Not into Santa? This gem is for families who want something new this winter holiday; one that includes the tree, the lights, the giving of gifts, all the fun! The Winter Solstice affects us simultaneously as we change, evolve and stay connected with our natural world, with others, and with ourselves. It's all the magic one needs this time of year!

Describes how and why daylight grows shorter as winter approaches, the effect of shorter days on animals and people, and how the winter solstice has been celebrated throughout history. Includes activities.

Simple text and bold, beautiful paper sculpture convey the animal life, plant life, weather, colors, clothing, and feelings associated with the winter season.

Presents read-aloud stories, poems, playlets, art projects, ready-to-go games, easy recipes, literature links, and more to help teachers and their students understand and appreciate the traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas, Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, and Chinese New Year.

This Level 1 guided reader examines how people celebrate Kwanzaa. Students will develop word recognition and reading skills while learning about Kwanzaa principles and rituals of recognition.

This Level 1 guided reader examines how people celebrate Christmas. Students will develop word recognition and reading skills while learning about Christmas preparations, traditions, and celebrations.

In this seasonal treasure, Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper’s beloved poem heralds the winter solstice, illuminated by Caldecott Honoree Carson Ellis’s strikingly resonant illustrations. So the shortest day came, and the year died . . . As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper’s poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before — and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!