More Picture Books for Latin American Christmas
Read About Hispanic Traditions of Three Kings Day 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 January 6th, known as Three Kings Day, and retells the Mexican legend concerning the origins of the Christmas poinsettia. For more seasonal stories, readers can check out picture books portraying the Hispanic celebration of Las Posadas.
Picture Books Illustrating The Legend of the Poinsettia
The bright red and green leaves of poinsettias have become a standard symbol of the beauty of Christmas. But few people are aware of the Mexican legend connecting these plants to the nativity.
The Legend of the Poinsettia is another holiday classic from children’s author Tomie dePaola. In this story, Lucida, a kind-hearted peasant girl is unable to complete her gift to offer the statue of Baby Jesus. Her tears of remorse miraculously transform a bunch of weeds into the brilliant poinsettia flower.
The Gift of the Poinsettia/El Regalo de la Flor de Nochebuena by Pat Mora and Charles Ramirez Berg is illustrated by Daniel Lechon. This book is another retelling of the holiday legend concerning the origin of the beautiful Christmas flower.
Picture Books Concerning Three Kings Day
Holiday celebrations continue up to January the sixth, or Three Kings Day. Just as the wisemen brought gifts for Baby Jesus, children in Hispanic countries look forward to receiving their presents on this day. In some locations, children set out their shoes at night waiting for the Three Kings to fill them with treats.
Hurray for Three Kings Day by Lori Carlson follows Anita and her two older brothers as they dress as kings and go from home to home looking for the baby Jesus in order to bring him their gifts.
Federico and the Magi’s Gift by Beatriz Vidal tells the heartwarming tale of four-year-old Federico who’s misbehaved on the night of Epiphany. As his older brother and sister get hay and water for the magis’ camels, he worries the three kings will skip over his house altogether on their magic night ride to deliver presents.
The Secret Stars by Joseph Slate is the story of a stormy January fifth night in New Mexico. Pepe and Sila worry the three kings will never find their home because the rain has darkened all the stars. The children’s’ grandmother huddles under a quilt with them and takes them on a magical journey into the night sky.
Teachers, parents, and children who enjoyed these holiday classics pertaining to Three Kings Day and the legend of the poinsettia will probably also want to check out more Latin American Christmas traditions. Picture books concerning the exciting fiestas, colorful piñatas, and candlelit processions of Las Posadas make excellent selections for seasonal reading.
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