The French calendar is filled with ftes, or festivals, which are celebrated with tasty food, colorful decorations, wonderful music, and exciting games. This informative book looks at France's major holidays and family celebrations.
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.
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!
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.
Visit the African country of Ethiopia and learn about its geography, people, and history.
Travel to northeast Africa to visit Egypt and learn of its ancient culture and history.
Travel to the European nation of Germany and discover its rich history and culture.
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.
