The "Book of Holidays Around the World" by Alice Van Straalen is a 192-page hardcover book published by Penguin Publishing Group in 1986. Created for a juvenile audience, this book explores various holidays and celebrations from around the world, focusing on both fiction and nonfiction aspects. The illustrations by the author herself bring the stories and traditions to life, making it a colorful and informative read for young readers interested in learning about different cultures and customs.