Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 2-4. A companion volume to The Winter Solstice (1994) by the same writer and illustrator, this volume presents customs and lore surrounding the longest day of the year. Jackson includes information about the summer solstice from many (mainly Western) cultures and locales, from the Chumash and Anasazi Indians to the ancient Egyptians, from Swaziland to Sweden. A brief explanation of the earth's tilt, a solstice story adapted from a Hawaiian chant, and a few pages of solstice activities round out the treatment. The picture-book format makes the subject accessible to younger children,but limits the amount of information provided. Jan Davey Ellis' vigorous paintings illustrate the text with rich colors and abundant details. An attractive resource. --Carolyn Phelan
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-A companion volume to the author's The Winter Solstice (Millbrook, 1994), this title is chockablock with beliefs, customs, and celebrations of the moment when the sun is highest in the sky-the midsummer mark of the Earth's fruitful season. Ancient ceremonies and contemporary festivals around the globe are included, as are a collection of activities (creating a sidewalk sundial, for example), an abbreviated retelling of a Polynesian sun myth, and a couple of recipes. Scientific sun facts are sprinkled throughout the readable text, though sadly missing is a diagram showing the orbital positions of Earth at the solstices. An interesting conglomeration of folkloric traditions, science, and myth, generously strewn with colorful, lively illustrations.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In simple language this book offers intriguing glimpses of both ancient and contemporary midsummer celebrations around the world. Short explanations of the holiday's history in different countries are followed by related activities that are fairly weak. The book's focus often seems Eurocentric despite its claims, but young readers will glean some information from this quick introduction. Bib. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
