Book Review: Every Month is a New Year by Marilyn Singer and Susan L. Roth

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Title: Every Month is a New Year
Author: Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Susan L. Roth
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
ISBN: 978-1620141625

PLOT SUMMARY

This topical collection of poems is centered around showcasing how the New Year is celebrated in different countries and cultures, many of which take place in different months of the year. The celebrations include the Midnight Ball Drop in New York City, Hogmanay in Scotland, Russian New Years, Chinese New Year, Nowruz in Iran, Songkran in Thailand, Islamic New Year on the First Day of Muharram, the Māori celebration of Matariki in New Zealand, the Mapuche celebration of We Tripantu in Chile and Argentina, the Egyptian celebration of Wep Ronpet, the Persian New Year on Navroze, Diwali in India, the Ethiopian New Year on Enkutatash, the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah, Año Viejo in Ecuador, and Nochevieja in Spain. This collection includes an introduction explaining when these celebrations take place, and how some celebrations are secular, some religious, and some are a mixture of the two. The back of the book includes a hefty amount of information, including calendars, new year's greetings, information about the celebrations, a glossary and pronunciation guide, and a full list of the author's sources.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This topical collection of poems by poet Marilyn Singer is illustrated in a picture book format by artist Susan L. Roth. The book is arranged chronologically, starting with New Year's celebrations that begin at midnight on January 1, wrapping through the year to the following December 31.

Most of the poems are a rhyming rhythm, but how much rhyming is used varies from poem to poem. Some are short, with short phrases and single words on a line to create a staccato rhythm. For example, in the poem "Midnight Ball Drop," which has an internal rhyme, "Tonight, / hand in hand with Grandma, I stand in the / middle of this merry, loud crowd / waiting / for that glittering ball / to drop at the magic / hour, bringing on a confetti / shower." (Singer & Roth, 2018, "Midnight Ball Drop"). Other poems are musical rhyming couplets, with every line matching sounds at the end or at the end of every other line, such as "Midnight! And the bells are ringing! / "Auld Lang Syne"—they're downstairs, singing!" (Singer & Roth, 2018, "First Footing"). Other poems do not rhyme at all, though, such as the poem "New Moon, New Year." The last poem in the book is a mirror version of the first, the lines reading in a backward order of the first poem.

When reading the book with the illustrations covered, though, it was difficult to imagine the celebrations without reading the background information supplied at the end of the book. Roth's illustrations are so detailed and beautiful, it may affect the impact of the poems if they are separated from the visual art.

The picture book is arranged like a monthly calendar; when turned to the side, the left page serves as the image seen at the top of the calendar, created with mixed media illustrations to show readers a glimpse of the celebrations described. The right side of the page hosts the poem on a background that looks like the squares that represent the days of the month. Roth's illustrations add to the childlike wonder of the book, with the illustrations made of cut out materials such as tissue paper, textured paper, and patterned craft paper, layered on top of one another to create depth. Each calendar page is unique to the holidays. For example, confetti is sprinkled on the page for the Midnight Ball Drop in New York City. Even the calendar squares are beautiful and unique, layered with gorgeous patterned papers. Little details are in each piece, such as the kite strings for the celebration of Matariki, which are made of actual string.

Some people might have an emotional connection to the book if they have a special memory or connection to a holiday or celebration mentioned. Otherwise, the book is more informational, lacking the evocative emotion seen often in poetry. While the book is meant to educate and add to children's multicultural literacy, it could easily be incorporated into the curriculum and special interest learning sessions for people of all ages. As mentioned by Dr. Vardell, poetry can be enjoyed at any age (2019, p. 133), and that picture books are beneficial for older children, as well (2019, p. 74).

AWARDS
2019 NCTE Notable Poetry Books list

REVIEW EXCERPTS
"The collage illustrations, using paper sourced from across the globe, are spectacular, with culturally distinctive elements yet a consistent style, and the back matter is stellar and solid, with additional information, pronunciations, a map, and thorough source notes. This complete package is an illuminating and respectful appreciation of both our global uniqueness and our commonality." - Booklist, starred review

"A visually and sonically stunning introduction to the importance of appreciating time and the change of seasons throughout the world: a multicultural gem." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"[A] lovely collection that both looks back at tradition and forward to new beginnings, wherever one might live." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A complex and rewarding package that will be cherished by children and adults alike. A strong choice for poetry collections." - School Library Journal


CONNECTIONS
Enrichment activities: The back matter of the book is full of additional information and a list of the author's sources, which can help teachers and librarians create lessons on celebrations in other countries and cultures. The publisher has even provided a teacher's guide, available on their website (Lee & Low Books, 2018).

Related books:
DK. (2016). Children just like me: A new celebration of children around the world. DK Children.
ISBN: 978-1465453921

Halford, K. (2019). Celebrations around the world: The fabulous celebrations you won't want to miss. DK Children.
ISBN: 978-1465483904

Lamothe, M. (2017). This is how we do it: One day in the lives of seven kids from around the world. Chronicle Books.
ISBN: 978-1452150185

Stewart, W., & Engel, C. (2019). What do you celebrate? Holidays and festivals around the world. Sterling Children's Books.
ISBN: 978-1454932130

REFERENCES
Lee & Low Books. (2018). Every month is a new year teacher's guide [PDF]. Lee & Low Books. https://www.leeandlow.com/uploads/loaded_document/571/EVERYMONTHISANEWYEAR_TeachersGuide.pdf

Singer, M., & Roth, S. L. (2018). Every month is a new year. Lee & Low Books.

Vardell, S. M. (2019). Children's literature in action: A librarian's guide (3rd edition). Libraries Unlimited.