A Piñata in a Pine Tree (English With Spanish)

The inclusion of numerals and the pronunciation of the Spanish words, along with a concluding glossary and pronunciation guide, facilitates reading and makes it absolutely entertaining. (Picture book. 6-9)

Copyright 2009 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

PreS-Gr 2 In this Latino twist on the traditional folk song, the narrators secret "amiga's" gifts include a piñata in a pine tree and "cuatro luminarias". The identity of the girls "amiga" is a sweet surprise and is sure to bring a smile to readers. The spreads are pleasing to the eye, with acrylic paintings rendered in vivid oranges, pinks, greens, and sky blue. A description of Christmas foods and other holiday traditions from different Latin American countries are included in the authors note, which also gives information on the history of the 12 days (beginning Christmas Day and ending January 5, Twelfth Night, the night before Epiphany, or Feast of the Three Kings). The last page includes the score. - Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library,

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"In trading a partridge for a pinnate and intertwining English and Spanish, 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

"A luminous holiday pick, especially for new big brothers and sisters."—Publishers Weekly