The Santero's Miracle - by Rudolfo Anaya (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this bilingual story of faith, Don Jacobo has a dream that, in the end, is a reminder that miracles do happen and angels always appear where least expected. Anaya's story of the power of faith, hope, and love will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Full color.

Book Synopsis

In this bilingual story of faith, Don Jacobo has a dream that, in the end, is a reminder that miracles do happen. Jacobo is teaching his visiting grandson Andrés how to become a santero. Christmas is coming, snow is falling in the village, and the two are working on a carving of San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers.

The half-finished carving stands in the living room beside the two oxen and the angel that don Jacobo carved earlier in the month. The snow-covered mountains are beautiful, but the road to the village is impassable. Andrés's parents will not be able to get to the house for the holiday, and Jacobo's neighbor Leopoldo is desperately ill but cannot get to the hospital.

Then comes Jacobo's dream; San Isidro is plowing with the two oxen and the angel is helping. "But we don't plow 'til April," don Jacobo muses upon awakening. "What does it mean?" The night had been bitterly cold and don Jacobo must bundle up to go to the barn to feed his cows and chickens. As he steps outside, he can hardly believe his eyes. The snow-packed road is clear.

Rudolfo Anaya's story of the power of faith, hope, and love will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Review Quotes

." . . a simple story of wintertime in Northern New Mexico, of an extended family with a tradition of craftmanship, and of a miracle that saves a life and brings that extended family together. . . "The Santero's Miracle" is rooted deeply in the land and culture of our state."

"A warm relationship between a boy and his abuelo and a Christmas season of miracles are the focus of a touching holiday tale by New Mexico's world-renowned and much-honored author Rudolfo Anaya. . . This sweet tale about the power of faith and love could well become a Borderland classic."

"Anaya's gift as a masterful storyteller is evident. Readers are drawn to his characters and their emotions during this special time of the year. The illustrator, Amy Crdova, has skillfully portayed the spirit of both the old and new, and her artwork captures a sense of compassion for the characters."

"New Mexico's most-respected wordsmith spins a tale of Christmas and the power of tradition, faith and miracles. . . The resolution of this warm, magical tale is sure to be a favorite for children of all ages, and with the story presented in both English and Spanish, side-by-side, it's an oppotunity to stretch one's knowledge of another language. The illustrations are colorful, simple and sure to be pleasing to young readers."

"The bright color illustrations practically leap off the page in this joyful and uplifting story meant to be shared."

"The creative Don Jacobo is a wonderful character and his relationship with Andrés is strong and warm, a good match to the gorgeous paintings in blue, turquoise, and red clay colors of the Southwest."