Three Kings Day: A Celebration at Christmastime [Library Binding]

Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (Author), Lawrence Migdale (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2004 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4–In many countries with a strong Catholic tradition, Three Kings Day, celebrated on January 6, is as important as Christmas Day itself. It is the day when gifts are exchanged. In some communities, including the Puerto Rican barrio of New York City depicted here, it is also a time for parades, fancy dress, and parties. This photo-essay looks at El Día de los Tres Reyes through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl and her family. Informative sidebars, a glossary of Spanish terms, and evocative full-color photos add to the straightforward, readable text. An essential purchase for multicultural collections and libraries serving Latino communities, this is also a good resource for students doing research on Christmas customs.–V. W.
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From Booklist

Gr. 2-5. This colorful photo-essay introduces Three Kings Day, or Dia de los Tres Reyes, and shows the celebration as experienced by a 10-year-old girl in New York's Puerto Rican community. Before the holiday, Veronica's father tells his children the legend of the three kings, who followed the Christmas star and returned with gifts of faith, hope, and generosity. Other holiday activities and festivities include making paper masks and crowns, attending a parranda ("concert of street musicians") with music and refreshments in the church basement, finding gifts on the holiday morning, and watching a Three Kings Day parade in Manhattan. The story is interspersed with discussions of the holiday, its traditions, and Puerto Rican history, wood carving, and musical instruments. The clearly written text conveys a good deal of information in a lively, accessible manner. The many photographs capture the joyful spirit of the holiday as well as recording the children's experiences as their family and community celebrate. A fine addition to holiday collections. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823418391
• ISBN-13: 978-0823418398
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,228,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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