FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Simple, to the point explanations are given for each holiday, including a brief history of why it is celebrated and the attendant customs. Back matter includes an "Amazing Holiday Story!" and a craft-a paper-bag pinata in Cinco de Mayo and paper flowers in Day of the Dead. Full-color photographs appear on each spread. Dead states that people celebrate on November 1 and 2 with no explanation of the difference between All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. These titles will work with beginning readers and as introductions to these holidays. Ann Heinrich's D'a de Los Muertos (The Child's World, 2006) with watercolor art, Julie Murray's Cinco de Mayo (ABDO, 2005), and Carol Gnojewski's Day of the Dead (Enslow, 2005) cover similar territory for the same reading level.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.