LA NOCHE BUENA

Nina is a young Cuban-American girl who arrives in Miami just before Christmas to spend the holiday with her father’s family. Nina lives in a northern state with her mother and has never experienced Christmas in Little Havana. Her father won’t arrive until Christmas Day, so Nina has to adjust by herself. With the help of her grandmother and extended family, Nina learns about Cuban Christmas traditions, including the customs of La Noche Buena, Christmas Eve. She enjoys eating special treats at all the neighborhood houses, attends midnight mass with her family and participates in the all-night party with dancing that follows. Spanish words and phrases are integrated into the story, defined in context or in the appended glossary. Attractive paintings with simple lines and bright, solid colors help tell this warm, loving story in an understated way. (Picture book. 5-9)