Millions of Jewish people all over the world celebrate this autumn festival five days after Yom Kippur. The holiday usually occurs in September or October. Jewish people take time to remember how the ancient Israelites lived. Vibrant images and clear text guide children and help them learn about building and decorating a sukkah, or shelter, the importance of the four species, and the special foods eaten during Sukkot.
Dress like a king or queen, twirl your gragger, and make some noise - Purim is here! One of the happiest Jewish holidays on the calendar, this springtime holiday is celebrated with costume parties, parades, and special foods. Learn the story, customs, and good deeds that are celebrated on this religious holiday.
How do you celebrate the day you were born? In North America, children invite their friends and families to birthday parties where they play games and eat birthday cake. Some other countries have different birthday traditions. Learn how birthdays are celebrated around the world and why some ages are considered more special than others.
Every year on June 19th, people of all backgrounds celebrate the day that African Americans were freed from slavery in the United States. People mark the occasion by gathering at parks for picnics and to hear music. There are even rodeos that celebrate famous black cowboys! Young readers will be fascinated to learn about the history of the Civil War and the law that freed the slaves.
Christianity in Mexico follows Ariceli during the Fiesta of Saint Anthony. Join in as her village celebrates the festival of their patron saint, and she takes part in her first Holy Communion.
Judaism in Israel follows Asher and his brothers in and around the city of Jerusalem. Follow them and find out more about the weekly Shabbat, and join them as they celebrate the festival of Passover.
Sikhism in India follows Pulkit and her family in the Punjab. Join her as she makes flower garlands, celebrates Guru Nanaks birthday, and helps to make langar, a feast at the gurdwara.
Best known as the home of the Inca as well as other ancient civilizations, Peru is dotted with the ruins of their ancient buildings. Children will be delighted to read about the ingenuity of these ancient people in Spotlight on Peru. From high up on Lake Titicaca where llamas roam, down to the Amazon River where jaguars live in the rainforests, the wonders of Peru are described through simple text. Wonderful photographs also capture the people of Peru today and their way of life.
Hinduism in Bali follows Yoni as she practices for a dance performance at the local temple. Learn more about the art of Hindu dancing as she rehearses, gives offerings to the gods, and finally arrives at the day of the performance.
Holidays, celebrations, and symbols are highlighted in this up-to-date fact-filled introduction to the United States. Spotlight on the United States of America looks at the colonial history of the U.S., its government, and some of its important leaders. Many colorful pictures, maps, and illustrations highlight the different regions, climates, cities, and wildlife of this fascinating country.
Spotlight on India introduces children to the land, people, and rich traditions of this beautiful country. Breathtaking photos feature the Himalaya Mountains, the Ganges and Indus Rivers, and major cities such as New Delhi. This joyful book also celebrates Indias unique mixture of peoples, monuments, such as the famous Taj Mahal, and its unique styles of music and dance.
Mexico is the southern neighbor of the United States. It is a country with a rich history and culture, a warm climate, diverse landscapes, and a variety of wildlife. From Mayan pyramids to busy cities to happy fiestas, Spotlight on Mexico offers a joyful experience to young readers. The book also includes recipes of some favorite Mexican foods that children will love to make!
The spotlight is on China having been host to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Maps and illustrations highlight this beautiful introduction to this vast country covered with such diverse landforms as mountains, deserts, and jungles. Stunning photographs feature the sites of its cities including Shanghai and Hong Kong as well as its architectural wonders such as the famous Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Children will also enjoy learning about Chinas people, their holidays and celebrations, high flying martial arts, Chinese cooking, and horoscopes.
This up-to-date and fact filled introduction to Australia features the unique people, land, and animals of this island country. Children will be fascinated to learn about the native Aboriginal peoples and their way of life, the harsh Outback wilderness, the Great Barrier Reef, and the many marsupials that are unique to Australia, including the kangaroo and the koala. Spectacular photographs also give young readers a close-up view of major cities.
Spotlight on Canada introduces children to Canada's multicultural people, its varied landscapes and climates, its exciting cities, and its joyful celebrations. A huge country with only one neighbor, the United States, Canada is divided into provinces and territories. French and English are its two official languages, and its rich history goes back to its French and English roots. This colorful book celebrates the diversity of this great country!
Women in the Renaissance investigates how women struggled for identity, influence, power, and recognition in a society dominated by men. Most were forced to serve their husbands and rulers or give themselves to the Church, but a few became wealthy, educated, and famous. Eventually women gained some status in society.
This informative book looks at how early Islamic empires were governed. Fascinating topics explored include: the caliphs, or spiritual leaders; tolerance of other religions; non-Muslims paying taxes not to be in the Muslim army; sultans, palaces, and palace life; Sharia law; kings and queens in India; and the tribes and clans in Arabia and Kashmir.
This fascinating book explores the growth and spread of Muslim peoples from the early 600s to the end of the Ottoman Empire. Early Islamic empires spread from the Middle East to the far corners of Asia and into Europe. The stories of the Umayyds, Abbasids, Al-Andalus, Fatimids, Crusades, Mongols, Safavids, and the Moghul and Ottoman empires are revealed. Key conquests and battles including the Crusades are detailed.
This important book provides a snapshot of religion across various ancient civilizations. Engaging illustrations, detailed timelines, and fascinating information bring back to life the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Africa, China, and more. Read about Valhalla where Viking warriors go in the afterlife, the gods and goddesses of Greece, Rome, and Egypt, Japan's nature worship, the rise of Shinto, and Buddhism and Confucianism, Mesoamerican blood sacrifices to the gods, and the belief in reincarnation after death by the people of the Indus River Valley.
Thailand's culture is a blending of the Buddhist religion and ancient traditions passed down through centuries. This interesting book describes how influences from surrounding countries such as India, China, Cambodia, and others in southeast Asia have helped to develop many of the colorful festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Thai people celebrate family occasions.
Australia's culture is an interesting mix of ancient traditions passed down by the native peoples, as well as the traditions and culture of England, where most of its immigrant population came from. This interesting book describes how British influence and the traditions, beliefs, and rituals of indigenous peoples have developed into many of the lively and colorful festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Australian people celebrate family occasions.
Greek culture has influenced many other cultures around the globe for thousands of years. Many of the cultural traditions celebrated in Greece today have been passed down through the centuries by the people of this ancient civilization. This intriguing book describes how the traditions, beliefs, and rituals of people across the country are observed in the many different festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Greek people celebrate family occasions.
What began as a day to celebrate the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, has grown to include every other president to serve as leader of the country. Learn all about Presidents' Day, from its earliest beginnings to how Americans celebrate this occasion today. Children will love this easy-to-understand introduction of this important national holiday.
Sally Ride soared into outer space on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983, the youngest astronaut and the first U.S. woman in space. Just 32 years old that year, this California girl was already an accomplished astrophysicist when NASA chose her. Since then, she has written several books introducing young readers to the subject of space exploration and encouraging them to study the sciences.
Culture gives humans a sense of identity. This title examines how cultures around the world mix and change in response to migration and settlement. This fascinating book examines examples from history including: the slave trade and the impact of African culture on North America and then the world; the forcing of Native Americans to adopt European culture; and the cultural interchange between the British Empire and India.
