Based on a short story from Francisco Jiménez’s The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child (Houghton Mifflin, 1999), a bilingual (Spanish / English) picture book centers on one particular Christmas memory from the author’s childhood. Panchito’s family is too poor to help an impoverished young couple who knocks on their door just before Christmas, hoping to sell their few possessions. Panchito’s family can not afford to buy even the smallest item, but Panchito’s father finds a way to bring joy into the lives of both families. The obvious parallel between the couple and Mary and Joseph remains subtle in this quiet story illustrated in acrylics. (Ages 4-8)

With honesty and rare grace, award-winning author Francisco Jiménez shares his most poignant Christmas memory in this remarkable book. Illustrated with paintings full of strength and warmth, written in spare bilingual text, this simple story celebrates the true spirit of Christmas, and illuminates how children do indeed draw strength from the bonds of their families.