Christmas

Christmas is marked in countless ways across the globe. This book, written for middle-grade readers, takes a tour of how different regions play, eat, sing and decorate during the season. Readers can explore the customs of each place and see how they vary.

The author scatters short bits of trivia throughout, from the history of frumenty, a spiced wheat porridge, to the origins of the jolly figure in the red suit. Recipes let young cooks try some of the traditions for themselves.

Richly illustrated, the book suits children in the middle grades, though its mix of history and holiday detail will appeal to older readers and adults curious about the season.