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The tradition of los abuelos comes from northern New Mexico. In the cold months of midwinter, village men disappear to disguise themselves as scary old men and then descend on the children, teasing them and asking if they've been good. The abuelos encourage the little ones to dance and sing around huge bonfires. Afterwards, everyone enjoys cookies and empanadas. In this charming book, young Ray and Amelia move to a new village and experience the fright and fun of los abuelos for the first time. Amelia Lau Carling researched the region for her vibrant artwork, and author Pat Mora's lively text captures the appeal of an old-world celebration now being revived.
About the author
PAT MORA is an award-winning author, the founder of Día (El día de los niños, El día de los libros / Children¿s Day, Book Day), and an honorary member of the American Library Association. Her book
Abuelos, illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling, won the International Latino Book Award for Best English Picture Book, a Library Media Connection Editor¿s Choice Award, and it was named a
Críticas Magazine Best Children¿s Book. Pat is also the author of
The Race of Toad and Deer (
La carrera del sapo y el venado) and
The Night the Moon Fell (
La noche que se cayó la luna), both illustrated by Domi. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Summary
International Latino Book Award for Best English Picture Book
In this delightful story two young children, Ray and Amelia, discover the old New Mexican tradition of los abuelos for the first time. Long ago, in the cold midwinter of northern New Mexico, village men would go up into the mountains, disguise themselves as scary old men and then go down to the village to see who had been good and who had been bad. The abuelos -- wearing masks and covered with soot -- would tease the children and then have them sing or dance around the fire.
This midwinter masquerade, which contains elements of Spanish and indigenous Pueblo culture, as well as sharing features common to solstice celebrations in other parts of the world, died out in New Mexico for a time, but has been occasionally revived in recent years.
Additional text
• Winner of the International Latino Book Awards, Best Picture Book, 2009
"Lovely watercolors contribute to the charm of this story about a wintertime tradition in northern New Mexico
Perfect for those who want a gently scary story embedded in a fascinating and little-know 'bogeyman' tradition from Hispanic New Mexico. The author's note provides additional information, and places the story in the context of universal cautionary tales." Kirkus Reviews
"Scary shivery fun
cultural details
framed by warm family images&hellip'[Abuelos is] a great choice for Halloween sharing." Booklist
"Mora introduces the intriguing midwinter New Mexican festival of los abuelos in this playful tale
watercolor and pastel illustrations impart Amelia's apprehension as well as family togetherness."Publishers Weekly
