An informative photo essay that highlights the celebrations of various world cultures, including those of the Inuit, Balinese, Yanomani, Taureg, Sami, Aborigines, Tibetans, and Sherpas. Traditional music, food, dance, dress, and facial decorations for each of the cultures are compared with cus toms in the United States. Photographs highlight the many similarities that connect cultures around the world. Resources at the end include a map pin pointing the geographic region for each group as well as additional sources for further research. Best of the Best Books–Chicago Public Library, 2007 Bank Street College Children’s Book of the Year (Outstanding Merit). All seven books in the author’s Vanishing Cultures series have been recognized as Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. nlh

A photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.

Every culture has its own special traditions and reasons for celebrating. People in the Australian Outback walk on a dream journey, connecting with their past. In Bali, dancers perform a graceful Legong dance, telling an ancient story. And in the United States we watch fireworks, marking the birth of our country.

At first glance these practices seem quite different from each other, but they are actually much more alike than most people may realize. In Celebrate! readers travel to communities near and far, and explore the essence of celebrations the world over.

With striking photographs and engaging text, photojournalist Jan Reynolds presents a refreshing look at the similarities among cultural traditions around the world. Readers will be captivated as they discover the universal connections people share when they celebrate.