Best Picture Books for Latin American Christmas
Read About Hispanic Traditions of Las Posadas and Navidad
Dec 5, 2008
Teachers and parents often look for ways to share Hispanic traditions, legends, and culture with their children. This selection of classic Christmas picture books brings to life the festive celebrations surrounding Las Posadas. For more seasonal stories readers can check out picture books concerning Three Kings Day and the legend of the poinsettia.
The Hispanic Tradition of Las Posadas
The candlelit processions and fiestas of Las Posadas begin on December sixteenth and continue nine days until Christmas Eve. Each day, children dress as shepherds, angels, or wisemen and follow two children chosen to represent Mary and Joseph. The parade of holy pilgrims stops at several homes singing a traditional song to ask entrance into the “posada,” or inn. They are denied repeatedly until the occupants of a chosen home throw open the doors and invite the pilgrims to begin the night’s festivities.
Picture Books Depicting the Celebration of Las Posadas
Carlos, Light the Farolito by Jean Ciavonne and illustrated by Donna Claire is a wonderful story about a young boy who helps his family prepare for the final fiesta of Las Posadas. When his grandfather is late, Carlos must summon courage to sing the Innkeeper’s part and welcome the holy pilgrims.
The Night of Las Posadas written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola is another classic treasure from this renowned children’s author. He tells the story of Sister Angie, a modern-day nun in Santa Fe, who is excited her niece Lupe has been chosen to play the part of María in the Posadas procession. But when the car of Lupe and her husband breaks down, a miracle sends an unexpected couple to fill the role.
The Farolitos of Christmas by Rudalfo Anaya and illustrated by Edward Gonzales is the story of Luz, a New Mexican girl whose father is fighting in World War II. With her grandfather too sick to help chop wood for the traditional farolitos, Luz finds a creative way to make luminarios from paper bags, candles, and sand to light the way for the holy pilgrims. A traditional holiday craft children will enjoy creating to light the walkways to their own homes.
Uno, Dos, Tres, Posada by Virginia Kroll and illustrated by Loretta Lopez is a rhyming picture book for preschool and young children. In the text and pictures, a little girl demonstrates her family's traditions during the festivities of Las Posadas.
Las Posadas: An Hispanic Christmas Celebration by Diane Hoyt Goldsmith and illustrated by Lawrence Migdale is a photo essay depicting a New Mexican posadas celebration. Eleven-year-old Cristin Lucero has been chosen to play the role of Santa María in the posadas celebration. Through her family’s preparation, readers learn of the customs and traditions surrounding the holiday.
Mimi’s Parranda/La parranda de Mimi by Lydia M. Gill and illustrated by Herman Sosa tells the story of Mimi, a young immigrant who returns to her family’s home in Puerto Rico each Christmas. When plans fall through, Mimi is so disappointed she has no interest in her school’s class party. But, maybe someone can find a way to recreate the traditions she loves so well, even in the United States.
Three Kings Day
The Latin American Christmas celebration doesn’t end on December twenty-fifth. January sixth, or Three Kings Day, is when gifts are traditionally opened in Hispanic countries. Readers might want to check out picture books portraying the customs of Three Kings Day and the Mexican legend of the poinsettia.
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