Carlos, Light the Farolito [Paperback]

Jean Ciavonne (Author), Donna Clair (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

This unique holiday story introduces a Christmas custom practiced in parts of Mexico and near the Mexican border of the United States: Las Posadas, a traditional reenactment of the Nativity. On Christmas Eve, Carlos is dismayed to see the procession of neighbors and friends coming up the front walk. His parents and grandfather aren't home yet-so it's up to Carlos to take over Grandfather's role as the Innkeeper. But he's so frightened, he can hardly breathe, let alone sing! Carlos's triumph over his shyness, and the joyful celebration that follows, make this a satisfying story for any season.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Ages 4^-8. This picture book focuses on the Christmas Eve celebration of Las Pasadas, when neighbors act out the story of the peregrinos (wanderers) in search of shelter for Mary and Joseph. Carlos Castillo is a small boy who loves the tradition, including the mouthwatering foods, the Nativity creche, the pinata, and the lighting of the farolito lantern. When the Las Pasadas procession comes to Carlos' house, his grandfather isn't home yet, so Carlos has to act the part of the mean innkeeper. The familiar request is elemental ("We have come a long journey / And are asking a place to rest" ). Carlos shivers as he gives the harsh reply ("I don't care who you are. / Just let me sleep" ), until, finally, he flings the door wide open and shouts for everyone to come in. The bright acrylic pictures are reverential and contemporary, expressing both Carlos' sense of wonder and the immediacy of a warm family holiday. A detailed final note explains the customs and their variations among different communities. Hazel Rochman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Filled with details of a rich tradition and illustrated with colourful acrylics that employ heavy brush strokes, bright colours, and lots of warm shadings to set the scene, this is a story that effectively introduces one culture's oldest holiday traditions." (School Library Journal )

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618130527
• ISBN-13: 978-0618130528
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,195,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, June 20, 2000

By 

"stacey_s" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carlos, Light the Farolito (Hardcover)

I have been teaching Spanish to preschoolers for the last year. When I read this book, not only did I enjoy the story, I loved the way it was written. Ms. Ciavonne uses Spanish terms throughout the book. She allows the children to figure out what they mean from the context of the story. It also teaches about a tradition from a culture my students were not familiar with. Education through story is great for children. It is a creative, educational, enjoyable book. I would highly recommend it for older preschool children and elementary school children (and ADULTS :-).