My Wheel of the Year: A Celebration of Nature's Magic

Gr 1-4--A magical nonfiction book that takes readers on an annual journey through the revolution of seasons known as the Wheel of the Year. Eight spokes on the Wheel represent the eight holidays of Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon that mark the different seasons. The Wheel's holiday tradition is out of sequence from the customary calendar year that readers are accustomed to. According to the Wheel, the new year begins on October 31, Samhain, as we say goodbye to the old year and welcome a new one by celebrating with rituals including trick-or-treating. Readers are then introduced to the battle of the Holly and Oak Kings that takes place on Yule night, which is December 20 or 21. Through a descriptive narrative and a host of colorful children of diverse multicultural backgrounds, the book details the eight holidays on the Wheel of the Year. Van De Car demonstrates ways to unite families and communities during the holidays without an overemphasis on commercialization and consumerism, but instead concentrating on ways to connect with nature's regenerative gifts of renewal and harvest. Kita's beautifully illustrated scenery depicts activities and observances connected to each holiday. While the book does well in introducing seasonal holidays, it lacks sources to provide more background. VERDICT The title serves as an introductory resource to expand knowledge about holidays and seasons celebrated around the world, and could be successful in helping readers discover more about the topic.--Kimberly Filmore

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