‘Twas Nochebuena: A Christmas Story in English and Spanish
Roseanne Greenfield Thong, Author
Sara Palacios, Illustrations
Viking, Fiction, Oct. 16, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 4 and up
Themes: Latin American Christmas traditions, Christmas, Feast, Family, Community
Opening: ‘Twas Nochebuena / and all through our casa, / every creature was kneading tamale masa. / For one of our holiday tradiciones, / is making tamales — / not one, but montones!”
Book Synopsis: It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re invited to a Nochebuena celebration! Follow a family as they prepare to host a night filled with laugher; love and Latino tradition. Make tasty tamales and hang colorful adornos (decorations) on the walls. Gather to sing festive canciones (songs) while sipping champurrado (hot chocolate). After the midnight feast has been served and the last gifts have been unwrapped, it’s time to cheer, “Feliz Navidad and to all a good night!”
Why I like this book: Roseanne Greenfield Thong has written a beautiful and heartwarming Latino themed picture book that re-imagines the beloved Christmas story, Twas the Night Before Christmas. The story is narrated in English and peppered with Spanish words to expose children to a language some of their friends may speak. The rhyming is perfect. The setting is vivid and festive and teaches children about other cultures and traditions. The plot is lively and shows strong family bonds and community. The characters are endearing. Sara Palacios’ illustrations are vibrant, colorful, expressive and action-packed. She works with a variety of media including collage, ink and digital to combine her drawings with layers of color and texture. This is a joyful and magical holiday story that offers children a way to celebrate a Latino family’s Christmas traditions.
Resources: One Latino celebration is the making of piñatas, which are filled with candy and small toys. I used to help children make them at Christmas. Blow up a large balloon and then help kids cover it with strips of paper mache. [Here] is a site that shows you step-by-step of how to make a piñata. Most of the ingredients you have at home.
Roseanne Greenfield Thong has authored many multicultural books including Round is a Tortilla and Green is a Chile Pepper. Her most recent November book release is, Noodle Magic.
Sara Palacios illustrated the Pura Belpré honor book Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
Well, my friend, it finally happened. We picked the SAME book on the SAME day. Coincidence? Karma? a God wink? I love that we’re like-minded, kindred spirits … and … it’s excelente, isn’t it? Happy Friday!
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Barbara,
No coincidence — just tuned into each other. Yes, we are like-minded kindred spirits. And the book is such a wonderful share. Love how different our reviews are. You included some wonderful classroom activities.
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Nice! The perfect book for my daughter to share with her beginning Spanish class. 🙂
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So happy you liked the book and that your daughter can share it with her beginning Spanish class. It is a wonderful story about holiday traditions in other cultures. The illustrator also did the artwork for Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match, which really has more Spanish in it.
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This one looks lively and fun, AND my library has it – thanks!
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Yes, it is lively and fun. I couldn’t wait to share it. Wonderful way to expose kids to other traditions.
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This sounds delightful Pat! As do the other books you mention.
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Thanks. Glad you like it. I was so happy to find it. Makes you want to make tamales.
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What a sweet book! I’ll check to see if my library has it. Wonderful review, Pat!
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Thanks Robin. It is such a uplifting book for kids and a lot of fun!
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This is such a good way to expose children to not only another language, but a new culture. Good pick, Patricia!
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Thank you! Since our nation is such a large melting pot of different cultures, I was happy to find a new PB focusing on a traditional Latino celebration.
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Sounds like fun for the children. Good review, Patricia. BTW, did you happen to see that I mentioned you in my December 1st post. You are one of my top commenters on my blog, and the post is about how I appreciate all the comments I’ve received since being a blogger. It makes a link back to your blog.
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Glad you enjoyed my selection. Such a good choice for kids. I missed that post for some odd reason, but went back and read it. Thank you for your kind comments and for linking to my blog.
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I have lots of Hispanic readers at my libraries – this would be an excellent choice for my holiday bag!! Thanks for sharing Ms Tilton!!
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This book is a “goody” for your holiday book bag, Rhythm. You’ll have run reading it to the children.
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This is a beautiful book – we just got it at our library & I have been looking at it this week.
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Yes, it is a beautiful book. I was so excited when I saw the story. Such a great way to share another cultural tradition during the holidays. And, it’s bilingual.
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This is lovely, Pat. I love the cultural theme and I love how it helps kids learn another language. Great choice!
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I enjoyed this book immensly. Am giving copies as Christmas gifts. Every child needs to read a book that mirrors his/her culture.
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I Love how both you and Barbara gave the same love to this book as to pick it for PPBF! Like you said you are both tuned into each other. But I think the book picked you and it is so lovely both of you needed to get the word out.. Love the sound of this.
I Love inter cultural books and this one does look like it fills that bill. 🙂
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Wow, I like that! “We both give the story love,” and “the book chose us!” This book is a treasure in the many ways I mentioned! You can find it at the library, if you want a peek!
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I love books that introduce children to another culture and language. I so wish I had learned another language as a child. t would make this transition to living in Spain so much easier. I have only been here a month and have already noticed the importance of family and tradition to the Spanish people. This is a lovely book.
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You know, in learning Spanish, you might consider viiting libraries or bookstores reading children’s books to help you understand the language. I studied Spanish for 4 years in HS and college. I remember words, but speech is so rapid that I can’t follow conversations. I get a hint about what’s being said. So you are certainly in a situation of “trial by fire.” 🙂 Glad you enjoyed my choice. It is wonderful. Thanks for the tweet.
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Thanks for the suggestion. I doubt I will become fluent but some knowledge of Spanish would be helpful.
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You’ll learn enough by just living there.
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I must check this book out as it looks and sounds muy bueno. Great review, Pat!
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It is muy bueno. This is one of my favorite Christmas book finds this year.
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This sounds wonderful! I’ll check it out, Senora Tilton! (That’s as much Spanish I know) 😉
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Muy Bueno! I know you and Josie will enjoy it. Great gift for Josie.
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I gave this book to my 7 year old great granddaughter for Christmas! Thanks for the suggestion. Merry Christmas Patricia!!
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Thank you for telling me. I hope she likes it. You may want to give her Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match (same illustrator) because the book is in both English and Spanish. Happy Holidays!
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