Christmas (Holidays and Festivals)

Children's Literature

Part of the "Holidays and Festivals" series, this volume reviews the religious and secular origin of the Christmas holiday. Adaptation of the Roman Saturnalia festival is discussed. The genesis of Christmas as two holidays, the celebration of the birth of Christ and the gift-giving season is reviewed. Santa Claus is understood in many cultures with different names; in Italy and Russia the gift-giver is female (La Befana and Babouschka). The text is clearly written and the illustrations are simple, colorful and cheery. 2002, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-This attractive picture-book introduction to the history and traditions of Christmas presents plenty of information in a simple and direct text, covering both the religious and secular aspects of the holiday around the world. The chapter titled "Things You Might See on Christmas Day" discusses symbols such as Christmas trees, mangers, and stockings. "What You Can Do on Christmas Day" offers suggestions to help make the holiday happier, such as "Forgive people who have hurt you." Woodworth's sweet pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations nicely support the text. This title, though at a slightly higher reading level, is similar to Gail Gibbons's Christmas Time (Holiday, 1982; o.p.). An appealing offering.-M. A. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.