The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Pinata for the Pinon Tree

by Philemon Sturges, Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)

"On the first day of Christmas mis amigos brought to a piñata for the piñon tree"


Spice up Christmas with a Southwestern spin! Celebrate the holidays with Philemon Sturges' lively adaptation of the classic Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas . Instead of leaping lords and drummers drumming, our favorite friends from Readerville bring us cowgirls yodelin', poinsettias bloomin', and much more! This vivacious rendition, accompanied by Ashley Wolff's vibrant illustrations, features all the joyous characters in the song and a special recipe for bizcochitos, cookies that can be found in every New Mexican home during Christmastime.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Philemon Fowler Sturges III was an architect and author based in Rhode Island. He trained at Princeton University. He wrote children's books from 1995 until his death in 2005.

Reviews

[Anita Montoya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Came across this one during the holiday season, and looked through it hoping for a dose of home at Christmas (since I’m living out of NM). It’s colorful and detailed illustrations give a decent peek at northern New Mexico during the holidays, from the turquoise jewelry to the luminarias surrounding flat roofed houses. That said, please don’t make the biscochito recipe included in this book thinking it is authentic. For the love of good cookies, use the Internet or ask a New Mexican for a better recipe to experience the bliss of a real biscochito. I’ll send you mine.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

A New Mexico style Christmas, complete with a recipe for a local Christmas cookie. Add illustrations by Ashley Wolff, and you get a charming package, if not THE final book I'd like to have to remember Philemon Sturges by!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful variation of the Twelve Days of Christmas based on southwestern US traditions. The illustrations and innovation are lovely. I share it every year with my students. It was a great mentor text in 4th grade for students to use as an inspiration for writing their own 12 days story/song.

[Darin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations!

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the New Mexican Twelve Days that I grew up with, but cute illustrations.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun Southwestern retelling of the song...with a piñata, coyotes howling, skinks a skulking and mariachis playing. Bright, busy illustrations complement the song well.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive, southwestern variation on the classic song. Adorable critters (and kachinas) decorate a tree and have a fiesta. Book includes sheet music for song and recipes for bizcochitos and icing.