History of Our Holidays

Costumes, jack-o'-lanterns, and trick-or-treating-these are all parts of the modern traditions of Halloween. Readers might wonder where this strange but fun holiday came from. This informative volume has the surprising answers. Both ancient beliefs and modern customs are covered in this comprehensible guide to Halloween's history. Colorful, informative photographs support and enhance the text.

Each year on February 2, thousands of people descend on the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. They await the weather predictions of a furry little groundhog called Punxsutawney Phil. He's said to be able to correctly forecast if there will be 6 more weeks of winter or if spring will come early. Readers of this charming volume will learn how this tradition got started and just how accurate Phil has been over the years.

Juneteenth is usually celebrated on June 19. It honors the day in 1865 when Union troops swept into Galveston, Texas, and told the elated slaves there that they were free. This accessible volume delves into the American Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the events that led to this special holiday for African Americans and everyone who celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Carefully chosen photographs reflect this special commemoration, both in the past and today.

Many cultures had their own way of counting the year before the western calendar became accepted around the world. The Chinese New Year, one of the biggest holidays in modern China, is based on an ancient lunar calendar. Readers explore the long history of this celebration as well as find out about the animals associated with particular years, the food, and ways people still celebrate it today. Amazing full-color photographs show off the fun of the Chinese New Year in history and today to correlate with the text for beginning readers.

Children around the world know that Earth Day is a holiday to show support for environmental causes, such as tree-planting initiatives or beach cleanups. But it actually started in 1970 as a way to protest the issues concerning the environment. Written in accessible language and with appropriate content, this volume introduces readers to the reasons we still celebrate Earth Day today. It encourages care for Earth and a sense of responsibility for the world around us. Full-color photographs show the beautiful world around us and what readers can do to take part on April 22 next year.

Most people will have heard of Kwanzaa. Many people are familiar with the bright colors and fun associated with the holiday, but many don't know why or when it's celebrated. Meant to celebrate the unity between African Americans and their African roots, Kwanzaa began in the 1960s. In this book, readers learn about Kwanzaa's creation and the many ways people celebrate this time after the Christmas season. Full-color photographs draw all readers into the fascinating history and celebration of Kwanzaa, honoring diversity and introducing cultural traditions they may be unfamiliar with.

Presidents' Day started out on George Washington's birthday and was established as a federal holiday in 1885. Today, it celebrates all U.S. presidents and is always celebrated on the third Monday in February. How and why was this change made? In this book, readers find out the answer and more. Carefully chosen photographs correlate with the text written especially for young readers. The historical context included complements the early elementary social studies curriculum as well as encourages an understanding of the role of the president in our nation.

Going to a fireworks display is a popular way to celebrate the Fourth of July, but why is that? And why do we use July 4 as the day to honor United States independence? These and many other questions about the history of the Fourth of July are answered for curious readers in this fun, patriotic volume. Historical images and full-color photographs correlate closely with the text, showing the Founding Fathers and modern July 4th events. Written especially for beginning readers, the main content provides just the right amount of historical context and supports early elementary social studies curricula.

"April Fools!" For anyone who's even been the victim of an April Fools' Day joke or who's planning to pull the best prank yet, this fun book takes them inside the possible origins of an amusing holiday. Similar holidays have been practiced for centuries by several cultures, including the ancient Romans. Colorful photographs of celebrations around the world as well as snapshots of the funniest pranks will have readers laughing. No fooling!

Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken as a celebration of Mexican independence. The true story behind this holiday is a remarkable battle in which an outnumbered Mexican force, including many farmworkers, defeated the powerful French army outside Mexico City in 1862. Readers will enjoy learning more about this battle as well as how people celebrate on May 5 each year. Colorful photographs and illustrations further enhance the accessible text.

Even the smallest Jewish children know the amazing story of the oil that didn't run out for 8 days and nights. This is the story of Hanukkah, a beautiful tale of rededicating a temple and the unity of a people against adversity. This text inspires readers as well as explains the history of a holiday important to as many as 15 million people on Earth who identify as part of the Jewish faith. Encouraging cultural understanding and exploration, the main content is written for beginning readers.