The Hispanic tradition of the posada (a party and procession) is the structure for this introduction to counting in Spanish and learning a few basic Spanish words about Christmas traditions. On the title page, two children and their father approach their Southwest-style home at dusk, carrying the piñata that appears on later pages. The children prepare decorations and treats for the posada, counting as they go from one to ten. The rhyming text uses the format of, “I say dos and you say two,” followed by a sentence that introduces one word or phrase in Spanish, and the basic Spanish words are easy to understand within the context. Simple but appealing illustrations in bright, citrus shades show each group of items (such as four pots of flowers or ten pieces of candy) along with a group of cheerful children enjoying the traditions. An author’s note explains them, defining the Spanish words within the explanations, but there is no guide to pronunciation. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2006
ISBN: 0-670-05932-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2006
An enthusiastic overview and colorful celebration of all things St. Patrick’s Day.
High-step Irish dancing style right into a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
This collection of poems begins with one about a rousing St. Patrick’s Day parade complete with a marching band (“Dum-diddly-dum!”), bagpipes and brass horns (“Barrump-bum-bum!”), and drummers and dancers (“Tippy-tap-tum!”) and celebrates almost every facet of this holiday, the day when everyone in this diverse community is Irish. Readers are urged to wear green and to expect a kiss if they wear a “Kiss me, I’m Irish” shirt. A creative map will have readers following along to get to the Emerald Isle. To inspire new Irish poets, one poem—appropriately in limerick form—defines the limerick, and two more examples follow. An accompanying image depicts a musing poet-to-be using a wheelchair. Some verses invite readers to search for a magical leprechaun, a lucky four-leaf clover, and a pot of gold. The book can be read cover to cover, but the individual poems can also stand alone. However, because the poems vary in rhythm and meter, librarians and educators should pre-read before storytime for the best holiday performance. Brightly colored illustrations feature plenty of green and will hold the attention of young readers. The last page contains a variety of themed stickers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An enthusiastic overview and colorful celebration of all things St. Patrick’s Day. (Picture-book poetry. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-38719-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Cozier than a roaring fire and sweeter than milk and cookies, this earns its “Christmas classic” stripes with flying colors.
Even the man with the bag needs a little help getting into the Yuletide spirit.
Barnett returns with yet another Christmas title, following How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? (2023), illustrated by Jon Klassen. Prepare for some potential confusion, since the titular “first Christmas” isn’t about the first time Santa started delivering gifts, but rather the first Christmas Day he’s celebrated himself. Usually after working hard on Christmas Eve, Santa sleeps in an extra half hour and then gets right back to work. The elves and a concerned polar bear decide to take matters into their own hands, so this year they surprise Santa with breakfast in bed on Christmas morning, then plunge into other activities: trimming a Christmas tree, stringing the North Pole up with lights, baking cookies, reading stories aloud, giving Santa presents, and enjoying a feast so decadent that it would make a reformed Grinch blush. Barnett narrates with a pitch-perfect mixture of droll amusement and holiday charm: Santa initially appears to be humoring his elves, only to really get into the spirit himself. Smith’s signature illustrations rely on bright colors and shapes. This seeming simplicity is belied by each scene’s unique lighting and reflections, imbuing everything with a singular warmth. Santa is pink-skinned and rosy-cheeked; the elves vary in skin tone.
Cozier than a roaring fire and sweeter than milk and cookies, this earns its “Christmas classic” stripes with flying colors. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2024
ISBN: 9780593524978
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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