LA Nochebuena South of the Border

Feliz Navidad, amigos! Now for children of Spanish- andEnglish-speaking cultures there is a holiday story that tells the traditions ofChristmas with a South-of-the-Border perspective. Perfect for classroom readingsor family time around the tree, this bilingual tale is an entertainingintroduction to life in a Mexican village. And it is the latest twist on C.Clement Moore's The Night Before Christmas by nationallyacclaimed children's author and illustrator James Rice.This time Rice has a sombrero-wearing Santa making his rounds through theMexican desert. On la Nochebuena , or Christmas Eve, accompanied by hisfaithful burros-Pedro, Pancho, Felipe, Miguel, Rosita, Juanita, Linda, andIsabel-he visits the home of a Mexican family filling their pi ata withfruits and toys.In Pelican's continuing series of holidays from other cultures, LaNochebuena South of the Border serves as an introduction to our southernneighbors. The story and illustrations draw attention to the culturaldifferences that make the Mexican Christmas holiday unique and enjoyable.The text appears side by side in English and Spanish. Bilingual families canshare the story in their native language. Meanwhile, English-speaking childrencan develop a familiarity with the common and lesser-known vocabulary of theregion.James Rice is widely acclaimed as the South's leading author and illustratorof juvenile books. With more than one million copies of his books in print, heranks among the nation's top authors and illustrators. Rice completed his M.F.A.at Stephen F. Austin State University. He holds degrees in art from theUniversity of Texas and Howard Payne College and has taught art and music atboth the high school and college levels.Rice, James is the author of 'LA Nochebuena South of the Border' with ISBN 9780882899664 and ISBN 088289966X.