Our board book Celebrations (the 4th book in our We Are Little Feminists board book series) helps families and educators discuss belief systems, ceremonies, and holidays to spread love and understanding for all faiths.
Curious about all the faiths and practices represented in our book? Read our explanations for each page below!
Page 1 – Adoption Day
Adoption day is when a child legally becomes a part of their new family. It’s important to know celebrating a child’s “Adoption Day” is controversial as it is both joyful and representative of a change or loss.
Books we love featuring adoption:
- Best for ages 0-4: Love Makes A Family by Sophia Beer
- Best for ages 5-9: The Best Family In The World by Susana López Rubio
Page 2 – Lei Day
Lei Day has been celebrated in Hawaii every first of May for almost 100 years. People give gifts of leis (or strands of flowers) to one another. Each island has its own flower that represents it, and they also have their own way of celebrating too.
Books we love about Native Hawaiian people & culture:
- Best for ages 2-4: A Lei for Every Day by Beth Greenway
- Best for ages 4-7: Tutu Makes a Lei
Page 3 – Ramadan
Ramadan is the Arabic name for the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a holy month of prayer, reflection, fasting, and community for Muslims (the followers of Islam). It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon, and at the end of Ramadan, there’s a big three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
Books we love about Ramadan and Muslim culture:
- Best for ages 0-4: Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan
- Best for ages 2-7: In My Mosque by M.O. Yuksel
- Best for ages 3-7: Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales
- Best for ages 4-7: The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard
- Best for ages 4-7: Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story
- Best for ages 4-7: Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
- Best for ages 7-9: Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift by Siman Nuurali
Page 4 – Passover
Passover is a Jewish holiday that honors the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (enslaved Jews) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. Before the ancient Jews fled Egypt, their firstborn children were “passed over” and spared from death, thus dubbing the holiday “Passover.” Each year at Passover, we eat special foods, sing songs, tell stories, and participate in a seder – a special meal designed to help us remember this miraculous journey from enslavement to freedom.
Books we love about Passover and Jewish culture:
- Best for ages 4-7: The Last Place You Look by J Wallace Skelton
- Best for ages 4-7: Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail by Leslea Newman
- Best for ages 4-7: Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco
- Best for ages 4-8: The Passover Guest by Susan Kusel
Page 5 – Preschool Graduation
Preschool graduation is a ceremony for parents, teachers, and preschoolers to celebrate their commitment to learning. As the first of many educational milestones, this achievement gives children a sense of pride and accomplishment for their efforts in learning throughout the school year.
Page 6 – Diwali
A festival of lights, Diwali is the celebration of good over evil and the largest of all Indian festivals. The date varies based on the Hindu calendar, and it is celebrated in October or November. Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali, and while each religion may have their own traditions, ultimately, they all celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
Books we love about Diwali:
- Best for ages 0-2: Diwali Lights by Rina Singh
- Best for ages 2-4: Shubh Diwali by Chitra Soundar and Charlene Chua
- Best for ages 4-7: My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani
Page 7 – Meditation
Meditation is a practice for calming your mind and body. It involves teaching our minds to observe what is happening in the present moment. It can bring about self-awareness, calm anxiety, and create relaxation.
Books we love about meditation & mindfulness:
- Best for ages 0-2: Mind, Body, Baby: Meditation
- Best for ages 3-7: My Mindful A to Zen by Krina Patel-Sage
- Best for ages 3-9: Hurry Up!: A Book About Slowing Down by Kate Dopirak
- Best for ages 4-8: Meena’s Mindful Moment by Tina Athaide
- Best for ages 4-9: Finding Om by Rashmi Bismark
Page 8 – Shinto Shrine Visit
Shinto is the indigenous religious belief and practice of Japan. It is considered a way of life and a value system for Japanese people. Shinto means “the way of kami,” and Kami is the spirit of every natural thing in our world.
Books we love about the Shinto faith and Japanese culture:
- Best for ages 4-7: Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories by Florence Sakade
- Best for ages 5-8: Patience, Miyuki by Roxane Marie Galliez
Page 9 – Powwow
Books we love about Powwows by Native American creators:
- Best for ages 4-7: Powwow Day by Traci Sorrell
- Best for ages 4-7: Josie Dances by Denise Lajimodiere
- Best for ages 4-7: Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud
Page 10 – Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos or Día de Muertos) is a celebration of life and death that is typically celebrated on November 1 and 2 in contemporary Mexico and among those of Mexican heritage in the United States. During this time, it is believed that the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world, and the living family members honor the deceased in celebrations and in ofrendas (altars) built in their homes. Its roots go back some 3,000 years to the rituals honoring the dead in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
Books we love about Day of the Dead:
- Best for ages 0-3: La Catrina: Emotions by Patty Rodriguez
- Best for ages 0-4: Dia de los Muertos by Hannah Eliot
- Best for ages 4-7: The Festival of Bones/El festival de las calaveras by Luis San Vicente
- Best for ages 7-9: Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh
Page 11 – Prayer
Prayer is a form of communication in many religions where one gives their attention to a higher power. It involves both talking to and also listening to God and/or a higher power.
