My Vesak: Day of ­Buddha

Gr 1-3–The latest title in the “My Festival” series invites readers to learn about the Buddhist holiday of Vesak. Opening spreads describe the origins of Buddhism, dating back 2,500 years to Prince Siddhartha’s birth in Nepal and his journey towards enlightenment. The holiday of Vesak, known by many names including Buddha Day and Full Moon of Kasun, is celebrated around the globe, typically in April or May with dates varying by country, and honors three significant events in the Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and death. Observations of the holiday also differ by country, with celebrations including gatherings at temples to meditate; deepening spiritual practice; creating cards, lanterns, and flags; dances, parades, and feasts, to name only a few. Kumari’s text abounds with detail throughout the volume, sharing fascinating facts about the festival’s history as well as information about its modern observations and practices, making this an attractive choice to a range of ages, while Dubey’s eye-catching illustrations seamlessly connect the past and present.