Table of Contents

Foreword: Stories That Bring the Sun Up
by Jane Yolen

Introduction: The Circle Will Go ’Round

1 A Tale of the Cailleach, the Great Goddess of Winter
An Irish Tale for Samhain (October 31–November 1)

2 Old Nisse and the Return of Sunna, the Sun Goddess
A Norse Tale for Yule and the Winter Solstice (December 20/21/22/23)

3 La Befana, the Christmas Witch
An Italian Tale for the New Year (January 1)

4 Waiting for Brighid
An Irish Tale for Imbolg (February 1–2)

5 Eostre, the Goddess of Spring, Hares, and Eggs
An Anglo-Saxon/Germanic Tale for the Spring Equinox (March 19/20/21)

6 A Magical Beltaine Journey
An Irish Tale for May Day (May 1)

7 Kupalnocka and the Magical Fern Flower
A Polish Tale for the Summer Solstice (June 20/21/22)

8 Lugh of the Long Arm and the Blessing of the Early Harvest
An Irish Tale for Lúnasa (August 1)

9 The Spirit of the Grain and the Spirits of the Sea
A Scottish Tale for the Fall Equinox (September 21/22/23/24)

Index of Recipes

Index of Activities

About the Author

Ellen Evert Hopman has been a Druidic initiate since 1984. She is a founding member of the Order of the White Oak, an Archdruidess of the Tribe of the Oak, and a member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages. She is the author of several books, including Walking the World in Wonder. She lives in Massachusetts. Lauren Mills has won national acclaim as both an author/illustrator and a sculptor. The author and illustrator of the award-winning The Rag Coat, she lives in western Massachusetts.

Reviews

“The traditions, rituals, and stories of the eight celebrations of the wheel of light are full of beautiful energy--stories that bring alive the spirits of the Earth, spirits that many may call fantasy, but I know differently. Once Around the Sun brings alive that which comes from beyond our senses with the traditions and rituals of reaching out and giving back to the spirits and fairies with food and other gifts.”
*Nicholas E. Brink, Ph.D., author of Baldr’s Magic*

“What a gift to families! This practical and magical collection of stories, recipes, and engaging activities takes its readers right back to the rhythm of a simpler, meaningful life, marking time with relevant ritual reverence for Mother Nature, her seasons, and her bounty.”
*Burleigh Mutén, author of Goddesses: A World of Myth and Magic and The Lady of Ten Thousand Nam*

“Once Around the Sun is a delightful family treasure. Cultures throughout the world have used storytelling as a way to pass on knowledge, and this book’s stories and poems alone make it worth owning. Yet, its recipes and activities add another dimension that makes this book an invaluable resource for parents wanting to share ancient cultures and beliefs with their children. Young ones are sure to love activities such as making a magic wand and writing secret rune messages with invisible ink. I would highly recommend this fun and informative book for any family that wishes to explore the seasonal stories and celebrations.”
*Robin Corak, author of Persephone: Practicing the Art of Personal Power*

“Ellen Evert Hopman has written a book that will delight children, families, and those who are looking for traditions to explore and stories to share as they celebrate the holidays. I especially love the tales that beg to be read aloud and, as with all good folk stories, add depth and ancient wisdom with the telling. Recipes and special crafts to make with children meaningfully connect folk customs with the seasonal changes. Once Around the Sun is a book not only enjoyed with the first reading but also when it is picked up and read again and again with each turn of the seasonal wheel.”
*Laura Wildman-Hanlon, author of What’s Your Wicca IQ?, Wiccan Meditations, and Celebrating the*

“For all of us, children and adults, who love fairy and folk stories, these nine tales told by Ellen Evert Hopman carry us to the roots of ancient lore. Earth, sky, and the waters are embodied in Gods and Goddesses with power to bring feast or famine, health or disease, tragedy or happiness, depending on their actions--and the hard work, gratitude, and faithfulness of humans. Alongside the stories are embedded recipes, games, and verse. This book is a treasure trove for curious children and their grown-ups, who wish to bring the rich spirits of the natural world to life.”
*Patricia Lee Lewis, author of A Kind of Yellow*

“Once Around the Sun is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature written for children and their parents. Hopman uses the structure of ‘wheel of the year’ to explore the meanings and celebrations of each season through a selection of stories from a variety of countries and traditions. With its beautiful illustrations from artist Lauren A. Mills, this book is sure to be enjoyed by children of all ages.”
*Fiona Tinker, author of Stories for the Songs of the Year*

“Now we can all share the glory of seasonal celebration with our children and grandchildren, so they can sweep out the old year with La Befana, make runes like a Viking, knead soda bread for Imbolg, and drink the herbal teas of the season. All the traditional stories, songs, and celebrations take the family through the year with joy and blessing.”
*Caitlín Matthews, coauthor of The Lost Book of the Grail and author of The Art of Celtic Seersh*

“From the Cailleach to La Befana, this skillful storyteller--this blessed shanachie-- weaves a splendid wreath to revel in the seasons of the rolling year. Beautiful illustrations, recipes, and an inspiring foreword by Jane Yolen envelop this tender reminder of the importance of myth and story in making us healthy, happy human beings. A must-have for your bedside reading stack!”
*H. Byron Ballard, author of Seasons of a Magical Life and Roots, Branches, and Spirits*