Rupert's Tales: The Wheel of The Year - Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara is the second book about the adventures of little Rupert the Rabbit, who lives in the forest. Previously Rupert learned about the magic of Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon. In this installment, he explores the other four Sabbats - Samhain, Yule, Imbolc and Ostara - and makes some new friends along the way. Author Kyrja again uses thoughtful rhyming verse to describe the many aspects of the seasons, and Tonia Bennington Osborn's paintings are lovelier than ever.
Read an interview with the creators of Rupert the Rabbit: Meet Kyrja and Tonia
Rupert Learns About Samhain
At Samhain, Rupert returns once more to the sacred circle he discovered in his previous adventures, and meets a little girl mourning the loss of her grandmother. Through the magic of ritual, together they learn that at Samhain, the veil between our world and the spirit realm is thin.
...the woman was wise and must have known what was on the girl's mind."Here in Circle you are safe. Spirits who come will be warm and kind.
Now think of someone special who has left us in the past year or two.
Please close your eyes and open your ears. This is something we all can do."
As the little girl experiences memories of her grandmother, Rupert's empathy allows him to feel what she feels.
"Samhain is remembering and holding those who died near in our hearts.Remembering love and laughter we shared is the very best part."
Rupert's Longest Night
In the second section of the book, Rupert learns about the Winter Solstice, or Yule. He's having trouble staying awake, but is determined to stay up and see what happens. His patience is rewarded when a group of children arrive in the circle, start a bonfire, and relate the story of the return of the sun.
"So even though we have long, dark nights and cold, short days,Solstice reminds us that warmer weather is on the way..."
From the magic of mistletoe to the symbols of the God and Goddess, Rupert learns about the many aspects of the season.
Rupert Learns About Imbolc
Join Rupert for fun coloring activities!
Image © Schiffer Publishing; Used with PermissionWhen Imbolc arrives, Rupert wakes up cold. After all, it's the chilly season - snow is falling, wind is blowing, and food is scarce. Rupert meets a fairy, who tells him that soon, Spring will be returning.
"Spring!" thought Rupert with a big happy grin."That means lots of sweet grass and clover again!"
The fairy tells Rupert about celebrations honoring the hearth goddess Brighid, waking the spirits of spring, and the quickening of the earth.
Rupert's Ostara Surprise
Spring is near, and Rupert the rabbit can't wait to see what his friends will do to celebrate Ostara. Grass is peeking through the snow after the cold days of winter, and Rupert finds himself drawn to the forest once more. This time, though, instead of watching the people celebrating in the circle, Rupert meets someone even more special -- and you'll have to read the book to find out who!
Rupert's Tales Wheel of the Year Activity Book
As if Rupert the Rabbit wasn't cute enough to read about, now you and your little ones can join our furry friend for some hands-on coloring and fun! The Rupert's Tales Wheel of the Year Activity Book is available from Schiffer Publishing, and is chock full of beautiful coloring pages following Rupert's adventures, as well as crossword puzzles and word searches. It's an adorable addition to your Rupert the Rabbit book collection.
