A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas
What’s inside...
An award-winning author and a rising star artist have put a festive Latino twist on 'The Twelve Days of Christmas,' replacing partridges with piñatas and adding burritos bailando (dancing donkeys), lunitas cantando (singing moons), and more. The vivid illustrations bring the festive elements to life, as a little girl receives gifts from a mysterious amiga, whose identity is revealed at the end. The book encourages readers to find and count items in Spanish on each page, with pronunciations included in the illustrations, and concludes with a glossary and music. This colorful and joyous celebration is sure to warm hearts.
Discussion points
What differences and similarities do you notice between your holiday celebrations and the ones in the book?
Can you think of other gifts that might be fun to receive over twelve days?
Why do you think the author chose a piñata to be in the pine tree?
How do the illustrations make you feel about Christmas?
What new thing did you learn about Latino culture from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore their own family traditions and compare them with the ones in the book. Ask them to draw or describe a unique gift they would like to give or receive. Discuss the significance of cultural symbols, like the piñata, and what they represent in festivities. Use the vibrant illustrations to enhance the story's magic and to spark imagination about the colors and sounds of Christmas. Promote an appreciation for cultural diversity by looking up more information on Latino celebrations and sharing those findings together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book weaves a tapestry of Latino traditions and customs throughout the retelling of the classic Christmas song. It introduces elements like 'luminarias' and 'tamales', educating readers on cultural symbols.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and appreciate diverse cultures in their daily interactions, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Counting and Sequencing
Explanation: The structure of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' is used to teach children counting through repetition of Latino-themed gifts. Each day introduces a new number and item, reinforcing numerical skills.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand sequences and improve their mathematical thinking, essential for problem-solving in everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: As gifts are given by 'my amiga' in the story, it highlights the value of relationships and communal celebrations. The sharing of gifts symbolizes togetherness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and participate in family gatherings and community events, understanding the strength and support that comes from being together.
Example Lesson: Language Skills Development
Explanation: Incorporating Spanish terms and phrases, the book offers a bilingual reading experience, enhancing vocabulary and language comprehension in both languages.
Real-World Application: Bolsters bilingual communication abilities in children, an invaluable skill in our global society, aiding in academic success and social integration.
Example Lesson: Joy of Giving
Explanation: The story revolves around the joy of giving gifts, rather than receiving, teaching children the happiness found in selflessness.
Real-World Application: Promotes generosity and thoughtfulness, encouraging children to think of others' happiness during festive seasons and beyond.