In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.

Zetta was once a lonely poinsettia sitting on a box with the rest of the stock at the Miller Flower and Seed. It was the beginning of the holiday season - so there was a reason To Be. Then one day the season went away, but Zetta discovers she still has reason "To Be."

In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folk tale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child. Every morning and every afternoon, Old Befana sweeps with her broom. “Cranky old lady,” the children say. “She is always sweeping!” Sweep, sweep, sweep. But when a brilliant star glows in the eastern sky one night, and Old Befana encounters the glorious procession of three kings on their way to Bethlehem, her world will never be the same.

A beautiful story which offers a new way of celebrating Christmas- Accessible, engaging text teaches children the valuable life lesson of the power of faith and trust and encourages personal integrity- Author Joanne Oppenheim has written more than fifty books for and about children, and is President of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio organization- Introduces the extraordinary artwork of Fabian Negrin, who grew up in Argentina and studied art in Mexico City- Poinsettias are the bestselling potted plant in the United States!

A timeless celebration of Christmas from the legendary Newbery and Caldecott Honor winner Tomie dePaola! This collection unifies three of the incomparable Tomie dePaola’s most beloved Christmas stories into one handsome volume. Vividly portrayed and expertly crafted, The Night of Las Posadas, The Story of the Three Wise Kings, and The Legend of the Poinsettia are sure enchant and mesmerize the whole family during the holiday season.

Melding myth, historical lore, botanical details, and delectable illustrations, Anderson and Tischer offer an inviting portrayal of just how this once thought to be weedy specimen was reinvented as a prominent symbol of holiday spirit. Richly colored reproductions of ancient artwork show examples of the genus Euphorbia, and century-old postcards depict Poinsettia flowers in all their glory. The story of this now celebrated plant unfolds in a delightfully instructive, visually alluring volume devoted to the flower named for Joel Roberts Poinsett of South Carolina, with growing tips for aficionados of the brilliant red bloom and the other appealing cultivars currently available. - Alice Joyce; 64p-

’Twas Nochebuena and all through our casa, every creature was kneading tamale masa... It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re invited to a Nochebuena celebration! Follow a family as they prepare to host a night filled with laughter, love, and Latino tradition. Make tasty tamales and hang colorful adornos (decorations) on the walls. Gather to sing festive canciones (songs) while sipping champurrado (hot chocolate). After the midnight feast has been served and the last gifts have been unwrapped, it’s time to cheer, “Feliz Navidad and to all a good night!” Savor the magic of Nochebuena with a holiday tale you’ll want to read again and again.