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Explore the daily lives of children around the world through through the lens of a single, special day in June, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the shortest in the southern hemisphere.
The rising and setting of the Sun is one of the few truly common experiences in our diverse world. This book places that shared experience at the heart of its global story.
Every year, during the June solstice, the Earth tilts towards the Sun, creating either the longest or shortest day of the year. Across the world, people celebrate this day in different ways, from bonfires and banquets to firework festivals and ancient rituals. In this book, you will celebrate the solstice alongside 14 fictional characters from 14 real places around the world. You will be transported to Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Ecuador, Indonesia, Nigeria, Nepal, Morocco, China, Turkey, America, the United Kingdom, and Norway. Each account is both a personal story and an informative narrative, full of cultural insight, geographical information, and words from each native language. Meanwhile, specially commissioned artwork, by illustrators from each place, bring familiarity and warmth to every page.
The solstice is both a symbol of global unity and a celebration of cultural diversity. Here, this unique event takes center stage in a fascinating account of children’s lives around the world.
Glossary and index included.
AWARDED Bookstagang Most Innovative Nonfiction Books of 2024
SHORTLISTED for the Children's Travel Book of the Year at the 2025 Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards
"What causes this particular item to stand out for me is the choice the editor made to illustrate the title with fourteen different artists ... So essentially you’re getting science and history and cultural significance all at once." - Betsy Bird, School Library Journal
“The solstice is both a symbol of global unity and a celebration of cultural diversity. Here, this unique event takes center stage in a fascinating account of children’s lives around the world.” - YA Books Central
“Helps open readers’ eyes to the vast differences of how the world is experienced around the globe.” - Youth Services Book Review
“What is so incredibly cool about this book is that this book goes around the world with how different parts of the country view and celebrate the Solstice." - Liam, aged 12, Kids Book Buzz
"Especially appealing to and recommended for young readers age 7 to11." - Midwest Book Review
“Does an excellent job of sharing real-life pictures of life around the globe - daily life AND special celebrations.” - Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk blog
“Solstice has kept my kids engaged and asking a lot of questions.” - Kids Read the World blog
Selected by the Children's Book Council (CBC) for the May 2024 Hot Off the Press list
"The illustrations are gorgeous and each uniquely created by a local artist from the area. The book covers a wide range of science and social studies information in a very relatable way for children." - Children's Literature - CLCD (reviewer rating: 5)
"Amazing illustrations in multiple styles from artists from around the world accompany each of these stories." - Puget Sound Council