August 1, 2012
Gr 3-5-Simple overviews of the holidays, festivals, traditions, and customs of these countries. Each spread contains information and eye-catching, full-color photos depicting the foods and people commemorating events. National and religious holidays are included. Brazil starts with Christmas and ends with Republic Day, November 15. India begins with New Year's, which is celebrated at different times in different parts of the country and follows a chronological order, ending with Christmas. Mexico opens with birthdays, weddings, family days, and Saint's Day. Then it proceeds in chronological order from New Year's Day to Christmas. "Did You Know" blurbs give additional facts. If cultural sources for independent countries are a focus, these books offer broad synopses in clear-cut terms.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX
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