A Doll For Navidades [Hardcover]

Esmeralda Santiago (Author), Enrique O. Sanchez (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Renowned Puerto Rican author Esmeralda Santiago remembers a poignant Christmas from her childhood in this heartwarming story of giving and understanding.

Las Navidades are coming. The house smells of cinnamon and coconut, crepe paper festoons the yard, and best of all, the Three Magi will soon bring presents to all the children. Esmeralda hopes they will bring her a baby doll. But instead, she receives something far more precious: she experiences firsthand the magic of giving and the power of her family's love for her.

Esmeralda Santiago's resonant prose and Enrique Sanchez's vibrant illustrations make for a heartwarming tale to share with all children.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

K-Gr. 2. In her first picture book, the author of When I Was Puerto Rican (1993) and other adult memoirs draws on her Christmas memories to tell a moving story. Sanchez's clear, bright, double-page acrylic artwork shows Esmeralda, seven, and her poor Puerto Rican family celebrating the traditional holiday and attending Misa de Gallo (midnight mass) on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). Esmeralda writes to los Tres Reyes Magos (the three Magi) to bring her a baby doll like her cousin's (white, "with blue eyes that close"). When Esmeralda's little sister, Delsa, gets the doll instead, Esmeralda is furious. When her father explains that the Magi could bring only one doll, she sees his sadness and love, and she agrees to be the doll's madrina (godmother). The jealousy, sadness, and love in the midst of real family struggle make a great holiday story. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439553989
• ISBN-13: 978-0439553988
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,886,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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