Kwanzaa (Traditions & Celebrations)

The attractive books from the Traditions and Celebrations series introduce holidays and holy days, old and new. While some arise directly from religious observances, others have secular, historical, or cultural origins. Each volume presents a clearly written overview in relatively short sentences that flow well. Nicely designed for the primary grades, the layout varies a little from one double-page spread to the next, but each has an equal balance of text and illustration. The well-spaced lines and large type will be helpful to children learning to read. Día de los Muertos presents the Mexican tradition that brings families together, often at cemeteries, on the "Day of the Dead" to celebrate and remember loved ones who have died. Introducing the Muslim festival honoring the story of Ibrahim in the Quran, Eid al-Adha tells of families praying and helping others as well as giving gifts and eating special meals together. Indigenous People's Day discusses a variety of annual events celebrating Native Americans' histories, cultures, and ongoing traditions. Kwanzaa explains the traditions that define the seven-day holiday. Rooted in Africa, it was created to instill a strong sense of shared history and community values among Black Americans. Many of the thoughtfully selected color photos are vibrant as well as expressive. An informative, appealing holiday book series .—Carolyn Phelan, Booklist