CELEBRATIONS/CELEBRACIONES

Tabor’s rounded figures, drawn with childlike simplicity, move over vibrant background washes in this introduction to the holidays of the US and Mexico. Writing both English and Spanish texts, she links thematically related days—Lincoln’s birthday with that of Mexican president Benito Juárez, for example—as well as hewing close to the traditional list, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the two independence days, July 4th and September 16th. Boldly printed headings summarize the principal emotions associated with the holidays (Easter, for example: “Parading together, we rejoice in the new life that spring brings”) while the main text provides the specific dates, manners of celebration, and—where appropriate—the similarities between the countries’ differing holidays. Charming and attractive, this is a fine addition to both bilingual and holiday collections. (Nonfiction. 4-9)