The autumnal equinox, also known as Mabon, is a magical time of year. It occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in a day with an equal amount of daylight and darkness. This event marks the transition from summer to autumn. During the autumnal equinox, there is a unique magic in the air. The energies of the Earth and the universe align, creating a harmonious and balanced atmosphere. It is a time of gratitude and reflection, as we give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and prepare for the darker months ahead.
I received a copy of The Legend of the Christmas Witch courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review; and I received a copy of Red and Green and Blue and White courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
When the twins are separated as children, and Kristoffer is taken in by a kind couple far, far, away, Kristtörn finds her life in the forest with a witch named Lutzelfrau. In support of her best friend, his family, their religion and their celebration of Chanukah, Teresa makes a heartfelt, visible display For Isaac in her own home window- so now the light from her home shines Blue and White Menorah Light From Two Homes Tonight.
It is a time of gratitude and reflection, as we give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and prepare for the darker months ahead. In many cultures and spiritual traditions, the autumnal equinox is seen as a time of balance and transformation. It is a time to honor the cycles of nature and embrace the changes happening both within and around us.
The ancient myth of the Christmas witch
Two beautiful and distinctive seasonal children’s books on the review docket today! Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, illustrated by Julia Iredale; and thanks to Raincoast Books, I have the pleasure of sharing my…
December 20, 2021 6 minutesTwo beautiful and distinctive seasonal children’s books on the review docket today! Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, illustrated by Julia Iredale; and thanks to Raincoast Books, I have the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on the picture book Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinksy. Happy reading!
“No doubt you’ve never heard the name of Kristtörn, for the Legend of the Christmas Witch is a story that has been forgotten in time. But in her day, she was as familiar to children as Santa Claus. In fact, she is his long-lost twin sister…”. The children’s book debut of creative partners Dan Murphy (writer/producer) and Aubrey Plaza (actress/producer/writer you may immediately recognize as April from Parks and Recreation!), with illustrations by Canadian artist Julie Iredale, The Legend of the Christmas Witch tells a richly imagined tale of twins separated as young children and the very different paths their lives take. Opening with a rhyming, atmospheric prologue taking place in the Yuletide season, readers learn about ”a wondrous phantom [smelling] of the sea”, traveling from town to town, whistling a ”strange melody“. This phantom, we learn, is the Christmas Witch…a witch who leaves ”peculiar gifts” on doorsteps as she navigates the falling snow, with children pressing their noses to the windows hoping for a glance of her. But who is this Christmas Witch? And where did she come from and what has she to do with “the season of Yuletide”? As an old raven named Malachi takes over upon the Prologue’s end, he let’s captivated readers know that he will divulge everything about the incredible story of Christmas Witch and begins to unfurl an intricate, mesmerizing legend. From a time ages and ages ago, when ”magical beings freely roamed the earth”, twin babies “with red hair and green eyes” are forsaken in a forest. The twins, a girl named Kristtörn, and a boy named Kristoffer, have magical gifts and a deep connection. When the twins are separated as children, and Kristoffer is taken in by a kind couple far, far, away, Kristtörn finds her life in the forest with a witch named Lutzelfrau. Even as she grows and cultivates a fascinating life with Lutzelfrau, Kristtörn never, ever forgets her long-lost brother and vows to find him one day. With story elements that include everything from notes about winter solstice, the rise of misplaced suspicions about witches, to unbreakable sibling connections, hair-raising travels to the disparate poles, as well as a look at the Kringle family and the legend of Santa Claus, The Legend of the Christmas Witch thrums with activity and turns. Julia Iredale’s gothic-leaning, gorgeously moody and unmissable artistic style is such a perfect match for Murphy and Plaza’s sophisticated and inviting storytelling. Iredale’s gouache and digital illustrations are fantastical and evocative- the illustrations and close-ups of Kristtörn are especially stunning as are the rich outdoor scenes with various hues of greens, browns, and blues and bursts of snow. With undercurrents of old-world Hans Christian Andersen-like storytelling, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a delicious fable to sink one’s teeth into: unusual and inventive, with elements of tragedy and surprise that capture attention from opening to the last word. (…Perhaps more stories featuring The Legend of the Christmas Witch may be in store for the future?). Readers who adore layered, moodier fairytales and children’s stories about powerful, magical witches, or those looking for a noteworthy and unexpected winter tale, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a fantastic pick.
