'Twas Nochebuena
(English With Some Spanish)

This pleasant family story conveys strong family bonds and traditions while offering non-Spanish speakers a way to learn some basic vocabulary. (Picture book. 4-8)

Copyright 2014 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

Latin American holiday traditions and a host of Spanish words spark this zippy recast of Clement C. Moore's Christmas poem. A girl invites readers into her family's preparations for a boisterous Christmas Eve, a feast with all the favorite trimmings, and religious observations, too: "We clink our glass marbles and play loteria, / while singing and laughing—que maravilla!/ When out in the jardin I hear such a clatter, / I spring from my silla to shout, 'What's the matter!' " Descriptions of the montones of tamales, turkey with mole sauce, and freshly fried "bunuelos with cinnamon sugar" have a mouth-watering effect, and Palacios's mixed-media paintings of cheerful children, adults, and pets hum with an exuberance and anticipation that many readers will find familiar. A glossary is included. Ages 3-5. Author's agent: Natalie Lakosil, Bradford Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Kendra Marcus, BookStop Literary Agency. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 2--To the rhythm of "The Night Before Christmas," a laughing Latino family prepares for the Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) celebration, from making tamales to hanging colorful adornos (decorations) on the walls. "When our guests all arrive, we stroll down to the park, /and join the posadas that start when it's dark./With homemade faroles that glow in the night/we'll sing canciones by soft candlelight." Palacios brings the warmth and happiness of the family alive in vibrant spreads. This lively picture book offers a wonderful way to celebrate and learn about Latino Christmas traditions.--Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library