The Feast of the Epiphany, January 6

Pat Mora

More widely celebrated in Latin America than in the United States, the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day or Los Tres Reyes, marks the the arrival of the Magi symbolizing that the Christ Child was revealed to the world. The tradition of making (or buying) a Three Kings’ Wreath or rosca de reyes inspired my book, The Bakery Lady: La señora de la panadería. I wrote it to show a close Mexican-American family celebrating this tradition by baking together. I am blessed to have known such closeness in my own life.

As a writer, I love the word epiphany from the Greek meaning a manifestation or striking insight. Wishing you epiphanies in the new year.

Pat
The Bakery Lady/La señora de la panadería

Two Christmas Picture Books to Share

Pat Mora

A Pinata in a Pine Tree
"In trading a partridge for a piñata and intertwining English and Spanish, Mora has created not only a fun adaptation of a classic Christmas carol but also an introduction to many elements of holiday celebrations for families across the U.S. and Latin America … The illustrator is the sister of Belpré Award-winning illustrator Yuyi Morales, and these acrylic paintings share a similar colorful and vibrant style as they integrate words, numbers, Spanish pronunciations, joy, and excitement throughout each full page spread."—Booklist

Classroom activities:

  • Ask the students when and where they hear languages other than English. Do they like to learn new words in other languages? What new words did they learn in this book?
  • After sharing the book, have students draw the book, or a few pages, as you read the book.
  • Help students make their favorite gift in the book and give it to their amiga/o.
  • Learn to sing the song and perform it for another class or group.
Gift of the Poinsettia/ El Regalo de la Flor de Nochebuena
"This popular title introduces readers to a Mexican tradition and inspires them to think about gift-giving in a different way. The authors take children through each of the days of the posada (“inn”) tradition in which celebrants take figurines representing Mary and Joseph from one inn to another as they look for a place to rest. Carlos worries that he has no money to buy a special gift to offer the Christ Child, but his grandmother urges him to pick a flower along the way. This humble flower blossoms into a glorious poinsettia on Christmas Eve. An enjoyable selection for readers of any age."—Critcás

Classroom activities:

  • After learning about the origin of the name poinsettia, have students read about flower folklore and write a story based on their research or create a name for an imaginary flower and write and illustrate that story. The flower could, of course, be named after themselves or their friends which could lead to some interesting descriptions.
  • Humans enjoy celebrations. Have students study celebrations around the globe and share a holiday celebration important to their family.
  • Students can learn about legends and either re-tell a legend, particularly one native to their area or place of birth, or create their own legends.

Celebrate a New Book from Father Murray Bodo, OFM

Pat Mora

I met Father Murray years ago in Cincinnati thanks to the poet Denise Levertov. We took a poetry workshop together and then started a small poetry group that met monthly to share a new poem and enjoy ice-cream. I think we all helped one another become better poets.

Nourishing LoveA prolific writer of poetry and prose, Murray taught at Thomas More College. He produced audio books, CD’s, DVD’s and also led retreats in Umbria, Italy for over thirty years. His newest book is Nourishing Love: A Franciscan Celebration of Mary, and you can find out more about it on his website.

Murray also did an interview for our Creativity Salon, and you can read that here.

Father Murray