Joy Through the World

Library Journal

Joy Through the World is a wonderful tour of winter solstice celebrations. Beginning with the Asian and Middle-Eastern festivals of Diwali, Loy Krathong, and Hanukkah, and moving through the European and Scandinavian variations of Christmas, the text makes it easy to see how our current American Christmas and Kawanzaa traditions evolved. Each chapter, devoted to a different festival, describes the history and celebration of the holiday and includes recipes and crafts projects. The recipe and craft instructions are clear and to the point. The photography is second-rateoften blurred or slightly out of focus. By no means comprehensive, Joy still is an excellent overview. Despite its flaws, this fascinating international potpourri of winter holidays is sure to be a family delight. Ann E. Cohen, Broome Cty. P.L., Binghamton, N.Y.