Tuesday, November 21st, 2006...11:11 pm
Winter Books: Solstice and Yule
For the philosophy behind how these books were selected and to view all the post in this collection, please see the introduction.
Children’s Books
The Shortest Day
by Wendy Pfeffer
0525469680
Introduces the significance of Solstice from a spiritual and historical viewpoint, as well as covering scientific information. A section at the end of the book offers a reading list, activities for young and older children, and ideas for celebrating.
The Winter Solstice
by Ellen Jackson
0761302972
Discusses the customs and traditions associated with Solstice in ancient times and today. The author touches on the historical observances in Scandinavia, Rome, Peru, and Native American ceremonies and notes the Solstice celebrations which appear during observances of Christmas and Hanukkah.
Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here
by Jean Craighead George
0064434273
Approached in the style of a storyteller, it is written as a letter from a grandmother to her young granddaughter about the sun’s journey back to fullness. This tale is narrated in gentle, playful tones and mentions the many wonders of winter. Includes extensive illustrations and an author’s note.
A Solstice Tree For Jenny
by Karen Shragg
1573929301
Jenny feels left out during the winter holiday season as she watches her neighborhood sparkle with colorful lights and decorated trees. Then she discovers Solstice and the ancient celebration of light. Families embracing a nature-based or humanist path might appreciate the parents’ discussion of why they do not have Judaeo-Christian beliefs, conveyed to child with simplicity and tolerance.
Advanced Reading
The books listed below offer further information, such as ideas for family celebrations, passages that are great for reading aloud to younger children, and stories suitable for older children and adults.
The Solstice Evergreen
by Sheryl Karas
0944031757
Yule
by Dorothy Morrison
1567184960
The Winter Solstice
by John Matthews
0835607690
The Return of the Light
by Carolyn Edwards
1569246173
Sun Stories: Tales From Around The World
Carolyn Edwards
006250276X
General Resources
The following books have activities, songs, stories, rituals, and other resources for Solstice, as well as various information on celebrations for the rest of the year. Circle Round in particular is a favorite at our house because the content is beautifully written and accessible to children of all ages.
Circle Round: Raising Children In Goddess Traditions
Starhawk, Diane Baker, Annie Hill
0553378058
Circle Round and Sing: Songs For Family Celebrations (CD)
by Annie Hill
B00004TATV
Celebrating The Great Mother: A Handbook of Earth-Honoring Activities
by Cait Johnson
0892815507
Aisha’s Moonlit Walk: Stories & Celebrations For The Pagan Year
by Anika Stafford
1558964851
Bliss & Peace
- Susan
1 Comment
November 22nd, 2006 at 8:47 am
Those are some great books you’ve listed!
Another good one is “The Girl Who Kept Her Magic” by Laurel Ann Reinhardt. It’s about a girl, 12, who spends a year learning about the meaning behind the celebrations throughout the year, from one Winter Solstice to the next.
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