Author Ellen Jackson and illustrator Jan Davey Ellis, who have also produced picture-books about the Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, here explore the Autumn Equinox, and the many harvest festivals worldwide that coincide with it. From the American Thanksgiving, which opens the book and is explored more fully later on, to the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, from the Celtic Samhain (a precursor of Halloween) to the Iroquois Green Corn Dance, many different traditions are described. The book concludes with a brief retelling of a Sauk folktale, and with various craft ideas associated with each holiday or festival described...

Although The Autumn Equinox: Celebrating the Harvest is the first of Jackson and Ellis' four books exploring the cardinal points of the solar calendar that I have read, it will definitely not be the last. Having read all four of Wendy Pfeffer's books, which also cover these important days, I have long also been aware of the Jackson/Ellis series, and have meant to get to them. I'm glad I finally did, as I found the text here informative, the artwork appealing, and the craft ideas fun. My only criticism would be the fact that the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is never explicitly named, even though there is a page devoted to it, which seems an odd oversight. That said, I can see this one working very well in a classroom unit on the autumn, and would recommend it to anyone seeking picture-books that explore the idea of harvest festivals as a worldwide phenomenon. ( )

Although not a fiction story, this is an accessible way to learn about harvest celebrations around the world. Each section includes a double page spread with succinct information and supporting illustrations. It makes a good way to introduce the idea that Thanksgiving is only one of many such holidays and takes its inspiration from much earlier cultures. The cultures mentioned include Roman, Chinese, Celts, Germanic, English, Jewish, Indian, and Angolan. Back matter gives supporting classroom activities, recipes, and a bibliography.