La Noche Before Three Kings Day
What’s inside...
Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s 'The Night Before Christmas,' 'La Noche Before Three Kings Day' tells the story of a family preparing to celebrate Three Kings Day. As the adults cook a large meal, the children get their shoe boxes ready for the arrival of los Reyes. The family spends the evening playing games, filling their plates with food, and eagerly anticipating the arrival of the three kings and their gifts. Through lively rhyming bilingual text by Sheila Colón-Bagley and festive illustrations from Alejandro Mesa, this book captures the enchantment and excitement of this beloved holiday.
Discussion points
What do you think the Three Kings would bring you if they visited tonight?
How do the traditions in the book compare to our family's holiday traditions?
Why do you think sharing traditions is an important part of the story?
Can you imagine how the characters felt during their celebration?
What is one new thing you learned about Three Kings Day from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book's celebrations compared to your own family's traditions. Use the book's illustrations to discuss the story’s setting and cultural elements. Ask your child to relate the emotions of the characters to their own experiences during festive occasions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The story highlights the celebration of Three Kings Day, a significant cultural festivity in many Latin cultures, through the eyes of young protagonists. It provides an authentic insight into the traditions, food, and the excitement surrounding this holiday.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect cultural diversity in their own communities. They can engage in cultural exchanges at school or community events, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation of different traditions.
Example Lesson: Family bonding and collaborative traditions
Explanation: The siblings in the story come together to prepare for the arrival of the Three Kings, showing cooperation and shared joy in setting up their shoes filled with hay for the Kings’ camels.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate actively in family traditions, enhancing bonds and creating lifelong memories. It can inspire children to help in household festive preparations, turning routine tasks into fun, family activities.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving and the value of generosity
Explanation: In the story, children learn about giving through the tradition of leaving gifts for the Three Kings. The emphasis is on the excitement of giving rather than receiving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by actively participating in giving during festive seasons or in everyday acts of kindness, such as sharing with friends or donating to those in need, promoting a spirit of generosity.
Example Lesson: Patience and anticipation
Explanation: The children in the book experience the thrill of anticipation as they prepare for Three Kings Day, learning to wait patiently for the celebrations to begin.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of patience in daily life, whether they are waiting for a special occasion or coping with everyday delays like standing in a line or waiting for their turn.