Pepe and the Piñata - by Tracey Kyle (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Join Pepe as he celebrates his Mexican-American heritage by participating in a celebration of Hispanic Christmas traditions"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Join Pepe as he celebrates his Mexican-American heritage by participating in a celebration of Hispanic Christmas traditions. Children will delight in seeing many Hispanic cultures proudly honored in this joyous picture book.

"Bouncy rhymes and colorful cartoony illustrations reflect the vibrancy and fun." The Horn Book

"A peppy introduction to Hispanic Christmas traditions for young readers." School Library Journal

Pepe is excited to celebrate Christmas with his friends and family. In the town square, families are encouraged to decorate and share foods, traditions, and gifts for the holidays. With new food to taste, music to dance to, and a very special piñata to crack open, Pepe couldn't be more excited to celebrate and share his Hispanic heritage. A day filled with joy and pride, this book joins Pepe and the Parade as a jubilant celebration of culture and identity.

Illustrated by Pura Belpré Honoree, Mirelle Ortega, and with Spanish words effortlessly included throughout, this gorgeous story is a great introduction to the Spanish language. A glossary of Spanish words, complete with English translations, and an educational author's note provide useful tools for further learning and discussion.

Review Quotes

Pepe and his mami, papi, and abuelo are preparing their family home for Christmas as well as participating in a community-wide Latine Christmas cultural festival: "Pepe and his friends will help to decorate the square, / inspired by traditions of the heritage they share." Their family's contribution is a piñata, representing "the tradition mexicana," while others bring food ("Yuca fries from Cuba. Spanish ham and rice. / Pollo from El Salvador with just a little spice"), perform music, share games, and more. Bouncy rhymes and colorful cartoony illustrations reflect the vibrancy and fun. An appended glossary, author's note, and sources provide more details.-- "The Horn Book"

Pepe, a Mexican American boy, is excited to bring the piñata to the town plaza for the community's Christmas celebration in this colorful introduction to Hispanic holiday traditions. As preparations unfold, Pepe's friends-representing different Latin American countries-contribute decorations, foods, and customs from their own cultures. The rhyming text celebrates the richness and variety of Hispanic holiday practices . . . the book succeeds in presenting a wide range of cultural elements in an accessible and festive way. Bright cartoon illustrations feature children with a variety of skin tones and traditional items, reinforcing the cultural diversity within the Hispanic community. Back matter includes a glossary of Spanish terms with pronunciation and an author's note about the history of piñatas.

A peppy introduction to Hispanic Christmas traditions for young readers.-- "School Library Journal"

About the Author

Tracey Kyle (Author)
Tracey Kyle is a children's book author and an eighth-grade Spanish teacher. She studied in Madrid, which inspired her to write her first picture book, Gazpacho for Nacho. Tracey is also the author of the stunning picture books, Pepe and the Parade, Pepe and the Piñata, and A Paintbrush for Paco. When she's not writing lesson plans or working on a new story, she loves to read, cook, and practice yoga. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two cats. Learn more about Tracey at traceykyle.co

Mirelle Ortega (Illustrator)
Mirelle Ortega is a Mexican illustrator and writer for kidlit and Animation based in Los Angeles, CA. She's created covers for award winning middle grade series such as From The Desk of Zoe Washington, Cece Rios and Love Sugar Magic, artwork for acclaimed chapter books series such as The Mythics, Vote For Effie and Mermaids Rock, and vibrant illustrations for picture books like Small Room, Big Dreams, Pepe and the Parade, and her author/illustrator debut Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land.