Why Do We Celebrate That?

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6Cross-cultural looks at customs and manners throughout history. Interesting and unusual facts are presented in an appealing and informal style. Brief descriptions paired with humorous pen-and-ink cartoon drawings make up each double-page chapter. While lacking the depth needed for reports, the books provide a nice sampling of the world's diversity that children will enjoy browsing through. Do That explores etiquette and protocol ranging from the treatment of royalty to habits of hygiene. Drawings of spitting, vomiting, and nude figures will elicit some giggles and groans, but they are in context. Celebrate looks at holidays and festivals, birthdays, weddings, as well as traditional funeral rites. It is unfortunate that there are no pronunciation guides for the many non-English terms and names. While the information can be found in other sources, the presentation and accessibility make these books appropriate for general collections.Paula A. Kiely, Milwaukee Public Library, WI