Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the greening of the Earth
Illustrator: Jan Davey Ellis
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Millbrook Press, 2002 ISBN: 978-0761319559
Long ago the peoples of many civilizations feared the long days of winter. Would the dark days ever pass or would the sun slip away over the horizon for ever? For some the way to secure the coming of spring was to hold ceremonies and to give the gods gifts. Others held dances to help ?the forces of spring conquer the forces of winter.? Then there were the celebrations, the games, the contests, the parties, and the joyous gatherings which greeted the greening of the trees and the arrival of the flowers.
In this book children and those who read to them will learn about the many ways in which peoples of all kinds celebrate the renewal of the earth which comes with the coming of spring. The book describes how people of all cultures enjoy this special time of year and readers will get a sense of history and connectedness as they go from page to page and from country to country. They will see that though customs, religions, and histories are different, the essential joy that spring brings is the same, wherever you live.
This picture book is beautifully written with an obvious appreciation for the significance of this season. Rich and warm illustrations can be found throughout the book.
