Columbus Day

School Library Journal

Short, informative overviews that detail the origins of the holidays and describe ways in which they are observed. Of the four, Columbus Day is the least useful because it repeats wide ly available biographical information. Easter explores Shrovetide, Holy Week, Easter Monday, and how the traditions vary in different countries and various Christian denominations. Patriotic Holidays focuses on Indepen dence Day but covers most of the secu lar holidays such as Veterans' Day and Presidents' Day and gives brief descrip tions of some of the days observed by presidential proclamation, such as Pan- American Day, Citizenship Day, and Armed Forces Day. Valentine's Day, which is for older readers than Cass Sandak's other book of the same title (Watts, 1980; o.p.), is nicely illustrated with antique Valentine cards, and de scribes traditional customs, foods, gifts, and suggests some innovative ways to celebrate. The books contain full-color photographs and reproduc tions of paintings are included. Trivia sections add information about other events that happened on these holi days. These books are for slightly older readers and are less concerned with symbols than Enda Barth's series (Clarion). All are clearly written, well illustrated, contain interesting informa tion, and will be useful for recreational reading as well as for school reports.-- Jean H. Zimmerman, Willett School, South River, NJ