Overview
It's Noche Buena, the night before Christmas, and Alfredito and his parents are preparing for their usual trip to visit their relatives in Santiago. But the Castro-led rebels have blown up the railroad tracks, the local bus is already full, and the dilapidated family car doesn't look too promising. Just when Alfredito is about to give up, a man comes out of the woods and helps them on their way. But will they make it?This vibrantly illustrated book is a perfect read-aloud for the Christmas holidays and a moving story to be shared all year long.In Cuba, in the early 1950s, a young boy and his family try their best not to let the rebel soldiers keep them from traveling to Santiago to celebrate Christmas with their relatives. Based on a true incident in the life of the author.
Synopsis
It's Noche Buena, the night before Christmas, and Alfredito and his parents are preparing for their usual trip to visit their relatives in Santiago. But the Castro-led rebels have blown up the railroad tracks, the local bus is already full, and the dilapidated family car doesn't look too promising. Just when Alfredito is about to give up, a man comes out of the woods and helps them on their way. But will they make it?This vibrantly illustrated book is a perfect read-aloud for the Christmas holidays and a moving story to be shared all year long.
Publishers Weekly
Spun from his memories of 1958 Cuba, Figueredo's (When This World Was New) tale gets off to a burdensome start, but later pulses with authenticity and drama. Alfredito and his family find their Christmas plans derailed-literally-when Castro's rebels blow up the train track between Havana, where Alfredito lives, and Santiago, where the extended family gathers at Abuela's. While there are too many ideas introduced in the first spreads, the story improves as the travelers overcome a number of obstacles, with the aid of strangers. They finally arrive at Abuela's house, where "despite the war... it was still Noche Buena, and the world was still good and beautiful." Torrecilla's (The Bakery Lady) bright, sun-washed acrylics often capture the sultry beauty of Christmas in Cuba, but their static compositions flatten the story's impact. Ages 4-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Spun from his memories of 1958 Cuba, Figueredo's (When This World Was New) tale gets off to a burdensome start, but later pulses with authenticity and drama. Alfredito and his family find their Christmas plans derailed-literally-when Castro's rebels blow up the train track between Havana, where Alfredito lives, and Santiago, where the extended family gathers at Abuela's. While there are too many ideas introduced in the first spreads, the story improves as the travelers overcome a number of obstacles, with the aid of strangers. They finally arrive at Abuela's house, where "despite the war... it was still Noche Buena, and the world was still good and beautiful." Torrecilla's (The Bakery Lady) bright, sun-washed acrylics often capture the sultry beauty of Christmas in Cuba, but their static compositions flatten the story's impact. Ages 4-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
Christmas is the time of year when families like to gather, share the good times and renew relationships. Alfredo and his family are living in Cuba and each Christmas they travel to the other end of the island to gather with his grandmother and other relatives. This year, it is different-rebels have blown up the train tracks to protest the existing government and as a result travel to the other side of the island is disrupted. Alfred's family is not easily discouraged and with the help of a farmer they manage to catch up with a bus and get a ride across the island. The trip is not without its mishaps including a flat tire on the car, but it all ends happily when the far-flung family is reunited at grandmothers. The book presages the Cuban Revolution and is based on the life of the author who now resides in the US. The artist has a style that some may not find appealing especially the noses and facial expressions. The young Alfredo is not particularly appealing and some of the others like his parents look like them came off the comic strip pages or out of Hollywood Central casting. It's a good story and one that gives a little different look at Cuba for kids who may know very little except what they hear from the news. There is a brief glossary at the beginning to explain some of the Spanish words and an Author's Note that summarizes events in Cuba during the 1950s. 2003, Lee & Low, Ages 4 to 10.— Marilyn Courtot