The Gift of the Poinsettia - El Regalo de la Flor de Nochebuena

A BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED picture book that depicts a poor Mexican boy in his search for a special gift for the Baby Jesus, The Girl of the Poinsettia/El Regalo de la Flor de Nochebuena focuses on the Mexican tradition of las posadas in which villagers reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter for nine nights. Traveling from house to house, night after night, Carlos worries each day about the gift he cannot afford to give the Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. Ultimately, Carlos learns that love is the best gift of all.

In addition to depicting the traditional Mexican custom of las posadas, the book also illustrates other Mexican traditions such as papel picado, cascarones and pinatas. The Gift of the Poinsettia will delight both English and Spanish-speaking children. Included in the book are the text and music for the songs of las posadas.