Books we love about prayer:
- Best for ages 4-7: Time to Pray by Maha Addasi
Page 12 – Birthday
A birthday is a special occasion when a person celebrates the anniversary of their birth. Birthdays can be celebrated with a party, gift, special rite of passage, or not at all, depending on your culture. Many cultures have special coming-of-age birthdays, such as quinceaneras in Hispanic communities and B’nai Mitzvah in Jewish communities. Not all cultures/religions celebrate birthdays.
Books we love about birthdays:
- Best for ages 0-4: One Big Day by Anne Wynter
- Best for ages 4-9: How to Have a Birthday by Mary Lyn Ray
Page 13 – International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a global holiday that promotes women’s rights and celebrates their achievements. Dating back to 1911, when many women were fighting for the right to vote, this special day is now filled with everything from gifts, marches, and fundraisers to improve the lives of women across the world.
Books we love about Women’s rights & movements:
- Best for ages 0-4: Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
- Best for ages 4-9: She Was The First! The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm by Kathern Russell-Brown
- Best for ages 6-9: Rad Women World Wide by Kate Schatz & Miriam Klein Stahl
Page 14 – Black History celebration
Originally a week-long celebration made popular by Carter G. Woodson; Black History Month evolved into a month-long series of learning and fun by the 1970s. During this time, the ancestral roots, accurate history, and monumental contributions of Black people within the African diaspora are highlighted.
Books we love about Black History:
- Best for ages 2-8: The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez
- Best for ages 3-8: Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy
- Best for ages 4-8: Under the Same Sun by Sharon Robinson
Page 15 – Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year under the lunar calendar and is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide. There are celebrations held in countries including Bhutan, China, Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam, as well as by diaspora communities worldwide. While each culture may have its own specific celebrations and traditions, all are rooted in coming together with family and a vision of hope and prosperity in the new year.
Books we love about Lunar New Year:
- Best for ages 2-4: Alex’s Good Fortune by Benson Shum
- Best for ages 4-7: The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang
- Best for ages 7-9: Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade by Lyla Lee
Page 16 – Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a 7-day African American holiday that begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st; that was started in 1966. The holiday grew in popularity as a way for Black Americans to unite through the ideologies of Pan-Africanism and strengthen future generations through its seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Books we love about Kwanzaa:
- Best for ages 3-8: My First Kwanzaa by Deborah M. Newton
- Best for ages 4-8: The Sound of Kwanzaa by Dimitrea Tokunbo
- Best for ages 5-9: K is for Kwanzaa by Juwanda Ford
Page 17 – Obon
Obon is a Japanese holiday with Buddhist roots and a celebration to honor ancestors. Many people go back to their hometowns or reunite with family during this celebration held in either July or August. Festival food is eaten, and everyone is invited to dance the bon odori, which is a traditional dance accompanied by taiko drums.
Books we love about Japanese festivals, culture, & Buddism:
- Best for ages 4-7: The Star Festival by Moni Ritchie Hadley
- Best for ages 4-7: Ojiichan’s Gift by Cherie Uegaki
- Best for ages 7-9: Jasmine Toguchi series by Debbi Michiko Florence
Page 18 – Easter
Easter (also called Pascha, Pascua, or Resurrection Sunday) is a Christian festival and cultural holiday. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful end to Lent, the season of fasting and penitence.
Books we love about Easter:
- Best for ages 4-7: Rechenka’s Eggs by Patricia Polacco
Page 19 – Pride
Pride celebrations (often marches or parades, dance parties, and protests) are about fighting for and celebrating human rights and empowering the LGBTQ+ community to reclaim the freedoms they are often denied in public spaces around the world. Pride typically occurs in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising, which was led by BIPOC Trans community leaders.
Books we love about Pride:
- Pride Puppy, by Robin Stevenson, ages 2-5
- The Rainbow Parade, by Emily Neilson, ages 4-7 years old
- Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution, by Joy Michael Ellison, ages 4-9
- Be Amazing: A History of Pride, by Desmond is Amazing, ages 5-9
Page 20 – Earth Day & everyday
Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd to remind and empower people to protect our planet. 1970 marked the first celebration in the United States, and it is now celebrated globally. We can celebrate Earth Day every day by making small changes in our behavior – like using reusable water bottles and turning off lights.
Books we love about protecting our Earth:
- Earth Hour by Nanette Heffernan (2-4)
- We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom (3-7)
- Rocket Says Clean Up by Nathan Bryon (4-7)
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