The Winter Solstice

by Ellen Jackson

Book Overview

It's the ultimate holiday book for readers of every persuasion. So get back to your roots and see how the science and customs associated with the shortest day of the year have formed the traditions for every major winter holiday -- from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa and Christmas!

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761302972
• ISBN13: 9780761302971
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: First Avenue Editions (Tm)
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 10.0" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Great for Modern Pagans--Read Critically!

Though the book is written from a Judeo-Christian perspective, it is an excellent book for educating children about the many ways the winter solstice is celebrated throughout the world. Some Pagans have criticized the book for not representing modern Paganism; however, I feel it is unreasonable of Pagans to presume that Judeo-Christians even know of our faith, let alone to expect them to write about it as if it were the truth. I take it for what it is, a very well-written children's book that is exploring the multicultural aspect of the winter solstice festival. When I read it to my son and it said something like "ancient people once believed in ghosts, witches, and trolls . . . " I paused to explain to him that there are real ghosts (spirits) and real witches (people who perform witchcraft) and that I'd never seen a troll, but I wouldn't say they don't exist either! I'm teaching my child to be a critical reader. I personally feel that some of those who reviewed the book negatively don't know how to read critically! I hope any of you with children will consider picking up this book for them! It has very beautiful illustrations and a lovely Native American story at the end about why the evergreens stay green through winter! Definitely worth the purchase price!

The Shortest Day and the Return of the Light

This lovely picture book is a great over-view of Winter Solstice history, tradition, science and celebration. The illustrations are satisfyingly detailed and brightly colored, many of them double page spreads. The book covers an ancient Scottish family's Winter Solstice experience, shows us an ancient viewpoint featuring Stonehenge, explores anicent Roman, Scandinavian, Celtic, Peruvian, and Native American celebrations. It shares some of the features of modern day Winter Solstice celebrations. It ties in the celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah and traces where some of those holiday traditions originated. It includes a brief and easily understood scientific explanation for the Winter Solstice. The book is nicely rounded off with a solstice story from a Cherokee tale of creation. The illustrations feature yew and mistletoe, blazing bonfires, antlered ancients encouraging the return of the Sun, changing seasons, and children celebrating. It is a lively and entertaining book that will enrich anyone's understanding of this special night of the year and will be especially useful to Wiccan and other pagan parents.

My Favorite Book

I LOVE this book. My dad read it to us and we all think it's just great. It taught me about where all the Christmas symbols came from. The story at the end is so nice! My friends like it too.

Great resource for teachers and parents

This book, while useful to pagans and those with a new age perspective, is basically aimed at teachers and parents who want well-researched, accessible information about the origins of the winter solstice. THE WINTER SOLSTICE is balanced and appealing to kids. It was a Children's Choice selection in 1995 (International Reading Association). This means that a group of children selected this book as one their favorites. Year after year, THE WINTER SOLSTICE continues to broad appeal. I have used it in the classroom since 1995 and it is one of my favorite resources.

Excellent resource for Neo-Pagan parents

Finally! A book which touches upon our winter holiday! Perfect for reading to your younger child (or as a starting place for religious discussions with slightly older children). The celebration of the winter solstice is covered from a variety of cultural viewpoints, with lovely illustrations and accurate information (the scientific explanation is also given). A beautiful story about the Solstice is provided at the end of the book, which can be used as a separate tale for family gatherings. The only caveat is that, although the author mentions that some people still mark the Solstice, that is the extent of the detail given to modern Earth-centered faiths. All in all, a book which will enrich your child's religious education.