The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Pinata for the Pinon Tree
Philemon Sturges
Little, Brown Young Readers (2007)
ISBN 9780316823234
Reviewed by Conner Aguren (age 3) and Mom for Reader Views (12/07)
“A Pinata for the Pinon Tree” remakes a classic Christmas carol in the spirit of the New Mexico Southwest. This version brings a whole community together to celebrate the season in vibrant song and dance.
“Skinks playing music. That’s funny!”
“Where are the skinks? I just know they are there?”
“Where are the doves?
“They are sitting in the tree?”
“What is a dove?”
“It’s a type of bird.”
“What is she making?”
“It looks like something sweet.”
“What are they celebrating?”
“The Christmas holidays.”
“Where is everybody eating the cookies? I wanted to see them eating them.”
“Why are they playing cards?”
Parent’s comment:
The illustrations in “The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Pinata for the Pinon Tree” are a delight to follow. As the days of the song passed, it was more of an “I-Spy” game to find the animals (especially the skinks) in the very detailed pictures. I enjoyed how the author wrapped the story around the preparations for a big celebration. It gave the song more cohesiveness, as opposed to the classic version of a lover just sending random gifts. Also, if you’re not from that part of the United States, it is interesting to see what things they would include in their celebrations in the Southwest.
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