The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Pinata for the Pinon Tree
What’s inside...
On the first day of Christmas mis amigos brought to me: a pinata for the piñon tree. Spice up Christmas with a Southwestern spin in Philemon Sturges' lively adaptation of the classic Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Instead of the traditional English version with leaping lords and drumming drummers, this version features cowgirls yodeling, poinsettias blooming, and much more. Accompanied by Ashley Wolff's vibrant illustrations, the book includes characters inspired by the song and a special recipe for bizcochitos, traditional New Mexican cookies enjoyed during the holiday season.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each gift in the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' represents or means to the characters?
How do the characters in the book show they care for each other during the Christmas season?
What are some new traditions you would like to start, inspired by the book?
How did the piñata on the piñon tree make the celebration special for everyone?
What is your favorite part of the holiday season and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the gifts in the story to their own experiences of giving and receiving during the holidays.
Discuss the importance of cultural traditions and how they can create a sense of belonging and joy.
Use the illustrations in the book to explore colors, designs, and emotions that enhance the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: In the story, the characters create and fill a piñata for a festive celebration, exemplifying the pleasure derived from preparing gifts for others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in gift-giving during holidays or birthdays, learning that happiness can come from making others happy.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The book introduces elements of Mexican Christmas traditions, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can explore and celebrate diverse cultural practices in their community or school, enhancing social inclusion and global awareness.
Example Lesson: Importance of collaboration
Explanation: Characters in the book come together to make the piñata, highlighting the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage in group projects or team sports, learning that cooperation is key to accomplishing shared objectives.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The story encourages using imagination in creating the piñata, showing how creativity can lead to wonderful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their creativity in art projects or problem-solving tasks, realizing that thinking outside the box can lead to great results.
Example Lesson: Celebrating traditions
Explanation: The book shows characters observing a cherished cultural tradition, teaching the importance of honoring cultural and family traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can participate in their own family or cultural traditions, experiencing the bonding and educational value of these practices.