The Legend of the Poinsettia

What's your favorite flower? There are so many beautiful ones, it's almost hard to choose. I happen to love Poinsettias. When every thing else in the great white north is dead and covered with snow, the stores here are full of them. They are such magnificent tropical plants that bring so much character to our homes at the holidays.

But, how did a tropical plant come to represent the holiday season? There is a sweet little story by author Tomie dePaola that tells it all.

The story comes from Latin America, Mexico to be exact. It is full of dePaola's beautiful artwork and is available both in Spanish and English. Here's a review from Amazon Book List:

From Booklist

Ages 5-9. In this legend from Mexico, a little girl, Lucinda, is proud to help her mother weave a new blanket for the Baby Jesus to be used in a Christmas procession. But when Lucinda's mother takes ill, Lucinda tangles the yarn and is unable to complete the blanket. Feeling she has ruined Christmas, Lucinda is reluctant to go to the procession until a mysterious old woman appears from the shadows and tells Lucinda, "Any gift is beautiful because it is given. Whatever you give, the Baby Jesus will love because it comes from you." Nervously, Lucinda grabs an armful of weeds, which she brings into the church. As she prays, the weeds open into dazzling red flowers that decorate the altar. The story has a simple dignity, but it is the artwork that takes center stage here. The spreads, which feature everyday occurrences (set in a generic era), are magnificently staged and colored and culminate in the last spread--Lucinda praying at a creche, with a profusion of poinsettias decorating the pages. An author's note gives the origin of the story as well as facts about the poinsettia plant and its Christmas connections. Ilene Cooper --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Tomie dePaola is one of our families favorite authors. If you aren't familiar with him, check out his titles at your local library. There are dozens of them. He is one of the most distinguished children's authors, having won many medals and honors for his outstanding works including The Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award and the Smithsonian Medal. This particular book is recommended for ages 5-9, however, I still check it out every season. I love reading it, and even my 11 year old never seems to tire of this sweet story.

The Legend of the Poinsettia is available on Amazon for $6.99 plus shipping and handling. Well worth it, and a great gift for the holidays.

Designer Mom