Published by Lee & Low Books
Summary: Designed like a calendar, opening at the bottom instead of the right side, this book explores how a new year is celebrated in cultures around the world. Eighteen poems celebrate the new year, beginning with “Midnight Ball Drop” on December 31 in New York City, and wrapping up with “Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte” in Spain the following December 31. In between, there are visits to Scotland, Russia, China, Iran, Thailand, Jordan, Chile, New Zealand, India, and Ecuador, and celebrations that take place in every month of the year. Includes several pages with additional information about each holiday; a glossary and pronunciation guide; and author’s sources. 48 pages; grades 2-5.
Pros: A wealth of information about a wide variety of cultures, all in a clever package–a book designed like a calendar. The collage illustrations add texture and plenty of color to the poems.
Cons: I would have preferred the information about each holiday to be on the page with the poem rather than all in the back. The poems made me curious to learn more, and it was a little unwieldy to have to keep flipping back and forth.
