Cultural Traditions in Japan

September 1, 2012

Gr 3-5-Holidays well known and obscure are introduced in this series. Each volume begins with a welcome to its titular nation and includes information about its geographical setting and general population, and offers a generic introduction to the concept of traditions. China and Japan highlight the nations' emphasis on the family and ancestry. The holidays are then presented spread by spread in approximate chronological order, starting with the New Year. Each occasion is accompanied by dates (lunar or Gregorian) and information on its origins and how it is observed. Much attention is paid to which holidays give people the day off from work or school. Captioned photographs-mainly in color-adorn each spread, along with "Did You Know?" boxes featuring fun facts. Vocabulary words in bold are well chosen and defined in a glossary; the index helps young researchers-probably this series' primary users-locate necessary facts. Good updates for the "Festivals of the World" series (Gareth Stevens, 1997) or to augment titles in the Marshall Cavendish 2010 series.-Rebecca Dash Donsky, New York Public Library

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