Pablo's Christmas

Christmas South of the border for Pablo and his family isn't looking so merry with money scarce, and Papa away finding extra work. But the young man of the house manages to find small ways to celebrate while keeping his mother, sisters and their livestock safe on the farm. A special Christmas Eve visitor brings much appreciated holiday joy. Though Martín's slightly disjointed story focuses less on Christmas than on family ties and Mexican life, many readers will enjoy this visit to Valle de Guadalupe, beckoned by Chapman's evocative folk art–inspired paintings. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)