Joy To the World: Christmas Around the Globe by Kate DePalma, illustrated by Sophie Fatus. Barefoot Books, 2021. 9781646862979

Rating: 1- 5 (5 is excellent or a Starred review) 4

Format:  Hardcover picture book

What did you like about the book?   Readers travel around the world to experience Christmas celebrations in 13 varied countries.  Readers visit Colombia, India, the Philippines, Canada, Mexico, Egypt, Ethiopia, Australia, Italy, Serbia, Argentina, Iceland, and Lebanon.   The 4-line rhyming text and bright mixed-media illustrations on each double page will appeal to younger readers. Each spread is filled with multi-generational families enjoying food and other special traditions, while the page borders contain colorful textile-like patterns.  The text provides a pronunciation key for unfamiliar words. The back of the book has more in-depth information on the celebrations, which will satisfy the curiosity of older readers. This is a wonderful introduction to holiday traditions around the world.

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book?  This is a title that can be enjoyed as a read aloud for younger children as well as an informative study for older readers.  Hand it to readers interested in learning about other cultures and holiday celebrations.

Who should buy this book?  Public libraries and elementary school libraries

Where would you shelve it? Picture books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this at the top of our “to read” piles?  No

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City:  Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA

Date of review: February 15, 2022