Easter. (Canadian Holidays). Jill Foran. Calgary, AB: Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Co.), 2003. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-894705-99-8. Subject Heading: Easter-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Gail Hamilton. **** /4
	Remembrance Day. (Canadian Holidays). Jill Foran. Calgary, AB: Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Co.), 2003. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-894705-95-5. Subject Heading: Remembrance Day-Canada-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Gail Hamilton. **** /4
	Thanksgiving. (Canadian Holidays). Jill Foran. Calgary, AB: Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Co.), 2003. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-894705-97-1. Subject Heading: Thanksgiving Day- Canada -Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Gail Hamilton. **** /4
	Victoria Day. (Canadian Holidays). Jill Foran. Calgary, AB: Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Co.), 2003. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-894705-98-X. Subject Heading: Victoria Day-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Gail Hamilton. **** /4
	Christmas. (Canadian Holidays). Jill Foran. Calgary, AB: Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Co.), 2003. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-894705-96-3. Subject Heading: Christmas-Canada-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Gail Hamilton. **** /4
	Canada Day. (Canadian Holidays). Healther Kissock . Calgary, AB: Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Co.), 2003. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-894705-94-7. Subject Heading: Canada Day-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Gail Hamilton. **** /4

excerpt:

Christmas gift-giving is as popular as it ever was in Canada's early days. What has changed are the kinds of gifts that people give and receive. Shopping malls did not exist in the 1700s. Most people gave their friends and relatives gifts they had made themselves. Children would receive homemade sweets, such as gingerbread cookies, as well as homemade toys, such as puzzles. A woman sometimes received a sachet of potpourri, and a man often received embroidered handkerchiefs. Clothing was a special gift that was always warmly received. (From Christmas.)

Finally, a series of holiday books from a Canadian perspective! Identical in format, each of the titles boasts an attractive cover and contains 10 chapters consisting of double-page spreads, plus a glossary and an index. Following an introduction of the featured holiday, the text explains the holiday's origins, how it evolved, and the many traditions and symbols associated with it. The last three chapters of each book have similar headings. “Canadians Celebrate” provides examples of the unique ways in which Canadians all across the country celebrate the day. For example, in New Westminster, British Columbia, on Easter Sunday, the Easter bunny leads a parade of more than 100 vintage cars, as part of the largest Easter car parade in the Pacific Northwest, while in Fort Resolution, in the Northwest Territories, some residents participate in an Easter egg hunt while others compete in a snow-sculpting contest. “Fun Things to Do” highlights simple crafts and recipes for kids. One suggestion for Remembrance Day is that children make cards and send them to war veterans via the Royal Canadian Legion. A short multiple-choice quiz about the featured holiday is found in the final chapter. The text, simple and easy to comprehend, is perfect for elementary students. Even though some of the titles focus on Christian holidays, some mention is made of how people of other faiths celebrate at that time of year. Abundant, colourful photographs (some of them archival) and art work enhance the text, while sidebars provide additional information.

Highly Recommended.

Gail Hamilton is a teacher-librarian at Bird's Hill School in East St. Paul, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

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