A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas

Written by  Pat Mora

Illustrated by Magaly Morales

• Age Range: 4 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• ISBN-10: 0618841989
• ISBN-13: 978-0618841981

An award-winning author and a rising star artist have put a festive Latino twist on "The Twelve Days of Christmas," populating it with piñatas in place of partridges, plus burritos bailando (dancing donkeys), lunitas cantando (singing moons), and much more, all displayed in the most vivid colors imaginable.

In this version a little girl receives gifts from a secret amiga, whose identity is a sweet surprise at the book's conclusion. There are things to find and count in Spanish on every page, with pronunciations provided right in the pictures and a glossary and music following the story. This joyous fiesta will warm even the coldest of hearts.

  

Reviews

"Beginning with "a piñata in a pine tree" and culminating in "doce angelitos celebrando" (twelve angels rejoicing), the double-page spreads each contain a pronunciation guide for both gifts and numbers." --Horn Book

"Mora blends Latino holiday traditions of her native Southwest with some from Mexico. The inclusion of numerals and the pronunciation of the Spanish words... facilitates reading and makes it absolutely entertaining." --Kirkus Reviews

"In this Latino twist on the traditional folk song, the narrator's secret amiga's gifts include 'a piñata in a pine tree' and 'cuatro luminarias.' The identity of the girl's amiga is a sweet surprise..." --School Library Journal

"Spanish phrases pepper the traditional carol as a joyful child experiences the holiday...A luminous holiday pick, especially for new big brothers and sisters." --Publishers Weekly

"Mora has created not only a fun adaptation of a classic Christmas carol but also an introduction to many elements of holiday celebrations for families across the U.S. and Latin America." --Booklist