LA NOCHE BEFORE THREE KINGS DAY
SHEILA COLÓN-BAGLEY
Harper Collins
2023
ISBN 978-0-06-323432-1
This year, Hispanic Heritage month was celebrated from September 15th through October 15th.
So, even though we are not in the December holiday season yet, I thought it would be fitting to post this particular book review now in October. Don’t most stores already have their holiday decorations on display? I also figured that if Hallmark can feature Christmas movies in July, I’m a lot closer to the season in October.
Besides, it’s never too early to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping because you’ll want this book.
For those of you not familiar with Three Kings Day, known in Spanish as, el Día de los Reyes Magos, it is celebrated throughout Latin America, Spain, and some other countries in Europe on January 6th in commemoration of the three wise men from the east, known as Balthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar, who brought gifts to honor the birth of the baby Jesus.
Instead of waiting for Santa Claus, children wait for gifts from the Three Kings. No milk and cookies for them. My mother, who grew up in the Dominican Republic, said they would always leave water and some grass or hay for the camels. The place to look for your gifts was not under a tree, but underneath your bed.
Colon-Bagley’s story, in Spanish and English, is told with the rhyming cadence of, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. As two of her lines read:
“We wrapped our shoeboxes with glee and delight, knowing the Three Kings would be here tonight.”
And, “While Papá washed the dishes and walked our perrito, Mamá tucked us in with a good night besito.”
Vibrant colorful illustrations by Alejandro Mesa depict the excitement in the home as the family prepares for the wondrous arrival.
Decorating the house. Wrapping gifts for each other. A buffet table feast with scrumptious food. Singing and dancing. And excited children begging to stay up late. Well, you get the picture.
And I hope you’ll get the book. It is a delightful holiday story that you just might find yourself adding to your Christmas books collection and pulling if off the shelf to read year after year after year.
Oh, and don’t forget to stock up on some hay!
Veronica Jorge
See you next time on November 22nd!
Other Books Reviewed by Veronica
-
The painter stares at the canvas waiting for an image to appear. Patiently, he waits until a faint imprint of a landscape or a face emerges. He then grabs a brush and dabs it into the paint on his palette, making haste to reach the canvas with his brush to capture the image.
-
I can’t think of a better way to welcome Spring and celebrate Earth Day than with a new book, especially one about nature and the earth, and following after Women’s History Month.
-
For centuries and throughout the entire world women have made valuable contributions in the arts, sciences, culture, academics, politics, the armed forces, etc. Too many women and too many areas to name without slighting any one person, field or region. Every March during Women’s History Month we commemorate their achievements.
-
Don’t be fooled by the title. This is not a book about morality or religion. Far from it. It’s all about….MURDER.
-
Manuscript…completed.
Filed in pending like a treasure in a hope chest.
Praying I don’t end up an old maid: no agent, no publisher.
Nothing Found
Featured Books
SEASIDE SWEETS
After her ex runs up her credit card, clears her bank account, and gets her fired, Seanna escapes to Seaside, Florida where the men are hot as the Gulf Coast sun…one in particular.
More info →
NAMES I CALL MY SISTER
Four stories of sisterhood—the bonds, the wars, the frustrations, the love—seasoned with hot Latin spice!
More info →
