Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is one of the most important days in the history of the United States of America. Millions of Americans celebrate this national holiday each year. Parades, barbecues, and fireworks have all become staples of the celebration. Learn the importance of this national holiday to the people of the United States, then and now.
Each year during the beginning of spring, millions of Indian people celebrate Holi, also called the Festival of Colors. This two-day celebration includes important Hindu rituals and traditions. Students will love this fascinating introduction to one of the most colorful celebrations in the world!
Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Young readers will learn about the soldiers this holiday celebrates and how the occasion is marked across the country on November 11th.
From New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, people around the world have different customs to welcome in the new year. Learn the history of New Year's Day, and read about the fireworks, resolutions, and parades that make it so much fun!
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of lights that celebrates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is observed over eight days by lighting a candle on the Menorah, a special candelabrum, once each day. After lighting the candle, Jews recite blessings and sing special hymns.
Each year on October 12th, millions of people in the United States celebrate Columbus Day. Easy-to-read text and colorful images help describe the events of Christopher Columbus' voyage, the discovery of the New World, and the activities and celebrations associated with this holiday.
Come inside and learn all about this popular seasonal celebration, from its ancient Christian roots to the holiday extravaganza it has become today. Young readers will learn all about Christmas, including its beliefs and customs.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims across the world observe daytime fasting for a whole month. It is believed that it was during this month that the first verses from the Koran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic religion. The practices observed throughout this holy month are detailed in a simple and informative manner.
Kwanzaa is an African American festival that celebrates family, community and culture. It began in 1966 and based on various African harvest festivals in an attempt to bring African Americans together and remind them of their roots.
Kung hay fat Choy means may you prosper and is a greeting heard often during Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year, sometimes called Lunar New Year, is celebrated in Chinese communities throughout the world. Children will love this colorful and easy-to-understand introduction to this famous holiday.
El Da de los Muertos is the Mexican equivalent of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. During this festival, people build altars to loved ones who have died and gather around it to rekindle happy memories of that person. Graves and altars are decorated with bright flowers like marigold. Offerings of food and anything else that the deceased liked are also made.
On May 5, 1862, a small group of Mexican forces defeated a powerful French army at the Battle of Puebla, one of history's most memorable fights for freedom. It is this victory that Mexicans, especially those settled in the United States, celebrate as Cinco de Mayo, (Fifth of May). Colorful parades, music, folk dances, and reenactments of the famous battle mark the celebrations.
The festival of lights is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. Like most Hindu festivals, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil. According to one legend Diwali is observed to mark the return of Lord Rama to his homeland.
Its time to carve the turkey and give thanks! Thanksgiving explores in colorful detail this national holiday, from mashed potatoes and gravy to the religious observances. Learn the history of Thanksgiving, from its first pilgrim celebration in 1621, to its celebration in modern day.
Ghouls and goblins take to the street in Halloween! But theres more to this spooky celebration than carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating. Halloween explores the history behind this yearly custom, including its roots in ancient Celtic tradition, as well as the costumed and candied evening it is today. Wonderful color photographs bring this celebration to life for young readers.
Theres more to Easter than hunting for eggs and stuffing ourselves with chocolate! Come inside Easter to learn the history and ancient customs of this Christian festival. Wonderful color photographs bring this celebration to life for young readers. Inviting design and color photos make this topic fun to learn.
Passover looks at this major Jewish spring festival celebrating the freeing of Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Come inside Passover and learn the history behind this holy observance and how it is celebrated today. Vibrant photographs and easy-to-read text brings this celebration to life for children.
Commemorating the birthday of this champion of civil rights, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrates the accomplishments and efforts of Dr. King. This compelling new title from Crabtree looks at Martin Luther King, Jr., his life, and the different celebrations in his honor every year. Full color photographs and detailed text bring to life the story of a great man.
This collection of 30 stories about wise judges, clever lawyers, and deceitful tricksters, were collected from places as diverse as ancient Greece, Morocco, Germany, China, and Ireland. Some date back to pre-biblical days while others come from the American colonies.
Nationally acclaimed storyteller J.J. Reneaux has compiled highly engaging animal stories, fairy tales, ghost stories, and humorous tales from her native Cajun culture.
This collection of 31 stories comes from all over the world and different variations can be found in a variety of cultures that have been passed over the grapevine and adapted in different cultural traditions.
This collection of delightful tales from around the world and through the ages explains why an animal, plant, or natural object looks or acts the way it does.
This collection of world tales focuses on stories originating from nearly every continent. They are short, gripping stories that "kick in fast including comedy, trickster, tall tales and family themes for middle and young readers.
As a companion to her award-winning story collection Three Minute Tales, Margaret Read MacDonald has compiled another delightful collection of entertaining stories from around the world edited especially for the tastes and interests of young readers.
For the past three decades, Pleasant DeSpain has explored Latin America its people, customs, cultures, and especially the myths and legends. The tales in this collection are full of compassionate souls, tricks and humor, explanations of nature and geography and as always, memorable characters and places. Mario Lamo-Jimnez's Spanish translation that accompanies the English version reverberates with the rich, vibrant quality that has become the bench mark for the best stories from Latin America.
