It's Christmas Everywhere: Celebrations from Around the World

This Christmas-themed book takes on the shape of a Christmas tree and beautifully acknowledges holiday traditions from various corners of the world.

The story begins with rhyming verses, narrated from the perspective of a humble pine tree. This pine tree longs for its own holiday decorations and counts down the days until Christmas. As the days pass, forest animals embark on journeys, returning with ornaments and symbols of diverse holiday celebrations from around the globe. A group of children from different racial backgrounds then adorns the tree with these ornaments.

Each page introduces a different cultural custom, accompanied by a brief explanation in a paragraph. Simultaneously, the story maintains a rhythmic pace with four simple rhyming lines. For example, one page features the tree bedecked with silver and gold spiderwebs, as it tells the Ukrainian legend of the Christmas spider. On another page, readers learn about the Mexican celebration of Las Posadas.

However, the unique shape of the book, mimicking a Christmas tree, combines elements that might have functioned well individually but, when brought together, can feel somewhat cumbersome. The book effectively conveys two parallel narratives: one about the pine tree's decorations and another about cultural celebrations worldwide. This arrangement might create a somewhat disjointed reading experience, especially for different age groups. The book's large and somewhat unwieldy shape, while eye-catching, may come across as more of a gimmick than a purposeful design.

Age Range: 2-5

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