Explains the origins of and relates stories associated with familiar Halloween symbols.

Origins explained and stories related about symbols associated with familiar Halloween symbols.

Shamrocks, shillelaghs, reed pipes, and leprechauns--these are some of the many symbols that remind us of St. Patrick's Day. Who was St. Patrick? And what is this early spring holiday all about? With warmth and vitality, Edna Barth tells the colorful stories, legends, and historical facts behind St. Patrick's Day and shows how the spirit of this ancient Irish holiday is still alive in many countries. Illustrated with black and white drawings by Ursula Arndt, this is a book to be discovered and read with pleasure by young readers. All of Edna Barth's classic holiday books are now being reissued with fresh, new jacket designs and fun activities inside the paperback covers.

Traces the history of this American harvest celebration and the development of its symbols and legends.

Traces the history of Valentine's Day and the little-known stories behind its symbols.

Explains the origins of and relates stories associated with familiar Halloween symbols.

Keep students happily focused on learning during two of the most exciting holidays of the year for the elementary classroom-Halloween and Valentine's Day. Poems and excerpts are used as launching points for such projects as writing spooky tongue twisters or designing animal valentine cartoons. Reproducible language arts strategies teach word play, interviewing, letter writing, research skills, problem solving, and metaphorical language while encouraging divergent thinking. Grades 1-5.

The history of Easter symbols, from their Christian and pagan origins to such present-day additions as rabbits and new clothes, are explained in this book that includes original holiday activities. Full-color illustrations.

Traces the social history behind America's celebration of Independence Day and explains the background of such national symbols as the flag, the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell, and Uncle Sam.