(3) 4-6 Orca Origins series. This introduction to Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and prayer, balances information with personal stories and uses a variety of visual storytelling techniques (sidebars, pull-out quotes, recipes, etc.). Mindfulness of cultural nuances ("there really is no such thing as a single 'Muslim world'"); a chatty, down-to-earth narrative voice; and an attractive, photo-heavy design make the volume both informative and engaging. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam

(3) 4-6 Orca Origins series. Starting with the pre-Christian Midwinter celebrations that preceded it in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, this is an informative history of the Christian holiday that is now celebrated in many parts of the world. The narrative is well illustrated with color photos and sprinkled with the authors' own stories and the Christmas memories of their family and friends. Several recipes are also included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Orca Origins series. These installments are attractive but rather diffuse in focus. Chinese New Year offers substantive information about the holiday and its celebration in China, North America, and other places where Chinese people have settled. Birthdays covers customs in historical times and in modern-day countries. Excellent color photographs and intimate personal anecdotes are highlights. Recipes and activities are scattered throughout both texts. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Orca Origins titles: Chinese New Year and Birthdays.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Orca Origins series. These installments are attractive but rather diffuse in focus. Chinese New Year offers substantive information about the holiday and its celebration in China, North America, and other places where Chinese people have settled. Birthdays covers customs in historical times and in modern-day countries. Excellent color photographs and intimate personal anecdotes are highlights. Recipes and activities are scattered throughout both texts. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Orca Origins titles: Chinese New Year and Birthdays.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Orca Origins series. This book successfully expresses that Diwali is celebrated differently around the world. Hindu, Jain, and Sikh Diwali traditions are represented through photographs of celebrations, related legends, included recipes, and anecdotal narratives about real people. Though losing focus as it attempts to cover related topics such as Indian immigration, the book offers in-depth depictions of cultural and religious practices. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey