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EDUCATION NEWS FOR AN EDUCATED PUBLIC |
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Home | Media Kit | Articles | Subscribe | Staff | Survey | Advertisers Directory | Jobs for Educators
As the end of 2000 approaches with the holiday season, one can reflect on the diversity of festive celebrations that will take place before the beginning of
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Upcoming
Events at Logos
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Wednesday,
December 6, 2000, 7 pm Saturday,
December 9, 2000 Wednesday,
January 3, 2001, 7 pm |
2001. Beginning on November 18 and ending on December 26 this year is the feast of Ramadan. Magid Fasts for Ramadan by Mary Matthews, illustrated by E.B. Lewis is a story that explains the feast of Ramadan for a child to understand. Magrid’s family is fasting for Ramadan except for him, because his parents believe he is too young. He fasts without their knowledge, giving away his lunch to geese swimming in a nearby pond. He learns from his grandfather, Giddu, why Moslems fast. In the month of Ramadan, the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammed. Moslems fast because the Quran tells them to for self-discipline.
Magid’s sister, Aisha, is fasting as she is older. She is exhausted by it and lies on her bed after school. Moslems can only eat and drink before sunrise and after sunset, after coming to prayer at the request of the muezzin. In the back of the book there is a very helpful note on Islam that explains the feast. There is also a glossary and pronunciation guide.
For Hanukkah a good gift for a child is The Illustrated Jewish Bible for Children by Selma Hastings, illustrated by Eric Thomas and Amy Burch. This book consists of several sections with chapters covering the bible from Creation through Jonah and the Book of Psalms. With vivid illustrations to tell the bible stories and explain biblical concepts, and a gripping narrative interspersed with actual bible verses, this book holds the child’s attention.
Decking the Halls by Linda Allen is a wonderful book about the traditions of Christmas. The book includes informative chapters on mistletoe, a pagan symbol that became the state flower of Oklahoma, and the Yule log, incorporated from Druid to Christian tradition, the burning of the log symbolizing accepting Christ as the Light of the World. A section on poinsettias says they are originally from Mexico, named after Joel Poinsett, the first ambassador to Mexico (1825-1829) who sent them as gifts to friends in the United States.
For auditory enjoyment, That Christmas Feeling is a wonderful compilation of popular holiday classics from Dean Martin singing ‘Let it Snow’ to Ella Fitzgerald singing ‘The Christmas Song’ among others. And who could express the season better than Mel Torme in ‘The Christmas Waltz’: “It’s that time of year when the world falls in love. Every song you hear seems to say Merry Christmas, may your New Year’s dream come true…” Happy Holidays!
Magid Fasts for Ramadan by Mary Matthews
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Clarion Books, $6.95 per book.
The Illustrated Jewish Bible for Children
by Selma Hastings
Illustrated by Eric Thomas and Amy Burch
DK Publsihing, $18.95
Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera
Harcourt Brace and Co., 32 pp., $16.00
Santa Who? by Gail Gibbons
Morrow Junior Books, 32 pp., $16.00
Latkes, Latkes, Good To Eat: A Chanukah Story by Naomi Howland
Clarion Books, 32 pp., $15.00
On Hanukkah by Cathy Goldberg Fishman.
Illustrated by Melanie W. Hall
Athenaeum Books for Young Readers, 32 pp., $16.00
Decking the Halls by Linda Allen
Willow Creek Press, $12.95 per book
That Christmas Feeling
Sugo Music, $15.98