The Shortest Day — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
So the shortest day came,
and the year died . . .
As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper’s poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before — and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!
Frequently asked questions
Is The Shortest Day appropriate for a 7-year-old?
No violence is present in the book. The narrative focuses on a joyful celebration of the winter solstice, with no references to physical conflict or harm. No scary content is present in the book. The poem celebrates the winter solstice in a positive and uplifting manner, without any frightening elements.
Does The Shortest Day have violence?
No violence is present in the book. The narrative focuses on a joyful celebration of the winter solstice, with no references to physical conflict or harm.
Does The Shortest Day have scary content?
No scary content is present in the book. The poem celebrates the winter solstice in a positive and uplifting manner, without any frightening elements.
Does The Shortest Day have religious themes?
The book discusses the winter solstice and its significance in various religious and cultural traditions, including pagan celebrations and the transition to Christmas. It highlights the ritual of lighting candles and the hope for longer days, which is rooted in multiple faiths.
Does The Shortest Day have racial/cultural content?
No explicit racial themes are present in the book. The narrative does not address race or racism as a central theme.
Does The Shortest Day have profanity?
No profanity is present in the book. The content is appropriate for children and does not include any offensive language.
Does The Shortest Day have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. The narrative centers around the winter solstice and cultural traditions, without addressing environmental issues or activism.
Does The Shortest Day have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The search results do not mention any sexual themes or discussions related to 'The Shortest Day'.
Does The Shortest Day have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. It focuses on the celebration of the winter solstice and does not promote traditional or modern gender roles.
Does The Shortest Day have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are present in the book. The search results do not indicate any LGBTQ+ content related to 'The Shortest Day'.
