The "Why We Celebrate" series from Calllisto Kids provides fantastic detailed guides to various holidays. They will educate those who know very little about someone else's culture or enlighten those who want to know a little more about their own. In this book author Sarah Cooley teaches the reader about Christmas. She begins by explaining the religious story of Christmas, but points out that celebrations vary from the religious to the secular. The book then continues with different chapters about the history & folklore, preparation and celebration. There is a chapter that describes different ways that Christmas is celebrated around the world. Like the other books in this series there is a "Culture Corner" with child friendly crafts and recipes, a pronunciation guide, glossary and a bibliography. The illustrations by Javeira Mac-lean are perfect for the elementary aged reader that this book targets. This book provides information for anyone learning about the holiday. This book would provided an excellent source in a classroom that wants to balance the celebrations during the holiday season or for anyone wishing to know more about the holiday.

This has been a fun series. I love finding out the traditions from other countries and other religions. I really have enjoyed the series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

As soon as I saw the chapter breakdowns, I knew this book was a must-have. It's filled with intriguing facts about Christians, Saint Nick, and more. But what really makes it special is the way it brings families together. The descriptions of how different countries celebrate, and the hands-on activities, make it a perfect read for the whole family, year after year, creating a new holiday tradition.

Slightly rejigged from a couple of years ago – well, retitled, at least – this is a very decent look at Christmas for primary school audiences. It certainly pins it down as a religious time, but goes into all the other events, and mentions charitable giving more than once, to redress the abundant commerciality of many current Christmases. We also see the state of play on the special day in various other countries around the world, from Mexico to Sweden to Australia. Easily read, it might slip up about some minor things (such as saying "England" when it means Britain), but otherwise it's a strong success, and easily a 4-wreath recommendation.

An informative look at the origin of Christmas traditions around the world. The scope and depth of the subject along with the artwork make it a great choice for libraries.

Again, a wonderfully written and easy book to digest. I would feel comfortable reading this to a variety of ages in a classroom or at home. I love the illustrations and how they explain the different traditions.

This is probably one of the most informative children’s books on the history of the celebrations related to Christmas around the world including the birth of Jesus, Advent, solstice, Saint Nicholas, Santa, why we share Christmas cards, and more.

This is the perfect resource for a preschool child (or older child as well!) to use to discuss the season, traditions, and why we celebrate!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

Why We Celebrate Christmas is chock-full of information about Christmas. This could seem too simplistic for many, but if you dig deeper, it is a wealth of knowledge about the things that may not be common sense. This book could be a great primer for those new to religion or a nightly advent read for families. Some of the topics include Christmas in other countries, ways to begin new traditions, Christmas themed games and recipes, and the reasons behind why we do what we do to celebrate. I’m buying this book for young families just starting out in hopes that they can start new traditions that last a lifetime.

I received a free copy of, Why We Celebrate Christmas, by Sarah Cooley: Javiera Mac-lean, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book tells us why we celebrate Christmas. That Jesus is the Reason for the Season. This book tells us how to prepare for Christmas, what to expect for Christmas. This is cute book for the whole family.

I really enjoyed this book and it was full of the things that make me realise why and how much I love Christmas!

The book was very well written and it was well laid out. The book is easy to read and follow and the layout of the pages was great.

The illustrations in the book were wonderful and they really brought the book to life.

The book does have some of the religious celebration, but it also includes the origin of Saint Nicholas and gift giving and how Christmas is celebrated around the world.

The book also had some great ideas for crafts and recipes that look great and I can't wait to try them out over the festive period with my daughter.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - would make a great Christmas gift - very highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-copy of Why We Celebrate Christmas by Sarah Cooley in exchange for a honest review. .This book has so much information about Christmas from the religious perspective including info about the story of Jesus and how Christians celebrate Christmas around the world and also from a non religious perspective which includes the legend of Saint Nicholas and gift giving..I love how it shows how different countries celebrate Christmas.It also includes Christmas crafts and recipes making it an all in one book for young readers.Perfect Christmas gift.

Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday.
What is it? What is its history? How do people prepare for it? Is it only a religious holiday? It is celebrated from Iceland to Australia (do kangaroos pull the sleigh?), and from Japan to the Andes (Llamas?), and from Russia to the Kalahari Desert (8 gazelle?). The ways it is celebrated can be different in different cultures, but gifts/gift wrap, cards, toys, advent calendars, stockings, lights, are used to celebrate hope/joy, love, by sharing, special songs, feasting, and particulars in places.
There are greetings in several languages complete with pronunciation guides and a glossary. There are even a few recipes and simple crafts.
The illustrations by Javiera Mac-lean are delightful, brilliantly colorful, and fun!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age (not only 6 to 9) including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions provided by Callisto Publishing | Callisto Kids via NetGalley. Thank you!
#SarahCooleyAuthor #JavieraMac-leanIllustrator @CallistoPub @CallistoKids

Thank you Callisto publishing and NetGalley for this very entertaining and cute advanced readers copy. I love Christmas books and especially being able to share them with little ones. This one was very informative about the Christmas holiday and why we celebrate it. The illustrations were spectacular!