Cover of The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice

Seasons seriesNext:We Gather Together: Celebrating the Harvest Season(2006) →

The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.

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Illustrated by Jesse Reisch.

Subject
science
Setting
Christmas
Audience
childrenspicture books
Length
short · 40 pages

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