Hurray for Three Kings' Day, written by Lori Marie Carlson and illustrated by Ed Martinez is a story about a girl named Anita and her family, and how they celebrate the Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany.   The family's celebration begins on the evening of January 5, and continues into the evening of January 6.   This book is also available in Spanish.   

The Legend of Old Befana: an Italian Christmas Story, retold and illustrated by Tomie de Paola is a gentle story about Old Befana, who visits the children of Italy on the Feast of the Three Kings to leave them gifts.

Strega Nona's Gift is another delightful story by Tomie de Paola.  The reader learns about many Italian holidays, including the Eve of Epiphany, where it is believed that all animals can talk.   The author recommends another book, Celebrating Italy by Carol Field for additional information about Italian holidays.  

All of these books have interesting plots, cultural details, and beautiful illustrations.   Happy Reading!

Would you like to teach your child or children the months of the year?   Any time is a good time to start; however, January is an especially good time.

Here are some fun picture books to help them learn the about months of the year.   

A Kitten's Year, written by Nancy Raines Day, and illustrated by Anne Mortimer shows a gray and white kitten participating in various activities throughout the month, growing with each beautifully illustrated page.   This book is also available in Chinese.  

Parade Day: Marching Through the Calendar Year, written and illustrated by Bob Barner shows parades for each month of the year.   The back of the book has information about the months of the year as well as some holidays during each month.  There are also directions how to create and decorate a calendar out of paper.

Snowy Flowy Blowy: a Twelve Months Rhyme, written and illustrated by Nancy Tafuri shows a word for each month accompanied by seasonal scenery.   This is a great book for chidren learning about rhyming words.

Feliz Navidad is a fun book in which artist David Diaz created pictures accompanying the lyrics of the beloved song “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano.   The reader views beautiful illustrations of Christmas celebrations in Puerto Rico as well as in colder climates.

In the book Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid, written and illustrated by Xavier Garza, Santa Claus needs some extra help delivering gifts to children who live along the Texas/Mexico border.  Whom does Santa Claus ask?   Vincent’s uncle:  Tío Pancho, also known as “Charro Claus.”

The Legend of the Poinsettia, retold and illustrated by Tomie DePaola, is a retelling of a Mexican legend about the origin of poinsettia flowers, also known as flores de Navidad and flores de la Nochebuena.   This book is also available in Spanish. 

Pablo's Christmas, written by Hugo C. Martín, illustrated by Lee Chapman is a story about Pablo and his family in Mexico, and how they adapt to changes.  

Too Many Tamales, written by Gary Soto and illustrated by Ed Martinez is a story about a family celebrating Christmas Eve by making tamales.    This title is also available in eAudiobook format, Spanish book, and  Spanish Book and CD Kit.

Biblioteca Latinoamericana and Washington United Youth Center will present the annual Posada de la Comunidad on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  

The entire community is invited to participate in this traditional Latino event, with folkloric dancing and other entertainment.  Refreshments, including delicious buñuelos will be provided free of charge.

Children and teens will receive a gift book while supplies last.  

This special event is co-sponsored by Los Amigos de la Biblioteca, Santa Maria Urban Ministry, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, RW Garcia Co., Brenda Lopez Folklorico Group, Grupo Folklorico Yolotly Guerrerente, Antonio Avalos, and other community groups.

Would you like to learn more about the celebration of Las Posadas?   Here are some books that you and your children may enjoy:

The Night of Las Posadas, written and illustrated by Tomie DePaola is a story about a community preparing for and enacting their yearly Posadas celebration.

Uno, Dos, Tres, Posada! Let's Celebrate Christmas, written by Virginia Kroll, and illustrated by Loretta Lopez is a story about a family preparing for a party at their house and welcoming the guests.

Carlos, Light the Farolito, written by Jean Ciavonne and illustrated by Donna Clair is another story about a Posadas procession with many fascinating cultural details.