In the United States, Presidents’ Day is a special day to honor those leaders who have held the country’s highest office. Every third Monday of February, citizens learn about the lives of the nation’s presidents, visit national monuments, and hold historical reenactments. This title will inform young readers of this holiday’s history and how its celebrations have transformed through the years.
Valentine’s Day is often thought of as a day of cards and candy. But this holiday has an ancient history! Readers of this heart-filled title will follow the holiday’s history through the centuries to learn about the day’s beginnings, traditions, and more.
Many people have given their lives to protect the United States of America. Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday of May, is the day Americans honor those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. This title offers facts about the history and traditions of this important holiday for beginning readers.
A celebration of new life. That is the point of Easter for Christians and non-Christians. So the holiday’s spring backdrop of budding trees and blooming flowers could not be more fitting. This book will help beginning readers crack the meaning behind the Easter bunny, dyed eggs, and more!
Lunch is the favorite time of day for many kids. So it might be hard for them to understand why Muslims would choose to skip this meal for a whole month. This look at Ramadan explains the basic Islamic beliefs behind daytime fasting.
For five days every fall, India shines especially bright. The occasion is Diwali, the country’s Festival of Lights. Clay lamps, fireworks and sparklers, and colorful rangoli sand art all add visual brilliance. The Diwali celebration will come alive in this early elementary read.
Christmas is a holiday of symbols. Evergreen trees stand for life in the dead of winter. Nativity scenes remind Christians of Jesus’s birthday. Santa Claus is the image of cheerful gift-giving. In this title, young readers will discover the meaning behind a few popular Christmastime traditions.
Often called Turkey Day, Thanksgiving is a scary time to be a gobbler. The bird is often at the center of the celebration, but unfortunately in the center of the table for feasting. In this title, young readers will learn about the President’s annual turkey pardon and other fun Thanksgiving facts.
You could say the best is saved for last when it comes to Chinese New Year. The Lantern Festival stands as the holiday’s grand finale. Dragon and lion puppets dance by day. At night, glowing lanterns float on water and across sky. This introduction to China’s most famous celebration will mesmerize beginning readers.
Spinning the dreidel. This is what many Jewish children most look forward to during Haunukkah. A twirl of the four-sided dice-like top can earn a candy jackpot! Young readers will learn how to play this game and how it connects to the eight-day celebration of light.
Black, red, and green. These are the colors of Kwanzaa, the celebration of African-American culture. Black represents African heritage. And red and green stand for the hard times of the past and hope for the future. Beginning readers will learn some Swahili as they read about the seven days of Kwanzaa.
