The Shortest Day

Celebrating the Winter Solstice

Author  Wendy Pfeffer Illustrated by  Jesse Reisch
The Shortest Day

The science, history, and cultural significance of the shortest day of the year: The Winter Solstice!

The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations.
 
"Using clear, concise language, Pfeffer discusses important ideas behind the shortest day of the year, such as the change from autumn to winter…