So the shortest day came, and the year died... As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again... Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem The Shortest Day captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before - and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illuminated by Carson Ellis, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!

 

This book has been graded for interest at 3-7 years.

There are 32 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2019 by Walker Books Ltd .

SUSAN COOPER is the Newbery Award-winning author of dozens of books, including The Boggart and the acclaimed The Dark Is Rising series. Carson Ellis has previously illustrated books by Lemony Snicket and by Florence Parry Heide. She also collaborated with her husband, Colin Meloy, on the best-selling Wildwood series, as well as being the illustrator for the albums of his indie band, the Decemberists. Carson Ellis lives with her family in Portland, Oregon. Visit Carson's website at www. carsonellis. com and follow her on twitter @cfellis.