The Wheel of the Year: An Illustrated Guide to Nature's Rhythms

by Fiona Cook, Jessica Roux (Illustrations)

A beautifully illustrated, interactive guide to ancient, nature-based holidays and customs. Through themed meditations, crafts, and rituals, young readers can learn about old and new ways of honoring the seasons—and create their own!

Each “spoke” in The Wheel of the Year marks an important turning point: the winter and summer solstices, the spring and fall equinoxes, and the festivals of seeding, growing, and harvesting that arrive in between. Within each section, enjoy:
An overview of the holiday and its significance in cultures around the world
A sensory scavenger hunt for sights, sounds, and smells the season
Ideas for a seasonal altar using objects from nature
Themed crafts, rituals, games, and recipes
Blending nature connection with art, poetry, and myth, The Wheel of the Year conveys the magic and beauty of ancient traditions and encourages young readers to notice, care for, and celebrate the natural world around them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Nature, Spirituality, Witches, Paganism, Reference

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2023

Reviews

[Emily]

I didn’t realize this was geared toward kids when I bought it but it made me love it all the more.

[Naomi]

I think the marketing of this book could have been done a little better to indicate that the book was really meant for children, but with that audience in mind it's quite effective. The reflections are sweet and thoughtful, and there were some quite informative bits about religions around the world. I appreciate that it's considerate of the world as a whole rather than focusing just on pagan traditions. The illustrations were sweet too.
Overall, a fun little read but not immediately obvious that it's for children.

Some quotes:
"Just because something can be explained by science doesn’t mean it’s not also magical."
"Hope keeps us moving in the direction of light, life, and longer days."
"Every culture has its own traditions and rituals, and sometimes as we explore others’ practices, we might want to try them ourselves. It’s important to approach this as if you are a guest in someone’s home."
"Death is not the absence of life; it’s the next turning of the Wheel."

[Teo]

Just like many other reviewers have said, the synopsis/marketing doesn't imply this is for kids whatsoever. It's also very activity heavy; I'd say 70% of it is guide instructions. Not bad for younger people, but not particularly interesting for adults, though some did spark a little bit of inspiration within myself.
There is information about the different seasons and how a few cultures treat these times of the year, but not as much as you'd expect. In saying that though, I found the messages in here, like respecting other cultures, mutual aid, paying deeper attention to nature, etc, to be very sweet and cool when you consider this is a kids book! The illustrations by Roux (why I even picked this up) are gorgeous as expected. Especially the endpaper!

[Mythos]

2.5/5 stars

I failed to realize that this was more for kids. It was okay; there were some interesting bits of information, but I personally didn't get much apart from that from the book.

I would only recommend this to kids interested in learning about witchcraft and the origins of some of the traditions.

[Miriam]

Completely dreamy. Physically, this is a beautiful book with lovely illustrations—I highly recommend reading a hard copy. Geared towards children, but I was inspired by the simple and approachable way the concepts and values of the Pagan holidays were explored. A wonderful primer for anyone interested in connecting with nature in a more structured, ritualistic way.

[Stephanie Cavanaugh]

I also did not know this book was intended for children, but I'm glad it is. I wish I had this book as a child, but I found it very healing to read. I am trying to distance myself from organized religion and find my own sort of holidays in a Christian centric calendar. This book was a beautifully illustrated way to keep time in a non commercialized way. Highly recommend!

[Megan]

I hadn't realised this book was aimed at children so I was a little disappointed at how simplistic the content was. However, it is beautifully illustrated and very charming, inclusive and approachable. Great for beginners

[Mande]

Gorgeous. Simple, inclusive, elegant. This will be a purchase!

[Jennifer]

Information children’s book. Super adorable drawings and illustrations. Wish I had this book for my kids, but you know grandma camp is gonna be so legit.

[Sarah Alma Angelle]

I didn't realize it was for kids when I purchased it - but honestly? Who cares! The illustrations are beautiful, I learned a lot, and I felt good reading it. Love having it out on display.

[Maryna Ponomaryova]

Красива книга про «язичницькі» і природні свята - 8 свят впродовж року, які вшановують цикли природи. Також, всякі ритуальні і «магічні» усвідомлені поради, як спостерігати за природою, збирати трави, майструвати з природніх матеріалів, робити вівтар. Не можу зрозуміти на який вік, бо багато цікавинок про святкування культури у різних народів світу про які я не знала, але також якісь супер дитячі поради типу «як запалити свічку».

[Adele]

This children's book gives a nice overview of pagan holidays throughout the year with lots of information about other holidays around the world and some science and nature information along with lots of activities, crafts, rituals, and recipes. As a curious adult it was just what wanted - information in a quick read with lots of pretty pictures.

[Tyger]

delightful

[Maurice Reeves]

This book is a kind and gentle and sweet primer into magical and spiritual practices tied to the seasons and the pagan calendar. Ostensibly written for children, I found a lot of fun crafts and projects and ideas to bring into my own life.

[kaitlyn]

I read this in companionship with Wild Wisdom Companion and it was all so beautiful and amazing. What I really like about this one is that it breaks up the year in all of its seasons, including the solstices, equinox’s, and the seasonal changes in between. It’s been an interesting journey for me working on trying to be more in tune with nature and the changes that happen during the year and the seasons. In our modern age, we’ve forgotten that our primal ancestors relied on nature for their survival, and trying to reach back into those roots has been a beautiful experience. This is a book that I will also keep reading year after year and it’s one I also recommend for any who have a piquing curiosity about how we can reconnect with nature.

