Come and Join Us!: 18 Holidays Celebrated All Year Long by Chaaya Prabhat, Liz Kleinrock
Published by Harper on Oct. 17, 2023
ISBN: 9780063144477
Genres: Cultural / African American, Holiday, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

The author explains in a note at the end of the book that she wants “to encourage people who celebrate what I call ‘dominant culture holidays’ to be inclusive and respectful of holidays beyond their own” and she accomplishes this goal admirably. The text for each holiday names a child of that culture then gives examples of ways they celebrate their respective holidays which occur throughout the year. Riotously colorful illustrations show examples of clothing, food, and activities for each holiday. Some of the celebrations include Holi (Hindu), Passover (Jewish), Juneteenth (African-American), and Obon (Japanese), as well as many others.

Throughout the book, the themes that join all these holidays are the gathering of communities and the joy of celebrating together, via parades, dances, feasts, and other events. The glossary at the end of the book defines terms that may be unfamiliar to readers. This book provides a colorful, joyful glimpse into other cultures and would serve as an excellent starting point for further conversation. (Ages 4-8)

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, Gorham Campus Library, University of Southern Maine