“On a block dressed up in Red and Green/one house shone Blue and White. Isaac helped his family decorate their big window for Chanukah/Across the street, his best friend Teresa helped her family trim their Christmas tree.” A story inspired by events that took place in Billings, Montana in December of 1993, Lee Wind and Paul O. Zelinksy’s Red and Green and Blue and White tells an important, poignant story of the holiday season. Best friends Isaac and Teresa cannot wait for the holidays and celebrations to begin: Isaac and his family are Jewish and celebrate Chanukah; while Teresa and her family are Christian and celebrate Christmas. The front window displays of each of their homes reflect their family’s respective holiday celebrations; though readers learn from the opening of the story that Isaac and his family’s house is the one home on the block glowing ”Blue and White, Menorah light”. One night, “shadows” make their way to Isaac’s house and a stone shatters through their front window, breaking the glass and extinguishing their menorah. When help is called and adults meet and discuss, the question arises about whether or not Isaac’s family should ”light the menorah again”. Isaac lights the menorah the next night, knowing that if they do not, ”it would be like hiding they were Jewish [and] that didn’t feel right”. In support of her best friend, his family, their religion and their celebration of Chanukah, Teresa makes a heartfelt, visible display ”For Isaac” in her own home window- so now the light from her home shines ”Blue and White/Menorah Light/From Two Homes Tonight!”. The actions made by Teresa and her respective family is then shown to extend more deeply and widely than ever thought, culminating in a celebration ”of the true spirit of the holidays [and] the true meaning of community”. A deeply beautiful, heartfelt story, author Lee Wind’s spare yet lyrical storytelling is met to perfection in award-winner Paul O. Zelinsky’s multi-layered, intensely bold and deeply coloured digital artwork. Red and Green and Blue and White is highly recommended reading and a must-add to the holiday collection of a school and/or public library. Extras: Be sure not to miss the Author’s Note at the book’s end which includes a significant, salient point about being an UPstander versus being a BYstander. A link to author Lee Wind’s website is also included for readers interested in learning more about the real-life story behind this picture book.
I received a copy of The Legend of the Christmas Witch courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review; and I received a copy of Red and Green and Blue and White courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
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The energy of this time allows us to release old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us, making room for personal growth and evolution. One of the key elements of autumnal equinox magic is the celebration of the harvest. It is a time to gather and enjoy the fruits of our labor, whether they are literal fruits and vegetables or the accomplishments and blessings we have received throughout the year. We express gratitude for the abundance in our lives and share our blessings with others. Nature plays a significant role in autumnal equinox magic. The changing colors of the leaves and the crispness in the air remind us of the impermanence and beauty of life. Many people take this time to connect with nature, whether through walks in the woods, meditating outside, or creating altars adorned with fallen leaves, acorns, and other symbols of the season. Rituals and ceremonies are commonly performed during the autumnal equinox to honor this magical time. These may involve lighting candles, making offerings to the Earth, and setting intentions for the upcoming season. It is a time to release what no longer serves us and set new goals for our personal and spiritual growth. In conclusion, the autumnal equinox is a powerful and magical time of year. It is a time of balance, reflection, and transformation. By embracing the energy and symbolism of this season, we can harness its magic to bring about positive changes in our lives and connect more deeply with the Earth and the cycles of nature..
Reviews for "Embracing Change and Transition at the Autumn Equinox"
1. John - 1 star
The book "Autumnak equinox magic" was a complete disappointment. The plot was confusing and poorly developed, making it difficult to follow along and connect with the characters. The pacing was also incredibly slow, resulting in a lack of excitement and engagement. Overall, I found this book to be dull and unsatisfying, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Autumnak equinox magic," but sadly, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was dull and lacked fluidity, making it a struggle to stay interested in the story. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. Additionally, the ending was anticlimactic and left me feeling unsatisfied. I had anticipated a magical and enchanting read, but unfortunately, this book failed to captivate me.
3. Mark - 2.5 stars
While "Autumnak equinox magic" had an interesting premise, the execution was lacking. The world-building was inconsistent and left many unanswered questions. The pacing was uneven, with slow stretches that made it hard to stay engaged. The characters felt one-dimensional and their actions often felt forced or contrived. Overall, the potential was there, but the book failed to deliver a cohesive and enjoyable reading experience.
4. Emily - 2 stars
"Autumnak equinox magic" was a disappointing read for me. The story had a lot of potential, but it was overshadowed by poor execution. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to believe in the interactions between the characters. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of mundane activities that added nothing to the overall plot. I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.