An original story from an Argentinian author/illustrator celebrates a Christmas tradition common throughout Latin America. Four-year-old Federico eagerly awaits the arrival of los Tres Reyes Magos (the Three Wise Men), who leave gifts in the shoes of well-behaved children on January 6. He’s still young enough to believe in their magic — more than anything, he hopes they will leave him a toy horse — and still young enough to worry that they will bypass him this year because he had been scolded for misbehaving. His worries make it hard for him to share in the excitement of his older brother and sister, who are busy gathering hay and water to put out for the Wise Men’s camels. They also make it hard for him to fall asleep at night. Maybe if he could just talk to the Wise Men, he could explain. But sleep eventually comes, as do the Wise Men, bringing him the little horse of his dreams. Vidal’s lush color paintings artfully blend fantasy and reality in a story set on a warm January night. (Ages 3–6)

IT'S THE EVE of the Epiphany, or the Feast of the Three Kings, and that means the Three Wise Men, or Magi, will ride through the night sky to deliver gifts to children. Four-year-old Federico has misbehaved, and now he is afraid the Magi won't leave him any presents. As his brother and sister prepare hay and water for the Magi's camels, Federico stays by himself: Will he get the "caballito," or toy horse, he is hoping for? Will the Magi really come? This gorgeously illustrated storybook by Beatriz Vidal glows with warmth and holiday cheer, and readers everywhere will surely find themselves scanning the night skies for the Magi.
Praise for "A Library for Juana":
"The text is perfectly complemented by Vidal's brilliant, detailed illustrations that have the look and exactitude of Renaissance miniatures."--"School Library Journal"