Reviewed by Constance Stadler for Readers' Favorite

Celebrating Dragon Boat Festival by Eugenia Chu is a book of illumination – how a unique holiday is recognized in more than fifty countries, where, although modes of recognition may differ, the tenor of the festivities is much the same. Beginning in China, it takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month, as measured by a lunisolar calendar – which shifts from year to year –  and is considered part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognized by UNESCO. The origin stories begin with the recommendations made by impassioned advisors, beginning with Qu Yuan, whose patriotic advocacy during a time of great turmoil in China challenged the decisions of those in power, causing him to drown himself in the Miluo River. Villagers tried to keep ravenous fish away from his body by tossing dumplings in the water. A variant from South China is much the same. Wu Zixu, another disregarded court advisor, died in a river by royal decree and was subsequently revered as a river god. A daughter seeking her father in a river, which led to both consequentially drowning, is a lesser-known backstory. There is also a reference that predates the death of Qu Yuan, ensuring protection from lethal forms of life and rampant disease. The races are a highlight with boats decorated to resemble dragons, a sport featured in international commemorations.

While not a national holiday in countries as diverse as Malaysia, Japan, the United States, and Great Britain, certain practices are retained, along with the introduction of new ones. Japan's incorporation of a children's game for young boys and the Vietnamese protectively washing children's faces in wine to ward off insects are representative. The remainder of the book is devoted to teaching children classic celebratory rituals by providing sticky dumpling recipes, creating origami paper boats, giving children lucky braided bracelets, and more. The memory of those who bravely died centuries ago is sanctified. Appropriate greetings to fellow celebrants are included. A detailed glossary defines unfamiliar terms. Recommended websites can promote further understanding. Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival is a valuable learning tool. Eugenia Chu's captivating tour, complemented by Eliza Hsu Chen's illustrations, enables children to learn about what is likely to be an unknown event, providing an exciting avenue for cultural enrichment, especially when adults and children read it together. Celebrating Dragon Boat Festival will surely expand global horizons, doing much to help young readers appreciate the importance of a multicultural world.