Merry Navidad!
By staff -- Críticas, 12/15/2007
Ada, Alma Flor.illus. by Viví Escrivá. U.S.: Rayo: HarperCollins. 2007. 64p. ISBN 978-0-06-058434-4. $16.99.
PreS-Gr 2–Attractive and informative, this title is a nice introduction to villancicos, or traditional Spanish Christmas carols. The book presents the events from December 16, when Las Posadas begins, to January 6, when Three Kings Day is celebrated throughout Latin America and Spain. The carols are divided into sections, such as “On the Road to Bethlehem “and “Christmas Eve,” according to the circumstances surrounding the songs. Each section explains the origin of local festivities, like Las Posadas in Mexico and Aguinaldos in Puerto Rico, and when and why the songs would traditionally be sung. The selections themselves are fairly short, simple, and sweet; and music is included for a few of them at the end of the book. Illustrated in soft watercolors that perfectly capture the gentle tone of the text, this is a fine compilation of carols for families to share and a nice way for children to learn about Christmas traditions Recommended for all libraries.—Roxanne Landin, The Fremont Area District Library, Fremont, MI
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