It's Navidad, El Cucuy!

September 1, 2023

PreS-K-Ram�n helps El Cucuy to overcome his fear of an unknown holiday. It's Christmas Eve, and Ram�n, who recently moved to the United States from Mexico, wishes a "Happy Christmas" to his friend, El Cucuy. The problem is that El Cucuy is unfamiliar with this holiday, and for a monster who loves the dark, the Christmas lights and the snowman are too much for him. To add to this friendly monster's anxiety, it is also the last day of Las Posadas, a festival where people knock on neighbors' doors for nine nights, singing a song and requesting shelter in remembrance of the journey Joseph and Mary took when Jesus was born. This story, a companion to El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!, reinvents the urban legend of the Cucuy that takes children away when they misbehave. Full-spread illustrations include one to five lines of medium-size text per page. Interspersed Spanish language terms attest to the bilingualism of the main character as a new immigrant. Vivid digital art of stars, poinsettia flowers, snowflakes, and illustrations imitate confetti and paper-cut ornaments, and rely on Christmas colors to underscore cultural neighboring scenes. This straightforward narrative is perfect for a holiday story time that includes awareness of how other cultures celebrate Christmas. VERDICT A kindhearted Christmas story highlighting the power of friendship.-Kathia Ibacache

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2023
Ram�n tries to get El Cucuy into the holiday spirit. "�Feliz Navidad, El Cucuy!" says Ram�n. But the fanged, hairy monster would rather ignore Christmas. The lights twinkle too brightly, the mu�eco de nieve (or snowman) seems pointless (and initially scary!), and El Cucuy is alarmed at the prospect of strangers showing up at the front door for Nochebuena, the final day of Las Posadas, a nine-night Christmas festival observed by many Latine communities. Can El Cucuy offer kindness to strangers? Perhaps--with Ram�n at his side (and some horchata). Soon, it's time to bash the pi�ata. Though El Cucuy hesitates, Ram�n reminds the little monster that families celebrate together. "I am your family?" asks a happy El Cucuy. A hug, a regalo, and a little assurance bring a feliz Navidad into full swing. Scattering Spanish phrases throughout, Higuera leverages a fruitful push-and-pull dynamic between Ram�n and El Cucuy to emphasize the communal spirit of the holidays and, of course, the yummy food that brings communities together. A tad overly gooey at times, El Cucuy's latest foray into unfamiliar terrain nonetheless reassures readers who may find themselves in similar situations. Enticingly festive, Perdomo's cheerful artwork moves from cold landscapes of snow to warmly lit indoor celebrations (eventually merging the contrasts), mirroring El Cucuy's transformation from reluctant recluse to gleeful participant. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet invitation to enjoy Navidad. (author's and illustrator's notes) (Picture book. 4-8)

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November 1, 2023
Ramon and his not-so-mythical friend El Cucuy are back for "Nochebuena, the final day of Las Posadas." With an eye-catching backdrop of cut paper-inspired digital illustrations, Ramon explains the Navidad tradition to El Cucuy and how they will invite the revelers into their family's house as the last stop. After Ramon reassures him that "por supuesto" he is a part of their family, El Cucuy, in turn, teaches the traditions to Ramon's snowman, whom he had previously dismissed as "not real." Continuing the themes of welcoming and belonging from El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! (rev. 7/21), this is an enjoyable addition to the quirky series. Author and illustrator notes give more information on Las Posadas and related celebrations. Monica de los Reyes

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)