La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story

An initially anxious narrator visits the Cuban side of her family in Miami for the holidays, but Christmas with palm trees and no snow feels strange. Easing herself into new experiences, she describes the family's traditions: "I bring countless jars of marinade to the men, who pour it over the roasting pig." Dominguez's bright acrylics convey calm and joy, while Sacre's visceral prose captures the voice of a child gaining assurance, as well as the kindness and mutual respect of a loving extended family. Ages 4–8. (Nov.)