[Erin]

2025: I can't believe we have already completed *another* wheel of the year! This was our second (and my third) time reading this together, and my kids both asked that we immediately begin it again for 2026. Always a 5 star when it has all 3 of us wanting to read it over and over again.

2024: The kids love it too!

2023: This has everything I've been looking for. And it's absolutely beautiful!

[Gema (gemaspring_)]

Estamos ante un libro estéticamente precioso. Con una edición cuidada hasta el más mínimo detalle. Con ilustraciones y ornamentos en cada una de sus páginas que lo convierten en una joya visual.

El contenido en sí está bien, pero es muy muy sencillo. Buena opción para quienes valoran la estética sobre el contenido, o que buscan una introducción al mundo de la brujería y el esoterismo pero desde un plano terrenal, tangible y como digo, sencillo.

Especialmente se centra en los sabbats, que para mí en su día fue una forma perfecta de adentrarme en este mundo. Pero lo hace desde una visión muy cotidiana, con muchas instrucciones e ideas de actividades básicas. Por lo que si ya estáis metidos en este mundo y estáis en el punto de valorar más libros históricos, antropológicos o con cuestiones más profundas, este libro no os va a gustar.

Si queréis empezar y no sabéis por dónde, y queréis una primera toma de contacto, sí que merece la pena. Incluso para edades muy tempranas. De hecho no me sorprendería que el libro estuviese más bien destinado hacia un público más bien infantil/juvenil.

Mi mayor problema es que, si bien la autora planteaba cosas interesantes como alertar del cuidado al tocar huesos de animales sin desinfectar, bayas y otras sustancias tóxicas; en otros lado a mi parecer patinaba bastante. Por ejemplo en un apartado anima a las personas a conectar con los animales llevando alimentos durante días y días haya que cojan confianza y se posen en tu mano. Aparte de lo tremendamente investigo que es esto implica que, cuando dejes de visitar a esos animales, les prives de ese alimento a los que les has acostumbrado y en cierto modo alteres su equilibrio. Es importante informarse sobre que está bien dar como ofrenda e intercambio cuando buscas algo de otras especies sin alterar sus ciclos y sistemas. Ya que la naturaleza es sabia y sabe cuánto puede dar y recibir. Si alteramos esto estamos alterando todo el ciclo, y eso es gravísimo.
Y como este, muchos ejemplos más.

En definitiva una opción muy sencilla que se lee muy rápido y con una edición espectacular, pero con esas cosillas que no me han terminado de encajar. No es mala opción, evidentemente, pero depende de para qué perfil.

[Gina House]

An absolutely beautiful book about the changing of the seasons!

Not only is this book constructed in such a lovely way (the thickness of the pages and the rich colors are amazing!), but the content itself is fantastic. I love how the book is set up by the natural rhythms of the year—spring and fall equinox, winter and summer solstices, etc.

The illustrations are breathtaking, but also have a cozy look with deep sensitivity (if that makes any sense). Although the writing is geared towards children, I still enjoyed reading every section. There's a sense of magic, awe and inspiration included in every season.

What's included in the book: history, recipes, crafts, observations, animals, sounds, activities and more. I wish I had this book in our home library when my children were young. There's so much to love about it!

Now that I've devoured this book from the library, I need to buy my own copy to keep. I adore seasonal books and this one will be an excellent (and joyful!) addition to my book collection. Highly recommended!

[Hannah Showalter]

OBSESSED with this one. It's a kid's book, but besides a few fire safety and cooking warnings, it could totally be for adults. So many good social justice and environmentalism points in here, too. Most of all, the artwork is STUNNING. Beautiful message of magic being in you and in nature, which is also you! I'm probably going to buy a copy of this one to display in my apartment but also to refer back to throughout the year.

[Jina]

Light read filled with beautiful pictures and family friendly activities based on the Wheel of the Year. The author doesn't push any particular path and discusses nature's rhythm from a very objective point of view while acknowledging all of the different ways one may celebrate. Even a great read for adults!

[Margo]

Super-cute illustrated guide to the history and meaning of seasonal events such the solstices, equinoxes, and others in between. Each section includes the ancient beginnings of the event, how it may be celebrated in different communities today, things to view in nature, and activities and crafts. It’s definitely geared toward upper-elementary aged students but I enjoyed this learning adventure and the illustrations. I could only keep it 2 weeks from the library but this would be a great book for families to own and explore year round.

[Kim]

Although I was hoping for more information and less activities, this book is thoughtfully crafted and absolutely beautiful. I appreciate how it considers different cultural celebrations and beliefs. The illustrations are so gorgeous. I definitely see myself returning to it for reference.

[Rosa]

The illustrations are absolutely stunning. I didn't know beforehand that this was more geared towards a younger audience but I still enjoyed it a lot.

[Jenny]

Absolutely beautiful, words and illustrations! So special to read while pregnant, knowing I’ll share it with my child in just a few years.

[Diana]

An absolutely gorgeous book, beautifully illustrated and written with a lot of love for the topic!

[BellasCreativeLife]

Beautiful, sweet, wholesome, stunning illustrations, the perfect seasonal book. <3

[Alyssa]

Inspiring, thorough, and beautifully illustrated resource.

[Lozzzzz]

Beautiful illustrations and very informative

[Hannah]

I got this book because the illustrator had also created a deck oracle cards I own, not realizing it was geared towards children. After the initial surprise and adjusting my expectations, I read it anyway, and found it really enjoyable. It makes a point to discuss beliefs and practices of many different cultures, and offers fun little hands-on crafts to help one acknowledge the changing of seasons regardless of beliefs. And of course the illustrations are lovely.

[DeLana Harvey]

Book is beautiful. Inside and out.