The Longest Day--Celebrating the Summer Solstice

August 23, 2010
This team's fourth in a series about the seasons (following We Gather Together, The Shortest Day, and A New Beginning) explains the summer solstice and its importance throughout history, from descriptions of prehistoric observatories like Stonehenge and Mystery Hill in New Hampshire to an overview of ancient European solstice celebrations. An example of a contemporary solstice festival features residents of Nome, Alaska, who "parade, barbeque chicken, and dance in the streets." Bleck's Little Golden Book–style illustrations, with their flat, stylized images of children, plants, and animals, contribute a sense that the world is a friendly, knowable place, as does the assuring text: "Families fill playgrounds and parks. They picnic under an umbrella of green leaves, play baseball, volleyball, or just nap in the warm sunshine." Instructions for creating a sundial and other activities may engage casual readers, but the highly specific subject matter should have the most appeal for those writing school reports. Ages 7–9.

April 15, 2010
Grades 1-3 Like The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice (2003), this fourth book in the collaborators' series about the seasons blends science and social studies. The simple free verse discusses historical solar rituals, including those that honored the Egyptians sun god, Ra, and the ancient Greek sun god, Apollo. Then there are celebrations today, including the Midnight Sun Festival in Nome, Alaska, where the sun shines for more than 22 hours on the longest day of the year. The open, bright spreads will appeal to younger kids, while independent readers can move on to the suggested resources. A final section offers instructions for two projects.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)