Federico and the Magi's Gift: A Latin American Christmas Story
by Beatriz Vidal
Federico has been scolded for misbehaving and now worries that the Three Magi will not bring him gifts on Epiphany Day. As Federico’s siblings prepare hay and water to leave for the Wise Men’s camels, Federico writes to the Wise Men to promise that he will behave better in the new year. Then, he hopes he'll get the caballito (little horse) that he so desires.
I’m sure children can relate to this feeling and will silently root for Federico’s shoes to be filled with presents the next day. Yes, shoes. We learn a lot about this Latin American holiday and its traditions, such as children leaving their shoes outside to be filled with gifts by the Wise Men who followed the star to Jesus and now travel through the night sky to deliver gifts on Epiphany Day.
Federico sneaks outside late at night to sit beneath the starry sky and watch for the Magi’s approach. And see them he does, as well as the caballito they carry for him.
Vidal’s bright watercolor and gouache paintings of a tropic, lush Latin American country immediately draws you in. Children and adults will enjoy this tale and expand their horizons about a culture and holiday that may be unfamiliar to them.
Rating: *\*\*\
Reviewed by Dawn Mena
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