The Legend of the Poinsettia

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The Legend of the Poinsettia

Long ago in a village in Mexico there was a family with a father, a mother and three children one of whom was named Lucida. Lucida helped her mother take care of the younger children and she helped with the chores. One day Padre Alvarez came to their casita and asked senora Martinez, Lucida's mother, if she would use her gift of fine weaving to make a new blanket to cover the figure of the Baby Jesus in the Christmas parade. Mama started working on the blanket. The legend continues with Lucida caring deeply about giving the blanket but not being able to finish it when Mama falls ill. But for those who give with their hearts, miracles are possible.

32 pages 978-0698115675 Ages 5-9

Keywords: Christmas, Christian fiction, religion, multicultural, Mexico, diversity, diverse books, Latinx, legend, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old, 9 year old, holidays, folklore, folktale, plants

Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com

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In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.--from the publisher

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