Hindus celebrate Diwali. Hanukkah includes photos of dreidels on the cover and throughout the work yet fails to mention or define the word, merely calling them -tops.- VERDICT Little improvement beyond what is already published, supplemental at best.
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2018
Although people in China, Taiwan, and many places around the world (including North America) celebrate this holiday, there is no mention of where the happy families in the appealing photos are living. The small-format easy reader's short, choppy text details some holiday practices but gives no context about origins. Knowledgeable parents or educators could expand on the flawed presentation. Reading list. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)