Lighting Our World: A Year of Celebrations

This book reminds me (in a good way) of the old set of Childbook Encyclopedias I had when I was little. I think it feels like the Childbooks because it has a similar writing style (fairly dry and informative, but rich in vivid details which as a child I found fascinating). The book follows the twelve month calendar and lists cultural events that involve light (candles etc) from nations across the globe. This is definitely a worthy book to have on any shelf, though younger readers will need some assistance with the writing style. Each holiday is summed up thoroughly and succinctly, and I think this book will certainly broaden every reader's appreciation and understanding of other cultures.

Lighting our World: A Year of Celebrations is filled with great information about cultural events that use light to celebrate national holidays or historical events. Told from the perspective of native children across the globe, this book shares about the celebrations and goes through January to December. You will learn about Cinco de Mayo in Mexico, Carnival in the Caribbean, Chinese New Year, and more. The illustrations are vivid and almost dance like a flame off the pages themselves! The book held my interest and curiosity throughout, and I found it to be a great jumping-off point, inspiring me to learn more about each holiday and culture with my children. As a parent who wants my kids to be interested and informed about the variety of people and places around the world, I feel this is a unique and valuable book to include in my library.