La Nochebuena South of the Border, La

Feliz Navidad, amigos Now for children of Spanish- and

English-speaking cultures there is a holiday story that tells the traditions of

Christmas with a South-of-the-Border perspective. Perfect for classroom readings

or family time around the tree, this bilingual tale is an entertaining

introduction to life in a Mexican village. And it is the latest twist on C.

Clement Moore's The Night Before Christmas by nationally

acclaimed children's author and illustrator James Rice.

This time Rice has a sombrero-wearing Santa making his rounds through the

Mexican desert. On la Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, accompanied by his

faithful burros-Pedro, Pancho, Felipe, Miguel, Rosita, Juanita, Linda, and

Isabel-he visits the home of a Mexican family filling their pi ata with

fruits and toys.

In Pelican's continuing series of holidays from other cultures, La

Nochebuena South of the Border serves as an introduction to our southern

neighbors. The story and illustrations draw attention to the cultural

differences that make the Mexican Christmas holiday unique and enjoyable.

The text appears side by side in English and Spanish. Bilingual families can

share the story in their native language. Meanwhile, English-speaking children

can develop a familiarity with the common and lesser-known vocabulary of the

region.

James Rice is widely acclaimed as the South's leading author and illustrator

of juvenile books. With more than one million copies of his books in print, he

ranks among the nation's top authors and illustrators. Rice completed his M.F.A.

at Stephen F. Austin State University. He holds degrees in art from the

University of Texas and Howard Payne College and has taught art and music at

both the high school and college levels.