Merry Christmas!

 “When I discovered libraries, it was like having Christmas every day.”   
Jean Fritz, American author

Click for Christmas books

Click for the traditional Christmas story

ART

Look at all the book covers on this page.

Describe the pictures.
What features are particular to each picture?
What is the time period depicted?
What part of the world is depicted?
What is the centre of attention?
How do the surrounding features draw your attention to the centre?
What colours are used: warm or cool?
What lighting is used: subdued or bright?
What is the angle of perspective of the viewer?
What medium is used: oil, watercolour, pencil, pastel, collage or woodcut?
What is the surface quality: shiny or matte?
How realistic is each picture?

Notice patterns.
What features are in each of the pictures?
What do all the pictures have in common?
Can you divide the pictures into categories?


Analyze moods.
What emotions do you feel when you view each picture?
What features and techniques contribute to the mood?

Make connections.
What do you know about the artists?
What does each picture tell you about the artist?
What does each picture tell you about the intended audience?
What does each picture tell you about society when it was created?
What memories come to mind when you look at each picture?

Share your thoughts.
Which picture is your favourite?   Why?

“This is the message of Christmas:  We are never alone.” 
Taylor Caldwell

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself.” Charles Dickens

“Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.” Dr. Seuss

“I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent….” Taylor Caldwell.

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”  Bob Hope

 

Diwali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights

India’s biggest celebration!

Originally a Hindu celebration, this festival is now enjoyed by Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains, as well.

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Dickman, Nancy. Diwali. Chicago, Ill.: Heinemann Library, 2011.

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Sandhu, Rupi K. Twinkling Lights, Diwali Nights. Victoria, B.C.: Trafford Pub., 2008.

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Torpie, Kate. Diwali. New York: Crabtree Pub., 2009.

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  • For how many days does this festival last?
  • How do people decorate?
  • What gifts do they give each other?
  • Which Hindu goddess is honoured on this holiday?
  • Why do Sikhs celebrate this Hindu holiday?
  • Why do Jains celebrate?
  • What holiday custom do all three religions share?

Learn more about Diwali!

World Book Online is full of information!


Enjoy novels and picture books!

Stories set in India and Pakistan!