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megatsunami's review against another edition
5.0
Lovely book. This is a non-fiction book for older children (upper elementary and up) with detailed information about Celtic cultures and the major Celtic festivals. As far as I can see, it seems to be very well researched and presents material accurately (e.g. stating clearly that although we represent their festivals in a "Wheel of the Year" format, we don't have any evidence that the Celts used a circular calendar). Also, it makes it clear that ancient festivals were based on those cultures' own kind of science (rather than the irritating claims made by other children's books, along the lines of: "Back then, people didn't have science, so when the days started getting shorter, they thought the sun might never return!").
The book has color drawings illustrating the information. I love the full-page drawings that go with each holiday, showing different activities (which are labelled) - for example, the Lughnasadh drawing shows "Contests of strength," "Druid priests light fires," "Food purchasing, storing, and preparing for winter", etc..
The book scrupulously avoids using the words Pagan, Neo-Pagan, Wiccan, Witch, etc. in reference to modern celebrations of the festivals. Nonetheless, the book includes detailed suggestions of wonderful crafts, mini-rituals, and magical acts to celebrate each of the four major Celtic holidays. This book would be a wonderful reference for any Pagan library, but especially in households with children.
The book has color drawings illustrating the information. I love the full-page drawings that go with each holiday, showing different activities (which are labelled) - for example, the Lughnasadh drawing shows "Contests of strength," "Druid priests light fires," "Food purchasing, storing, and preparing for winter", etc..
The book scrupulously avoids using the words Pagan, Neo-Pagan, Wiccan, Witch, etc. in reference to modern celebrations of the festivals. Nonetheless, the book includes detailed suggestions of wonderful crafts, mini-rituals, and magical acts to celebrate each of the four major Celtic holidays. This book would be a wonderful reference for any Pagan library, but especially in households with children.
toad_maiden's review against another edition
2.0
I read this on Kindle, which was not the smartest plan I ever had, considering 90% of the charm of this book lies in Leslie's illustrations. However, I know that I really would have enjoyed this book as a kids, although the information was very basic to me now. I was really hoping for a few more ideas for actual Wheel-of-the-Year celebrations, but this was mostly a history. Meh.
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