El verde de mis sueños: Un cuento sobre la tradición de los Tres Reyes Magos

PreS-Gr 2–A lovely tribute to El Día de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) and how traditions aren’t tied to a place but to those who celebrate them. Lucia is looking forward to celebrating Día de los Reyes, though now that she’s in Ohio and not Puerto Rico, things are different this year. How will the camels get through the snow? Will they be interested in eating arugula or pine cones instead of hay? The little girl finds comfort in knowing that the same star that guides the Tres Magos shines just as brightly in her new home as it did on her beloved island. And with smells of traditional treats like pasteles, sorullitos, and mallorcas, Lucia feels assured that the Wise Men will find their way. This poignant picture book presents the traditions associated with Latin American celebrations of Epiphany Day (January 6) wrapped in the story of a little girl adjusting to life on the mainland. Rodriguez’s majestic spreads alternate between the emerald green scenes in Puerto Rico and the colder but still beautiful snow scenes of Ohio. The language has a nostalgic tinge, worshipful of the island and reverent of the religious and cultural holiday. Back matter includes explanation of the holiday, its basis in the Bible, and how countries all over the world honor it.