Review by Booklist Review
Emulating the iconic 'Twas the Night before Christmas in rhythm and tone, Colón-Bagley shares a magical tradition close to her heart: the warmth of Three Kings Day. The entire familia is excited, even Chico Chihuahua. Once guests arrive, the children gift wrap boxes for the Three Kings. They then feast on mouthwatering Caribbean comida, followed by an enjoyable time in the living room, where everyone sings and plays. Eventually, the guests leave, but the fun is not over; it is time for the children to resist sleep. Can they spot the Three Kings in the middle of the night? ¡Si! One of them stays awake to witness the delight of Los Tres Reyes Magos in their home passing out gifts! Three Kings Day is a meaningful tradition commemorated by Catholics around the world, and this inviting picture book celebrates Puerto Rican culture in Mesa's beautiful, whimsical illustrations, as projected in their decorations, feasts, and customs. The rhythmic text features plenty of Spanglish, and a glossary in the back matter will help readers unfamiliar with the language.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
It's "la noche before Three Kings Day and all through the casa, everyone was stirring" in this festive "A Visit from St. Nicholas" iteration focused on a Latinx-cued family, portrayed with various skin tones. In Colón-Bagley's rhyming Spanish-studded English lines, the child narrator wraps shoeboxes in anticipation of the visit, enjoys "scrumptious comida" and "jolly good fun," and places their wrapped boxes beside the front door. Peeking from the window after bedtime, the protagonist spies the arrival via camel of kings Balthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar, whose glitter and panache shine right off the page as they distribute gifts to the wrapped boxes. Warm illustrations by Mesa honor family connection, food, and the fancifully portrayed kings in a domestic tale that evokes the holiday's wonder. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Told in the same iambic rhyme scheme as Clement C. Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas," this text takes readers through a family's Three Kings traditions, including decorating shoeboxes, cooking up a feast, celebrating with music, and bonding with family. The evening routine includes Mom reading to the children before tucking them in, then young readers are introduced to the Three Kings: Balthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar. Clever illustration hangs the Star of Bethlehem over the family's home, and when the Three Kings get on their camels and fly away, it is that star that continues to guide them. Text alternates between Spanish and English. Rich illustrations allow readers to play I Spy, affording the chance for reflection of their own holiday traditions or a window to view other's traditions. The illustrations provide frequent visual cues to allow readers to understand that this holiday is closely connected to Christmas: lights, reindeer, trees, garland, and wrapping paper occupy the pages. Since food frequently bridges cultures, look to the tostones, flans, and pollo guisado to engage young readers. Gendered tasks are dismantled, as dad walks the dog and does the dishes. One page shows Selena and the Puerto Rican flag, both of which open up this cultural tradition to a wide Latinx audience. The book ends with a glossary and pronunciation key so that readers are exposed to multilingualism. VERDICT This title adds a vision of Latinx joy and festivity to collections.--Stephanie Creamer
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Review by Horn Book Review
This Spanglish take on "The Night Before Christmas" shares a family's traditions for "la noche before Three Kings Day" (Dia de los Reyes or Dia de Reyes in Spanish), which celebrates the arrival of the Reyes Magos on the sixth day of January. Cheerful digital illustrations with a mid-century-esque flair show the family decorating shoeboxes to leave out for gifts and candy from the Reyes Magos, eating "scrumptious comida," and dancing. The elaborately drawn Reyes Magos shine -- literally -- when they finally arrive, and the whimsical spread depicting them flying off on camels is a fitting finale. Monica de los ReyesNovember/December 2023 p.12 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this tale modeled after "A Visit From St. Nicholas," a family celebrates Three Kings Day. Two sisters have a festive night as their family puts on a small party to observe the January 6 holiday observed in many regions, including Puerto Rico, where the author's family is from. The day honors the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus, and in this homage to Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem, they take the place of Santa Claus at the story's conclusion. After the sisters decorate shoeboxes to hold gifts from the visitors, music is played and food is served ("In the small comedor was my great big familia / boquitas wide open for our scrumptious comida"). When the Three Wise Men do appear, one of the sisters witnesses the gift drop, which includes dolls, candy, and money. Spanish is sprinkled throughout ("There down en la calle I saw quite a sight"); a glossary at the end defines the words. Cozy, stylized cartoon illustrations bring to life a loving brown-skinned extended family, full of warmth and good cheer. The story itself and the backmatter explain the holiday well for those unfamiliar with it. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A fine offshoot of a holiday classic. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
