Joy to the World

Explore Christmas traditions from 13 different countries! Rhyming text and detailed illustrations make the book accessible to younger readers, while educational endnotes about the 13 celebrations add interest for older children. Gold ink and festive illustrations capture the joy of the season and make this book a beautiful gift in itself. Engaging and informative for anyone who wants to learn about the holiday.

Features Christmas traditions from:

• Ethiopia
• Colombia
• Australia
• Italy
• Serbia
• Mexico
• India
• Iceland
• Egypt
• Argentina
• Philippines
• Lebanon
• Canada

Kate DePalma was born and raised outside Nashville, TN, USA. As Senior Editor at Barefoot Books, she has helped develop dozens of picture books, as well as authoring her own, including those published under her pseudonym, Sunny Scribens. She holds an M.A. in Classics from the University of Texas and is also a published poet and scholar. Kate lives with her husband and daughter in Pennsylvania, USA.

Sophie Fatus is a full-time artist who is known for her exuberant illustrations. She was born in Paris into a family of artists and now lives in Florence with her partner and two cats.

“Rhyming couplets—two per page—highlight moments of sharing and togetherness . . . Naïf-style mixed media art by Fatus warmly portrays beaming, beatific individuals of various abilities, ages, and skin tones gathering in groups” – Publishers Weekly

“DePalma and Fatus joyfully highlight some rituals, customs, and foods that Christians around the world enjoy at Christmastime . . . The extensive back matter offers additional fascinating details perfect to share at holiday festivities. For example, did you know the holiday season lasts almost five months in the Philippines? One plane ticket, please!” – The Horn Book Magazine

“A sweet journey around the globe to 13 countries and cultures that features how families celebrate Christmas. The ultra-colorful illustrations fill each page, complete with borders that represent traditional fabrics, tile work, or flora from each country. Readers are pulled into the homes of families celebrating their unique holiday traditions” – The School Library Journal