Picture Book

Three Kings Day: A Celebration At Christmastime

For many Latino Americans one of the best things about Christmas is that it lasts for twelve days. The final day, Three Kings Day, comes on January 6 and honours the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. It’s a favourite holiday for children, with presents from the kings as well as parades, performances, parties, lively music, and scrumptious food. While describing the customs and revelry ten-year-old Veronica shares with her family and New York City’s Puerto Rican community, this book portrays a celebration that is rich in tradition and artistry. A glossary and index are included.

Doctor Bird: Three Lookin’ Up Tales from Jamaica

Doctor Bird is one smart hummingbird! When he sees Mongoose stealing food, he drops a weather goofball on her house and really teaches that thief a lesson. When Mouse’s home is destroyed by a storm, Doctor Bird teaches him to keep his head up. And when Owl plans to crash a party dressed like Doctor Bird, Doctor Bird teaches him to be himself–and be proud of it. Presented in the rich storytelling tradition and lush colors of the West Indies, these three tales remind readers that it’s always best to look up when problems land at your feet. Jamaicans believe Doctor Bird has magical powers, and if you don’t believe them, just ask Mongoose, Mouse and Owl!

Coquí

El solo nombre Coquí evoca la dulce melodía de la ranita que tiene su hábitat en Puerto Rico. Libro hermosamente ilustrado que nos trae el canto nocturno del coquí y la melodía de reinitas, zorzales, gorriones, y ruiseñores, además del batir de alas de mariposas, acrobacias de lagartijos, un arcoiris, una rana con zapatos, un caballito de trapo y unos maizales que, en la imaginación de la autora, se convierten en niñitas con cabellos color de azafrán. Un desfile de ricas imágenes como sólo ésta sabe traer. Libro para enseñar a los pequeños y a los no tan pequeños el amor por la naturaleza y el vivir en armonía con ésta.

Atariba and Niguayona: A Story from the Taino People of Puerto Rico

A Taino Indian legend about a young boy and his search for the healing caimoni tree.

Martina Una Cucarachita Muy Linda / Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: Un Cuento Cubano / A Cuban Folktale

Carmen Agra Deedy delivers this retelling of the Cuban folkltale. Martina the beautiful cockroach doesn’t know coffee beans about love and marriage. That’s where her Cuban family comes in. While some of the Cucarachas offer her gifts to make her more attractive, only Abuela, her grandmother, gives her really useful advice.

Selavi: A Haitian Story of Hope

The story of Selavi celebrates the triumphs of children who face some of life’s most difficult challenges. In these pages, you’ll meet Selavi, a homeless child who is befriended by other children living on the streets in Haiti. They look out for one another, sharing food and companionship. Together they find the voice to express the needs of Timoun Lari, the children who live in the streets. With a caring community they are able to build a shelter, and from there to create Radyo Timoun, Children’s Radio, a station run by and for children, which is still in operation today. At Radyo Timoun, the questions and suggestions of children are broadcast for all to hear. The story takes place in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, a country which has a long history of resistance and struggle. Haiti is the birthplace of Toussaint L’ouverture and many others whose dedication to justice led to Haitian independence from slaveowners. Haiti is perhaps best known as the island which orchestrated the first successful revolt by enslaved peoples in the western hemisphere in 1804. Haitian author Edwidge Danticat adds an essay at the end of the story of Selavi.

This book has been included in WOW’s Kids Taking Action Booklist. For our current list, visit our Boolist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.

Featured in Volume I, Issue 2 of WOW Review.

La Fiesta De Melchor / Melchor’s Celebration (Nueve Pececitos, Raices / Nine Small Fishes, Roots) (Raices)

Melchor, el rey custodio de la estrella de Belen, se queda dormido bajo un arbol despues de dejar regalos y haberse comido lo que le dejaron de obsequio en las casas de Puerto Rico. El cielo se queda a oscuras sin la estrella de Belen y comienza entonces la busqueda de Melchor. El niño Carmelo lo encuentra bajo el arbol y todos celebran que aparecio. Desde entonces se hace una celebracion para el Rey Melchor en los dias que siguen al día de Reyes.

Vejigante Masquerader

Determined to look his best for the upcoming celebration, a young Puerto Rican boy makes a special costume so that he can be a vejigante, or masquerader, in a book that includes a Spanish-English glossary, chants, and instructions for making a vejigante mask.