The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice

This is not a read all at once book. It is best to do a little bit at a time, discuss, do hands on activities, etc. then come back the next day and do the next section. In fact, this would make a great week-long unit. Book covers summer solstice, cultural history, various harvest celebrations around the world, and some hands on things to do like making a flower wreath or using a flashlight on a globe to see how light changes due to the tilt of the earth. There is NOT a list of other cultural celebrations to research (like included in the fall book). Overall. its a nice book with lots of great facts and its better than anything else I have seen on the market regarding this topic (summer solstice). However, it felt like it focused mostly on European traditions even though there was some Native American traditions. It also felt a bit May-Day-ish though it takes place in June, but maybe these countries have flowers into June, whereas we have few flowers in the desert at that time.Cautions: For parents, please consider the following context before buying the book. Many of the cultural celebrations include offerings to sun gods etc. No worship of the Biblical god was mentioned. There is the idea that doing certain activities brings luck.

I love her books about the solstices. Beautiful illustrations, accesible to children, but lots of facts and history. We celebrate winter and summer solstice each year with a special tea time/party with friends and these books are always a part of that.

If you want your children to learn about the solstices and equinoxes, get this series of books by Wendy Pfeffer. I brought the Winter Solstice book into my son's first grade class to read to them and not only did the teacher love it, but the kids enjoyed the book with it's well written explanations and colorful illustrations. My family is religiously alternative and this book and the ones that follow give a good history of how ancient cultures up to today celebrate the turning of the seasons.

I love this book. We have a few books about the Solstices and Equinoxes. This one is definitely a favorite. We read it ever Summer Solstice.

Sort of boring

Great book.

Great book for kids! My first graders enjoyed it.

Lovely story with great activities to do with children.

Wasn't what I was after but looks ok

Very informative book on the different ways the Summer Solstice was celebrated throughout history, and today. Well done