National Geographic Children's Books has launched a
new series called "Holidays Around the World" that invites young
readers to learn about celebrations and ceremonies worldwide. In each
of the 10 titles, written by award-winning children's book author
Deborah Heiligman, readers will discover the history, customs,
traditions and food that play a part in the festivities, some
religious, some cultural.

Each title includes a "More About"section at the back that provides
information on who, what, where and why, along with customary prayers, songs and recipes. Each title also has a consultant who is an expert on the holiday.
All titles in the series are appropriate for readers ages 6-9. Books
are 32 pages and 8 1/2" X 10". Hardcover editions are $15.95;
library binding editions are $23.90.

The first two titles in the series are:

"CELEBRATE DIWALI with Sweets, Lights, and Fireworks," by
Deborah Heiligman
(ISBN 0-7922-5922-X, RLB ISBN 0-7922-5923-8)
                          Beautiful, dynamic photographs and brief,
lively text introduce readers to the joyous holiday of Diwali,
evoking the celebrations of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world.
In Deborah Heiligman's inviting global odyssey of the Hindu holiday
we learn that Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and of
light over darkness. Although celebrated differently in different
places, Diwali is universally viewed as a time of great joy,
celebrated with fireworks, sweets, and gifts. Celebrate Diwali brings
to life the holiday's traditions, food, and celebration rituals. The
informative back matter includes Diwali recipes, a glossary, a Diwali
card game, a map, and a resource list of books and Web sites. Also
included is a note to parents and teachers from the book's
consultant, Dr. Vasudha Narayanan, Professor of religion and director
of the Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions (CHiTra) at the
University of Florida in Gainesville.

·     "CELEBRATE RAMADAN AND EID AL-FITR with Praying, Fasting,and Charity," by Deborah Heiligman
(ISBN 0-7922-5926-2, RLB ISBN 0-7922-5927-0)
Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and Eid Al-Fitr, which
marks the fast's end, are sacred times for millions throughout the
world. Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr examines the reasons for the
month-long dawn-to-dusk fast and observes some of the wide variety of
celebrations at the end of the fast worldwide. Deborah Heiligman's
lyrical text examines the historical, religious, and cultural aspect
of this Muslim holiday. The book's beautiful photographs are
complemented with a map pinpointing the exact locations illustrated.
The extensive back matter also includes a list of further resources
such as books and Web sites, useful for the research student and
paper writer in grades one to four. The book's consultant, Dr.
Neguin Yavari, is an Assistant Professor of Islam in the Department
of Religion at Columbia University.

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