Ann Heinrichs

This nonfiction book is a great resource for school libraries and classrooms. The colors from the illustrations really pop--like a firecracker. There are details about why the Chinese New Year symbol is a dragon, preparing for the celebration, and the animals of the Chinese calendar. At the end of the book there are ideas for how anyone can participate/learn more about the holiday, a CNY recipe, a CNY craft, and a glossary and list of books to learn more about the holiday. It accurately depicts some sexist activities. I think it would be nice if the author pointed out the sexism. For example, when the Chinese Nursery Rhyme said that boys want firecrackers and girls want flowers, it would be a nice aside to say sometimes girls like firecrackers and boys like flowers. The tray of togetherness has a food that brings many good sons but none that bring many good daughters. This could be acknowledged as a sexist idea from the past, but that having good daughters is just as vital as having good sons.… (plus d'informations)

A simple, informative text is paired with colorful illustrations in this non-fiction picture-book treatment of Día de los muertos (the Day of the Dead), the three-day Mexican and Latin American holiday celebrating the spirits of deceased family and friends. In eight two-page chapters, Ann Heinrichs discusses the history of the holiday, and the many customs associated with it. The back matters includes craft ideas, a glossary, a list of further resources, and an index...

Part of the Holidays, Festivals, & Celebrations series put out by Minnesota-based publisher, The Child's World, Día de los muertos is educational and engaging. It covers all of the basics in a fun, friendly manner, and continually emphasizes the point that this is not a solemn or sad occasion, but rather one of joy and celebration. This is important, because it addresses a potential cultural difference between the Mexican and Anglo-American societies, in terms of the way that death is treated. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for non-fiction titles about this subject.… (plus d'informations)