Arturo and the Navidad Birds

by Anne Broyles, Ke Lewis (Illustrations)

INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARD SECOND PLACE FOR BILINGUAL CHILDREN'S FICTION PICTURE BOOK It's time for Arturo and his Central American grandmother, Abue Rosa, to decorate their Christmas tree. Abue Rosa shares with him the family history of each ornament as it is hung. But what happens when Arturo plays with—and breaks—a glass bird? Young readers will find out in this touching, bilingual picture book.

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2013

About the author

Anne Broyles is the award-winning author of two children's picture books, PRISCILLA AND THE HOLLYHOCKS (Charlesbridge, 2008) and SHY MAMA'S HALLOWEEN (Tilbury House, 2000). She also writes for regional publications such as MERRIMACK VALLEY MAGAZINE and THE LOS ANGELES TIMES Travel section. Check out www.annebroyles.com for more details."

Reviews

[Sueños · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, sweet story.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this bilingual story told in English and Spanish, a boy and his grandmother decorate the family Christmas tree with heirloom ornaments as she tells him the story of how each one became part of the collection. When disaster ensues, his grandmother’s forgiveness becomes the glue that mends the situation, and the boy’s creativity ends up creating a brand-new ornament to replace the broken one. Though nicely rendered, the muted terra-cotta-toned illustrations seem a little lackluster for such an uplifting story.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy and his grandmother decorate the Christmas tree together using ornaments that she has accumulated over the years. Each of the ornaments has a story or a memory associated with it.

When Arturo breaks an ornament, he originally tries to hide it, but eventually ends up apologizing and tries to make another memory ornament to replace it.

[Maryam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of Christmas decorating shared by grandmother and grandson. Each ornament reminds Abue Rosa of a special time and beloved people in her life. When Arturo inadvertently breaks one of the ornaments (a bird), he tries to repair it, but only makes a bigger mess. The text is bilingual, English in black and Spanish is dark blue. Illustrations reflect the American southwest, in subdued terracotta tones. The tone of the story at times crosses a delicate line between sweet and mushy, but maybe that's the Grinch in me. An obvious literary comparison for Arturo and the Navidad Birds is Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto.

[Katie Townley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always looking for new and unique Christmas books for our family. Broyles' sweet story about a boy and his "abuela" has recently been added to our collection. While the holiday traditions in the book are not our traditions, this story gives my children a glimpse into how other families celebrate Christmas. I appreciate the boy's efforts to right his mistake and the grandmother's immediate offering of forgiveness and love. The illustrations are so beautiful and mirror the warmth and joy shared between the characters.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story of a little boy spending time with his abuela decorating the Christmas tree, hearing his grandmother's stories about each treasured ornament. When he accidentally breaks one, he tries to fix it before confessing with great sorrow.

My favorite lines include, "People are more important than things, mi'jo," and ""The tree is full now," Abue said as Arturo snuggled against her, "of memories." He nodded. "And love.""

This is a good story for younger children (grades 1-3), and is written in both English and Spanish.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message that people are more important than things resonates in every page turn. I appreciated that Arturo's grandmother linked Arturo to her treasured memories of her friend when he presented her with the replacement ornament. A simple, elegant story of love.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special picture book that is well written in English AND in Spanish. The traditions of Arturo’s Christmas are gently woven through the story and illustrated in warm, bright colors. A great gift for the holidays.