The Legend of the Poinsettia (Paperback)

by Tomie dePaola (Author) "Lucida lived in a small village high up in the mountains of Mexico with her mama, her papa, and her younger brother and sister, Paco..." (more)
Key Phrases: Baby Jesus, Padre Alvarez, Señora Gomez (more...)

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (October 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698115678
• ISBN-13: 978-0698115675
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #44,856 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, April 3, 2002

By	Megan Allyn (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of the Poinsettia (Mexican Folktale) (Hardcover)

This book tells a legend about the gift of giving. It is set in Mexico, close to Christmas time. All the families are preparing their gifts for the baby Jesus. One family is making a special blanket for the baby, however the mother gets too sick and she cannot finish the beautiful blanket, so the family will have no gift to give on Christmas. So the young daughter tries to finish the blanket but ruins it beyond repair, so she hides from the rest of the town's people and does not go to church on Christmas. While everyone else is walking into church baring their gifts, the young girl watches from afar. However while there she encounters an old lady who teaches her a valuable lesson. The young girl learns that it is not the gift that you give but the thought that you have put into it, and the mere gesture of giving. The author gets the point across about gift giving so well. I came away from this book remembering and understand that it is truly the thought that counts and not the gift itself.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, March 13, 2003

A Kid's Review

This book was one of the best children's books that I have ever read. Well, here's what it's about: This is about a girl named Lucida and her family. Christmas {or la Navidad as it's referred to in the book} is drawing near and every year at Christmas, a manger scene is put at the front of the town church. Well this year, the blanket they use to wrap around the baby Jesus has become old and worn. So the priest asks Lucida's mother to weave a new one because her skills are so excellent. She accepts, and with help from Lucida, they then begin to weave a beautiful blanket. But unfortunately, just before they finish, on the day before Christmas Eve Lucida's mother gets ill. Lucida can't finish the blanket alone, but she tries anyway because her family would have nothing to offer to baby Jesus. When her attempt fails, Lucida's very upset and doesn't want to take part in the procession going into the church. She then meets an old woman who turns her thoughts around and teaches her a very important lesson. To find it out, read the book today!

What a great book for children to read. This book teaches that no matter what gift you give someone, whatever you do, it doesn't have to be the best, the most expensive {ect. ect.} it just has to come from the heart. That's a lesson that kid's these days should learn, as well as some adults. So read this book to your children today, I'm sure you'll love it..

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A much cherished book, January 13, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Legend of the Poinsettia (Mexican Folktale) (Hardcover)

This is a much cherished book in our family. My son received it when he was 3.5yo. He loved the story and illustrations then and even more now, a year later. My 2yo is frequently drawn to this book and enjoys studying the pictures. The writing is excellent, the tale is told with great respect and the illustrations are riveting. We have recommended or given this book to many families and all have enjoyed immensely.