A continuación reseñas breves sobre títulos que celebran el espíritu navideño con varios aspectos culturales. Some have translations and some are in Spanglish or English. All have been published within the last 3 years.
The Last Slice: A Three Kings Day Treat
Written by Melissa Seron Richardson, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo. My featured title… I read this a few months ago and fell in love with Marta. Anxious about possibly chocking on a baby Jesus hidden inside la Rosca de Reyes, Mexican sweet bread used to celebrate Three King’s Day, she discovers that her cravings may be stronger than her fears.
I love this title because the younger generation will relate to the apprehension of trying something new (for them) but that elders do not give a second thought. Un buen libro que reforzara que aunque parezcan extrañas, las tradiciones fortalecen los lazos familiares y culturales. Traducción aun no disponible, pero probablemente llegara. The illustrations on this title are hilarious with many focusing on Marta’s facial expressions for comedic effect.
Tamales para Navidad / Tamales for Christmas
Written by Stephen Briseño, ilustrado por Sonia Sánchez. Aún no lo he leído pero las ilustraciones se ven hermosas. El detalle de la cocina de abuela es colorido y cultural. Abuela tiene que cocinar 1,000 docenas de tamales para recaudar dinero para los regalos de navidad de su familia, pero hasta le sobra para dar en caridad.
A promising read, this title focuses on the resilience of a grandmother to ensure her children and grandchildren get a bountiful christmas, plus, after wrapping & selling 12,000 tamales there is even enough to give to charity. Wonderfully illustrated, Tamales for Christmas delivers visually what Gary Soto probably wanted out of Too Many Tamales back in the mid 90s.
La Navidad/ The Story of Christmas
Written by Pia Imperial, illustrated by Carly Gledhill, translated by Eva Ibarzábal. For those that are looking for a more nativity type of read, these offer very charmingly illustrated bible stories. ¡A plus that they are bilingual!
Un libro que se enfoca en el nacimiento de Jesus y otras historias biblicas para celebrar la navidad ¡con ilustraciones muy monas!
Written and illustrated by Jarvis. That alone makes this title worth opening for me. I love Jarvis’s illustrations and I’m glad to see a rendition of Santa Claus by his strokes. Espero ver pronto que los libros de Jarvis se traduzcan al español, ya que es tan talentoso artista.
Written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith. Mac has written ANOTHER book and one more to add to his Santa Claus collection. This man writes in his sleep I am certain. Imagine being the man to bring cheer for the whole world. It’s like playing host at Christmas dinner, you enjoy it only partially because you’re worried the side dishes might burn or because you’re constantly scanning to see who needs a drink. Los duendes quieren que Santa Clos se relaje y disfrute de la Navidad como invitado del festejo y no anfitrión.
La Noche Before Three Kings Day
Written by Sheila Colón-Bagley, illustrated by Alejandro Mesa. I always love Spanglish remakes of traditonal rhymes, this one is a take on Twas the Night Before Christmas, but focuses on January 5th, the night the Three Kings leave small presents in children’s shoes. Con ilustraciones resplandecientes, este titulo promete llevarnos en un esplendoroso viaje por los cielos nocturnos de una noche poco reconocida pero que lleva la misma magia que la noche buena.
Diez maneras de escuchar la nieve /
Ten Ways to Hear Snow
Written by Cathy Camper, illustrated by Kenard Pak, translated by Rossy Evelin Lima. This title evokes calm in the holiday madness. Perhaps you’ll save it for the quieter days and longer nights of January, but we should probably all take a listen. Un libro para cerrar (o sobrevivir) la época ajetreada navideña. Si no cae nieve en donde vivimos, el libro igual nos ayuda a mantener la serenidad y apreciar nuestros inviernos, por mas marchitos que parezcan.
Espero estos libros les acompañen en estas épocas y puedan disfrutar su lectura cobijaditos con un tecito o chocolatito caliente con sus niños en las faldas. ¡Felices fiestas! I hope you find the time to slow down this holiday season & cuddle up with these books!
Biblioterika 