Around the Wheel of the Year

Celebrate the turning of the seasons with this warm and magical read-aloud, where traditional nature festivals meet the everyday wonder of the year's changing cycle. Dance around the maypole, share in the summer harvest, savor the tricks and treats of Halloween, and merrily welcome the winter solstice: Four richly illustrated poems highlight spring, summer, autumn, and winter through joyful traditions tied to the natural world. In this fun and educational celebration of the seasons, award-winning author and artist Phoebe Wahl and folklore researcher and popular podcaster Danica Boyce invite young readers to experience traditional seasonal festivities inspired by Northern European customs such as Beltane and Yule. A section of backmatter introduces the historical roots of these traditions and explains how they connect to the year's natural cycle. Families who celebrate seasonal holidays will enjoy discovering their origins, while curious readers will find new ways to notice and appreciate the world around them. Each poem's rhythmic language and vivid illustrations capture the feeling of a different time of year-spring's blooming celebrations, summer's abundance, autumn's cozy gatherings, and winter's quiet magic. Inviting and full of cozy charm, this enchanting book is one families can return to again and again for inspiration to slow down, notice the rhythms of nature, and celebrate the special joys of the turning year. FUN AND EASY ACTIVITIES: The activities in these pages are simple and inviting-such as leaving flower bouquets on neighbors' doorsteps to celebrate the sweet month of May and lighting solstice candles to welcome light on the darkest night of the year-showing easy, welcoming ways families can celebrate seasonal living and non-denominational traditions throughout the year. A TASTE OF MAGIC: Bring a playful element of magical lore to common seasonal activities like carving pumpkins for Halloween or planning a harvest dinner. For young ones enthralled by folklore and fairy stories, this makes a sumptuous addition to picture book collections and a fun source of modern-day magic and wonder. INCLUDES HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Backmatter offers an accessible introduction to the history of traditional nature-based holidays and their meaning within the ancient world. Teachers and educators can use it as an engaging way to explore the topic with students and highlight how families around the world come together to celebrate. Perfect for: Kids enthralled by nature and folklore Families who enjoy seasonal traditions and nature celebrations Parents seeking cozy, magical read-alouds Gift buyers looking for unique seasonal picture books Anyone looking for ideas to connect spiritually with the natural world