cover image FEDERICO AND THE MAGI'S GIFT: A Latin American Christmas Story

FEDERICO AND THE MAGI'S GIFT: A Latin American Christmas Story

Beatriz Vidal, . . Knopf, $15.95 (40pp) ISBN 978-0-375-82518-7

It's Christmas way south of the border in Vidal's (A Library for Juana ) entertaining tale of a popular holiday tradition, recalled from her childhood in Argentina. As the village children excitedly prepare for January 6—the Feast of the Three Kings, or Epiphany Day—Federico frets that, because he has misbehaved, the Magi who come bearing gifts for good boys and girls will forget him. But seeing is believing, and a secret, magical late-night visit to the garden—illuminated by Vidal's glittery constellations in a jewel-blue sky—puts Federico's mind at ease. Young readers will enjoy the blend of exotic and familiar elements. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)