Celebrate Diwali: With Sweets, Lights, and Fireworks (Holidays Around The World)

Description

Using fairly brief text and approximately 25 vibrant photographs, each book in the "Holidays Around the World" series introduces young readers to a major world holiday. The books give a flavour for the holiday from a global perspective; in the case of Diwali the author explains that it is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and of light over darkness. While different cultures interpret the origins of the holiday differently, they all agree that Diwali is a joyous time in which Hindu communities celebrate with fireworks, sweets, and gifts.Both visually and through the text, "Celebrate Diwali" focuses on cultural, historical, and religious aspects of the holiday: traditions, food, types of celebration. The extensive back matter includes fun facts; a Diwali recipe; a glossary, a Diwali poem, prayer, or song; a map showing the locations of the photographs in the book; a resource list of books, videos, and Web sites; and a note from Dr. Vasudha Narayanan of the University of Florida at Gainsville, the book's consultant. Dr. Narayanan's note, aimed at parents and teachers, helps put the holiday in a greater cultural and historic context.

The award-winning author of 15 books for children, Deborah Heiligman has written 13 books for National Geographic. She specialises in writing about complex subjects for young people, particularly in the areas of science and social studies, and also writes fiction.

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