Mexico
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Written by Janice Levy
Have you heard about the Christmas custom in Oaxaca, Mexico called The Night of The Radish (El Noche de Los Rabanos)? As part of the special festivities, people carve large radishes into elaborate scenes – most of which have a Christmas or Nativity theme. And some are amazing works of art.
In this story, one radish decides that she does not want to become part of this festival and runs away. A huge chase ensues and a cast of characters chase the radish in a way that resembles the story of the gingerbread man.
Funny, cute and a nice way to talk about how holiday customs differ from place to place, the Runaway Radish is a great book to add a touch of mirth to the holiday season!
Retold/Adapted By Jewell Reinhart Coburn
Illustrated By Connie McLennan
Can you imagine a tale of “Cinderella” set in rural Mexico? This is exactly what you’ll find in the book, Domotila, where the story takes places in the region of Hidalgo, Mexico, complete with adobe houses, colorful villages and young girl so talented she can turn cactus into a delicious treat called nopales. And, in everything she does, she follows her mother’s wonderful advice: “Do every task with care and always add a generous dash of love!”.
As you probably guessed, the young girl is named Domitila and her family falls upon hard times. She is forced to travel to the city to cook and work for the governor’s family and there she encounters the “prince”. Through many twists and turns, the story leads to a satisfying ending where the value of a kind and caring person is seen as real talent and beauty.
Although there’s something magical about any Cinderalla tale – this one truly shines in terms of cultural authenticity and an engaging story. This is a satisfying book to read together with children as well as a great pick for bilingual families or those wishing to learn a bit more Spanish.
And there’s even a recipe for cactus nopales – cook it, if you dare!
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Based on a Poem By Alejandrao Cruz Martinez, Illustrated By Fernando Olivera
Translated By Rosalma Zubizarreta
Sometimes when people are different, they are not always treated well. Have you ever experienced this?
Such was the case in the story of Lucía Zenteno, the main character in this beautiful and lyrical book that is based on a Zapotec (Mexican) legend. Although she is beautiful and kind, she is different and is treated very badly for it. So she decides to leave. The problem is this. The river and all the things in it are so much in love with Lucia that they leave with her and the village has no water. To reconcile with Lucia, the village must learn an important lesson about treating everyone with kindness – no matter how different they might appear to be.
This brilliantly translated book – the story shines in both English and Spanish – is a great tale of life, love and nature. It’s a magical short story that speaks volumes about compassion and learning to love others without prejudice.
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Written by Joanne Oppenheim and Illustrated by Fabian Negrin
This book shares another beautiful version of the Mexican Legend of how a simple weed became a beautiful gift for the Baby Jesus, because it was given with love. The story takes place during Las Posadas (see explanation below) when Joseph and Mary’s quest to find a place to stay in Bethlehem is reenacted. Little Lucinda is sad because her family has fallen on heard times and she does not have a gift to bring to the alter – a custom in Mexico during the nights before Christmas. An angelic voice tells her to gather weeds and – embarrassed – she does so. As she walks down the long aisle to the church, the whole congregation gasps because her simple weeds have burst into bloom as beautiful poinsettias.
This book has a bit more detail then the Tomie DePaulo “Legend of the Pointsettia” and boasts lovely dream-like illustrations by Argentinian artist, Fabian Negrin. The Miracle of the First Poinsettia also shares the music to a lovely Mariachi song sung during this time of year called El Rorro (the babe) . However, both stories share the wonder of this legend, the joy of Christmas miracles and a lovely explanation of why this beautiful flower shines so brightly in so many houses at holiday times.
Las Posadas – Originally a Spanish custom, this tradition of reenacting Joseph and Mary’s search for an inn (posada) before the birth of Jesus is celebrated in Mexico and also in the US Southwest, with slight variations.
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