This story about ranch life on the Argentinean pampas is told in the voice of young Maria Cristina, who describes the activities as the seasons change. Mama buys the ranch during a hot and steamy January. The children go back to school in March, and during the cold and rainy July winter vacations, most of the calves are born. Finally, on a very hot Christmas Eve, a special gift arrives. The story, based on the author’s childhood, challenges stereotypes of this culture by depicting a woman as the buyer and owner of the ranch.

Related: Argentina, Latin America, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction

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• ISBN: 9780805027822
• Authors: Cristina Brusca, Maria; Maria Cristi Brusca
• Published: 1994, Henry Holt & Company
• Themes: Childhood, Christmas, Cowboys, Seasons, stereotypes
• Descriptors: Argentina, Latin America, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction
• No. of pages: 1