Synopses & Reviews
The science, history, and cultural significance of the shortest day of the year: The Winter Solstice! 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.
and#160;
"Using clear, concise language, Pfeffer discusses important ideas behind the shortest day of the year, such as the change from autumn to winter as well as the concept of the Earth's tilting away from the sunand#133;. While appealing to a younger audience, this treatment combines the cultural approach of Ellen Jackson'sand#160;The Winter Solsticeand#160;(Millbrook, 1994) and the activities of Sandra Markle'sand#160;Exploring Winterand#160;(Atheneum, 1984; o.p.). Pfeffer uses an easy, comfortable tone for conveying the basic information, and the end pages will provide additional opportunities for would-be astronomers to explore the principles on their own."
and#151;School Library Journal
Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.
Review
Praise for The Shortest Day:
"In a well-thought-out collection of ideas surrounding December 21 and the Winter Solstice, the author leads readers through what happens to the sun and why... Back pages include an interesting and useful variety of ideas, from more facts about the solstice with explanatory diagrams, four projects that teachers, parents, and adults who work with children would find fresh, and two "cooking" activities, one for a human party and one for an avian one."
and#8212;Children's Literature
"Using clear, concise language, Pfeffer discusses important ideas behind the shortest day of the year, such as the change from autumn to winter as well as the concept of the Earth's tilting away from the sun. The historical view provides a brief look at the days of prehistoric sun worship as well as chronological interpretations of the phenomenon from 5000 to 1000 years ago. Thus, young listeners are exposed to the ideas of ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Incan, and European astronomers and their efforts to explain this scientific wonder. The modern scene of the solstice celebration, though obviously at Christmas, features family, presents, and stockings on the mantle but has no religious overtones. The remaining pages feature more complete "Solstice Facts," four simple experiments, two party suggestions, and a short but up-to-date list for further reading. While appealing to a younger audience, this treatment combines the cultural approach of Ellen Jackson's The Winter Solstice (Millbrook, 1994) and the activities of Sandra Markle's Exploring Winter (Atheneum, 1984; o.p.). Pfeffer uses an easy, comfortable tone for conveying the basic information, and the end pages will provide additional opportunities for would-be astronomers to explore the principles on their own."
and#8212;School Library Journal
Review
Praise for The Longest Day:
“The text introduces both tradition and some science… Thirteen celebrations of the sun are included with basic information—just enough to interest young children.”
—School Library Journal
“A comfortable, multidimensional investigation of the Summer Solstice that transcends time and place.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Pfeffer draws readers' attention to the science and history of the seasonal change. After a succinct explanation of how the earth's position shift causes longer days, she provides a wealth of intriguing information about sun celebrations throughout time, in a variety of places…. Recommended for classroom or library collections.”
—Children's Literature
Synopsis
A science-oriented nonfiction picture book about the summer solsticesure to be a classroom favorite! In this fourth and final book in the series about seasons, Wendy Pfeffer turns her attention to summer, when butterflies emerge from silky cocoons and daylight hours stretch longer and longer. With lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, The Longest Day takes us on a journey through the history and science behind the summer solstice, with a focus on summer celebrations from various cultures around the world. Teachers and students alike will treasure the varied and accessible knowledge, and activities in the back let everyone in on the festivities.
Synopsis
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.
Illustrated by Jesse Reisch.
About the Author
Wendy Pfeffer (www.author-illustr-source.com/wendypfeffer.htm) is the author of many nonfiction childrens books, including
From Tadpole to Frog and
A Logs Life, which won the Giverny Award for Best Childrens Science Picture Book. She lives in Pennington, New Jersey.
Linda Bleck (www.lindableck.com) is the author/illustrator of many acclaimed picture books, including The City Kid and the Suburb Kid by Deb Pilutti (Best of the Best” Chicago Public Library 2008), Pepper Goes to School (National Parenting Publication Award 2006), and The Moon Shines Down (Moms Choice Award 2009) by Margaret Wise Brown. She lives with her husband and two children in southern Wisconsin.