LA NOCHE BEFORE THREE KINGS DAY

In this tale modeled after “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” a family celebrates Three Kings Day.

Two sisters have a festive night as their family puts on a small party to observe the January 6 holiday observed in many regions, including Puerto Rico, where the author’s family is from. The day honors the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus, and in this homage to Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem, they take the place of Santa Claus at the story’s conclusion. After the sisters decorate shoeboxes to hold gifts from the visitors, music is played and food is served (“In the small comedor was my great big familia / boquitas wide open for our scrumptious comida”). When the Three Wise Men do appear, one of the sisters witnesses the gift drop, which includes dolls, candy, and money. Spanish is sprinkled throughout (“There down en la calle I saw quite a sight”); a glossary at the end defines the words. Cozy, stylized cartoon illustrations bring to life a loving brown-skinned extended family, full of warmth and good cheer. The story itself and the backmatter explain the holiday well for those unfamiliar with it. (This book was reviewed digitally.) 

A fine offshoot of a holiday classic.