Generations of readers have treasured this 1960 Caldecott Medal winner and its tale of a little Mexican girl's excitement at the approach of Christmas. Ceci eagerly awaits Las Posadas, the traditional nine-day series of yuletide celebrations. This year she'll lead the candlelight procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph's trek to Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Mother takes her to the old marketplace to choose her very first piñata. Ceci is dazzled by the colorful array of options, and after making her choice has second thoughts about the fate of her piñata once the posada takes place.
Graced by evocative illustrations, this international holiday classic is now available in a lovely hardcover edition. "The youngest child will be completely transported by this story," noted The Atlantic, and readers of all ages will be charmed by the child's-eye view of Mexican culture.
Back flap
Marie Hall Ets (1895–1984) wrote and illustrated 22 children's books and nonfiction books. The Wisconsin native graduated from the New York School of Fine and Applied Art, the forerunner of Parsons School of Design, and began her artistic career as a sketch artist for interior designers. Ets' volunteer work during World War I inspired her to undertake social work, and after obtaining a degree from the University of Chicago, she served as a children's advocate for the Red Cross and other agencies. Her books received numerous awards, including five Caldecott Honors and the 1960 Caldecott Medal for Nine Days to Christmas.
Aurora Labastida was the children's librarian at the U.S. Embassy's Benjamin Franklin Library in Mexico City. Labastida regretted the customary poncho-wearing, burro-riding portrayals of Mexicans in children's books, especially since so many Mexicans live in cities. Together Labastida and Ets created a story that not only depicts an urban Mexican childhood but also conveys the universal magic of Christmas.
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