Review by Booklist Review
Poetic text and glowing artwork combine in this lyrical book about winter-solstice celebrations. As a group of people gather on a beach, Fox draws attention to key components of such holidays: the warmth of community and light from a fire. The main narrative takes place on that beach, but the light and warmth extend to other locations. One spread features scenes from four global holidays, and, emphasizing a spirit of generosity, an individual in each scene shares a small flame with someone in the next locale. Fox nicely balances the celestial explanation for the solstice with a more spiritual understanding of its significance down on Earth, and it's refreshing to see a book about a winter holiday set predominantly in a decidedly not-snowy place. Back matter offers more detailed information about solstices and a brief history of holidays occurring that time of year. Though not specifically related to any one cultural or religious custom, this skillfully captures the common experience of seeking warmth, light, and community on the longest nights of the year.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Poetry meets the planetary as Fox's free verse describes a beachside celebration of the winter solstice--that moment after which "we pass more and more hours in/ shadow,/ cold,/ night." Evocative lines trace the first-person speaker's efforts to "stretch the daylight" until night's arrival prompts the creation of a giant bonfire for which firewood is gathered "like candles for wishing." Throughout, imagery of hands is used in describing the passage of time and the connections that sustain community: "the last fingers of sunlight" usher in darkness, and "hands reach for one another." Shimmery sunset hues add ribbons of light to Paganelli's inky indigo nightscapes, communicating a sense of celestial connection. Closing images depict people marking the moment, while text describes the mechanisms that create the solstice. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note and more about solstices conclude. Ages 4--8. (Oct.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--A diverse group of family members and friends gather on a West Coast beach to celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, with a bonfire and good company. The language has a powerful forward momentum and is rich with imagery and metaphor, e.g., pieces of firewood are "like candles for wishing." When night falls, it is dark but beautiful, the sky spangled with stars, the fire burning in the center of a circle of people with joined hands "squeezing in silent reassurance." A page of sequential art shows the bonfire's growth (safely in its designated fire pit, per the author's note), and its dying out as the sun rises. In between, festivals around the world are depicted, and the author explains that on the other side of the globe, people celebrate the longest day of the year. The setting, with palm trees and sunshine, is a unique choice that refuses to equate darkness with cold. Back matter answers the question "What is a solstice?" This would make an excellent companion to Susan Cooper and Carson Ellis's The Shortest Day. VERDICT Contemplative, joyful, and informative, this book is recommended for school and public libraries.--Jenny Arch
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Review by Horn Book Review
On the shortest day of the year, people gather on a beach to build a bonfire and make "a wish for light. A wish for hope. A wish for renewal." The poetic text also includes scientific information about the winter and -- across the world at the same time -- the summer solstice, both further discussed in the back matter. Paganelli's vibrant illustrations embrace rich purples, blues, and reds for dazzling nighttime images that reflect the sense of comfort and belonging that the bonfires represent. A particularly powerful spread displaying togetherness features people passing candles and lanterns across panels highlighting other winter solstice celebrations. Cynthia K. RitterNovember/December 2024 p.11 (c) Copyright 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.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A lyrical look at the shortest day of the year. Inspired by the beachfront celebrations that occur near the author's home in San Diego, this tale sees a community gather together to savor the light. As the day slips by, everyone makes the most of the sun's rays, attempting to "stretch the daylight / as much as we can, trying to make it last." But as the sun slides down and the beach turns purple with darkening hues, neighbors gather firewood to create a bonfire (in a safe, designated fire pit). They stretch out arms and link hands, "squeezing in silent reassurance. / A reminder: /I am still here. / A promise: /I always will be." Paganelli's burnt orange flames lick the night sky, shimmering with specks of stardust and surrounding the group with warmth and love. The racially diverse, bundled-up crowd sings songs and casts wishes into the firelight's glow. Fox concludes this lyrical exhortation to appreciate every moment by briefly explaining the solstice and touching on global winter solstice celebrations, all of which she explores more in her author's note. A bright spot of hope on a day where darkness is dominant.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
