Leed, Percy. Cinco de Mayo: A First Look. Read about Holidays (Read for a Better World™) Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 16pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. $29.32. 978-1-7284-7560-8. Paper $8.99. 978-1-7284-7893-7. ADDITIONAL.
SERIES REVIEW: With joyful, colorful photographs and short, simple sentences, this series for developing readers presents traditional celebrations from a variety of cultures. In clear, age-appropriate ways, each title briefly explains a particular holiday’s origin, when it occurs, and how people celebrate it today. Each spread contains two or three short, focused sentences and a photograph that closely matches the text. For Cinco de Mayo, “There is music. Bands play Mexican songs” accompanies a photograph of a mariachi band. Diwali shows how families prepare for the first two days, celebrate together on the third day, then visit family and friends on the fourth and fifth days. “Diwali is India’s biggest holiday. It is a happy time.” Because these titles are so short, they do simplify complex cultural holidays. Notably, Lunar New Year does not discuss any regional differences among Asian cultures that celebrate this holiday. Back matter includes prompts for young readers to connect to the text, social and emotional guidance for teachers and caregivers, a photo glossary, an index, and recommended reading.
Mary Ann Scheuer—Independent