This children’s book is another in the Step into the Circle series. Written from the point of view of a little girl (based on the author’s daughter) it shares the stories behind the Sabbats Lughnasadh and Lammas like a mother might tell a story over the stove in a kitchen. After each story passage, Wishom includes a few recipes and crafts that families might try in their own celebrations. While brief and lovely, an academically problematic passage concerning human sacrifice stands out in an otherwise sweet and smooth read. While Wishom’s commitment to honesty with children is admirable, historical research suggests that she might be incorrect about human sacrifice. Since the discussion is long, difficult, and prone to argument traumatic for people in their fifties let alone eight and nine year olds, she might do better to either strike the reference or even to write a different book talking about sacrifice in Pagan tradition.
The book is lovingly illustrated and worded so that a child of 8 or 9 years old can understand it. This book is a good resource for parents building autumn traditions together with their children.
~ review by Diana Rajchel
Author: Rowena Wishom
Jupiter Gardens Press
[no page numbers] $10.99
