A great resource for learning about the wheel of the year. We need more pagan children's books and this is a good addition to what already exists.

The magical wheel of the year is a beautifully illustrated book that teaches young children about Gaia and Selene’s travel through the year and all the ways the seasons are affected. I especially liked all the details we got at the end of the book about the different seasons, it felt very special to read.

Book Review: The Magical Wheel of the Year by Bérengère Demoncy and Victoria Ruiz Y Lopez

Rating: 5 Stars

I just finished reading The Magical Wheel of the Year and I have to say, it’s an absolute gem! This charming book takes readers on a whimsical journey through the eight festivals celebrated in the Pagan Wheel of the Year, led by two enchanting sisters, Selene and Gaia. From lively ghostly gatherings at Samhain to decorating trees with woodland creatures at Yule, and from dancing with fairies at Beltane to soaking in midsummer festivities at Litha, every celebration bursts with magic and joy.

What I loved most is how the story beautifully weaves these ancient traditions into an engaging narrative, making them accessible and fun for young readers. Then, at the end of the book, there’s a thoughtful section that delves deeper into each festival’s meaning and customs, which really helped me appreciate the rich cultural heritage behind them. Plus, the 40 hands-on activities—like pumpkin carving, baking bread, making leaf prints, and creating wish trees—offer fantastic ways for families to connect with nature and celebrate together year-round.

And can we take a moment to admire the cover? It’s absolutely delightful and instantly draws you in. Inside, the illustrations continue to impress with their vibrant colors and enchanting details that perfectly complement the magical vibe of the story.

Overall, The Magical Wheel of the Year is a wonderful introduction to Pagan festivals that blends storytelling, tradition, and creativity in a way that feels both educational and fun. Whether you’re looking to learn more about these celebrations or want a fresh way to bring nature’s rhythms into your family’s life, this book is a perfect pick! Five stars all around!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Honestly this made me a little emotional. The story itself was so beautiful, but then added with the illustrations it was breathtaking.

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great way to learn more about the Pagan calendar and as someone with Celtic ancestors I enjoyed learning more, especially on things such as Samhain which I already knew quite a bit of but still learnt something and some new festivals too. I liked the way the traditions were woven through the story then explained again at the end so they can be used by the reader regardless of their learning style and they can refer back to a specific event or task in the future and the illustrations are beautiful.

Favourite Quote:
“We no longer rely on nature as much for food or warmth, yet each season continues to welcome gifts of nature into our lives, from blossoms and harvests to sunshine and rain, as a reminder that magic is everywhere”

Going into this book I actually knew nothing about Pagan traditions so it was really cool to learn about them, understand the celebrations, and also learn how to enjoy nature according to pagan festivities!

Aimed at young readers I actually think this book is perfect for the whole family as we all enjoyed getting stuck into the activities in the book! I love that the whole book centres around the seasons, and it is also beautifully illustrated.

It can be all too easy these days to mark the passing of the seasons either not at all, or by a desultory acknowledgment that we have to put the heating on again or that we can’t believe it’s dark so early!
However this breathtakingly stunning book immerses the reader both visually (the illustrations are beautiful - ethereal yet earthy) and narratively, through the seasons of the year as seen through the eyes of Gaia and Selene.
I love how the story of how Pagan festivals and rituals have inspired, intersect and influence so many of the different festivals we know and love, everything from Candlemas to Holi to Samhain and beyond.
Not only is the story wonderful, but the explanations and activities at the end are a delight. I can’t wait to get started. Cherry soup anyone?! <3

Beautifully illustrated and easy to digest format that multiple generations in your family might enjoy. I’m well versed in the wheel of the year and enjoy reading different perspective, knowing I will always learn something new. This gorgeous book walks you through the eight festivals in a way that reminds you that magic is everywhere and that celebrating the change of seasons is the perfect way to watch natures unfolding throughout the year. Thoroughly enjoyable, creative and incredibly well illustrated. Would make the perfect gift.

The story and illustrations are so lovely! As a pagan mom I so appreciate good books like this for my child! Thank you netgalley for the e arc

The Magical Wheel of the Year is a beautifully illustrated children's book that follows Gaia and Selene through a year, as they celebrate Samhain until they end up back at it. It’s a short story that just touches on each holiday and the way the sisters celebrate it. However, after the story wraps, the book includes more information on each holiday, including traditions from around the world and ways to celebrate.

This book is a beautiful way to explore the Wheel of the Year with young people. I loved the story in the first part of the book that personifies the Wheel of the Year and the season, explaining how one runs into the other and the beauty of the cycle. The art in this book is gorgeous and so colorful. It feels whimsical and informative at the same time.

The second half of the book goes over each celebration in detail, giving history and ways it is celebrated around the world. The fun activities with each are well written and would appeal to old and young. Excellent book!

Such a sweet approach to the Wheel of the Year, moon cycles, and the holidays for children! The Magical Wheel of the Year by Bérengère Demoncy and Victoria Ruiz Y Lopez tells the story of sister, Gaia and Selene, as Gaia guides her little sister through the cycles of the Earth via the Wheel of the year and it's associated holidays, before Selene takes her place as the moon. It's creative and sweet, and the illustrations are beautiful. The story is a quick and easy read for kids so they can learn about the various holidays and associated traditions, and the end includes a section detailing each sabbat and its history around the world. Plus includes a bunch of kid-friendly actives to help celebrate each one. I think kids of all ages will enjoy this one!

This was a great story and primer on the wheel of the year, a perfect addition to the public library or the homes of pagan families. The material is really well suited for 2nd-4th graders. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for lettting me read!

This book filled me with wonder. It is a magical celebration of pagan traditions (many of which are reflected in our modern holidays). I adored the art and found the simple storytelling to be a perfect vehicle for learning about the changing of the seasons and the celebrations that surround them.

The last third of the book discusses each of the pagan celebrations, how they are celebrated around the world, as well as some activities relevant to each celebration.

This is a storybook, an educational resource, and an activity guide. A fantastically fun and informative resource for children.

This is a great introduction to children for the pagan year as we follow two young sisters going through the year and showcasing how to celebrate its different festivals. It gives the reader tips and tricks on how to create different decorations and how to make specific foods for the different festivals.
Beautiful illustrations.

This is a lovely story that tells of the cycle of pagan festivals - some of which you may be familiar with but with other names. It is the story of how the moon became and how humans acknowledge nature. The illustrations are magical and my daughter enjoyed these.

Some parts were unfamiliar to me but I had come across some of the rituals and gifts used to mark the festivities through groups at our local Steiner school.

At the end of the book, more details are given about each pagan festival with suggestions of crafts to do or ways to mark it.

A beautiful book explaining the wheel of the year seasons and celebrations through story. The illustrations are lovely and colorful, although not my favorite style personally. This is a great way to introduce these concepts of young children.

This is a beautiful book! I will definitely be buying this to add to my collection. It has amazing illustrations, and wonderful information and rituals to celebrate the wheel of the year! I love how the story follows the two sisters, and explains how the moon, sun and Gaia (Mother Earth) came about. Such a magical and lovely book that any pagan would adore!

This was a delight! My only issue was that some of the text was really hard to read on the darker backgrounds, this could be a problem for people who have issues with contrast, but the overall story and book was delightful and perfect for younger readers and older ones alike to introduce them to the wheel of the year.

The Magical Wheel of the Year, written by Bérengère Demoncy and Victoria Ruiz Y Lopez, is a brilliant retelling of the eight Pagan festivals: Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnasa and Mabon. This story comes complete with examples of how each festival is celebrated around the world. I would recommend this book and hope they publish more stories from around the world.