Victoria Day is celebrated across Canada on the third Monday of May. It is a federal statutory holiday in honor of the birthday of England's Queen Victoria. It is informally considered the beginning of the summer season in Canada. Readers will learn about the importance of the first sovereign of confederated Canada, as well as Empire Day, celebrated in Britain.
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.
The United Arab Emirates is a country of achievements. The world's largest skyscraper, busiest international airport, and most robust set of manmade islands make the UAE a popular travel and business destination. Beyond such feats, ethnic diversity abounds in the UAE, with citizens of Asian, Indian, Iranian, Arab, and Western descent. Learn why so many have come to call the United Arab Emirates home in this fascinating read for curious students.
Anchored between Costa Rica and Colombia, the small country of Panama flourishes with activity. Colorful festivals, a city rain forest full of animals, and the busy Panama Canal are big factors in Panama's healthy economy. Discover the history behind one of Latin America's most prosperous nations in this title for young readers.
Mouthwatering mangoes, Bengal tigers, and a world-renown cricket team all contribute to the national pride of Bangladeshis. Similar in size to the state of New York, this young country has more than 156 million citizens. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world! In this title for students, learn more about how the people of Bangladesh live and work in a land swarming with activity.
Although notorious for its founder, Genghis Khan, the modern Mongolia has become a favorite spot for adventurous travelers. Snow-tipped mountains, river deltas that never freeze, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic peoples with large birds for pets are all part of the wondrous, high-country culture of Mongolia. Come along for the journey in this children’s book filled to the brim with adventure and knowledge.
A photo essay that shows pre-school children of mixed abilities busily working and playing at school, illustrating the true meaning of the word inclusion.
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.
An introduction to the geography, history, economy, culture, and people of Indonesia. Bright, colorful designs and hands on activities will keep children engaged as they learn about Indonesia and its people.
Around the world Santa Claus has many names. But in a deep, swampy bayou of Louisiana, he's known as Papa Noël. In such a hot and humid place, there can be no sleds or reindeer, so Papa Noël rides the river in a boat that's pulled by eight alligators, with a snowy white one named Nicollette in the lead. On this particular Christmas Eve, it's so foggy on the river that even Nicollette's magical glowing-green eyes may not be enough to guide Papa Noël. The alligators are tired, grumpy and bruised from banging into cypress trees, and Papa is desperate to get all the gifts to the little children. Well, "quicker than a snake shimmies down the river," the clever Cajun people come up with a solution that saves the day. A colorfully inventive Christmas tale, Papa Noël is a lesson in fast thinking, as well as a witty introduction to a part of America that's rich in folklore and legend.
Long, long ago, the ancient people of the forest gathered around warm fires and told the tale of a time long past, when the land known as "Michigane" was covered with ice and snow. For thousands of years the cruel North Wind ruled the land North of Up North, chasing away the gentle, benevolent winds from the East, West and South. Winter stayed the whole year round, so nothing could live in Michigane. Not until an old warrior and a young boy traveled through the frigid cold with nothing but warm hearts and an old pair of mittens was there hope that the frozen land would eventually come to life.
From the British and our Constitution that replaced their rule, to Yellowstone Park and Zane Grey's stories of the west, "A is for America" is a sweeping tribute to all we know and love about our country. With delightful poems that beg to be read aloud, and expository text to broaden a student's horizons, this American alphabet will make you fall in love with the United States over and over again.
"Across the Atlantic Ocean, a lone ship on a vast sea. Ablaze with new hope, all praying to be free." From the lives of our early settlers, who established the foundations for American freedoms and ideals, to today's celebrations, P is for Pilgrim colorfully examines the history and lore of Thanksgiving. Educators will find the inclusion of the Core Democratic Values of valuable use for the classroom while kids of all ages will enjoy the bright, engaging illustrations and fascinating sidebar text. "Zippy bands zigzagging down the street, zebras trotting, zeppelin-like balloons afloat. Flags flying, banners waving, a Thanksgiving Day Parade playing a happy note."
"L is for lariat or lasso, a loop of rope coiled just so. Swing it wide or swing it low. Hook those horns and yell whoa!" Hold on to your hat and strap on your spurs! Cowpokes and buckaroos of all ages will enjoy this A-Z gallop through the facts, feats, and folks of the cowboy way of life. Even greenhorns are invited to ride this fun-filled range!
Miss Hawthorn's room is neat and tidy, not a pencil or paintbrush is out of place. And that's how she likes it. And she likes trees that are colored green and apples that are painted red. Miss Hawthorn does not like things to be different or out of the ordinary. Into Miss Hawthorn's classroom comes young Willow. She doesn't color inside the lines, she breaks crayons, and she sees pink trees and blue apples. What will Miss Hawthorn think? Magical things can happen when your imagination is allowed to run wild, and for Miss Hawthorn the notion of what is art and what is possible is forever changed.
Completing our acclaimed Discover America State by State series is A is for Aloha: AHawaii Alphabet. The landscape of Hawaii is as exotic as its history and people. Written and illustrated by native Hawaiians, U'ilani Goldsberry and Tammy Yee, A is for Aloha is a lovingly created introduction to one of the most-visited places on Earth.
Finn McCool is the largest giant in all of Ireland. He's a fierce warrior, even beating the giant Culcullan and saving Ireland from the Scots. Helpful and kind, he helps the farmers bring in the hay. And everyone in the village of Drumnahoon admires him. "He's the best-hearted man that ever walked on Ireland's green grass." But for all his strength, courage, and goodness, there's one thing that Finn lacks. He's just not smart. And he knows it. When a wise man living in a nearby village tells Finn about a magical red salmon with the wisdom of the world, Finn sets out to catch the fish. And he learns a thing or two about himself in the process
Our next stop as we Count Our Way Across the USA is to Maine where we can listen to the call of the loon, hike through the Eastern white pine forests, or enjoy a clambake at the beach while watching whales splash in the ocean. Fishing for Numbers is packed with enough Maine facts, lore, and history to keep readers fishing for hours. Readers will learn why Maine is known for their shipbuilders, how fast a puffin can fly, and which is the only domestic cat native to North America. There is even a recipe for a traditional baked bean supper.
Following the success of S is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet, husbandand- wife author team Devin and Corey Scillian join illustrator Doug Bowles in another rousing state tribute. One Kansas Farmer: A Kansas Number Book "counts out" an entertaining and educational travelogue of the state's history, geography, famous people, and places. Topics include the dancing prairie chickens and the invention of the microchip.
La Bonne Vache (The Good Cow) is a little restaurant in the south of France. It takes its name from and is famous for its boeuf la mode, a delicious beef stew. Ten-year-old Pierre longs to follow in the culinary footsteps of his father, Monsieur Valcourt. Monsieur Valcourt is the chef and owner of La Bonne Vache. Pierre spends as much time as possible in the restaurant's kitchen, hoping for a chance to demonstrate his cooking skills. But his parents shoo him away and he is not allowed to cook. One day Pierre meets a visitor who is on his way to eat at the restaurant. This is no ordinary visitor but an important food critic. His experience at La Bonne Vache could bring great honor to the restaurant. At last, Pierre sees his chance to prove himself.
