The Santero's Miracle: A Bilingual Story

For anyone who still believes in miracles or enjoys reading about them, "The Santero's Miracle" is the book for you. This book is a heart warming tale of Andres who stays with his grandpa - Don Jacobo and his grandma - Dona Sofia during the Christmas vacation. Don Jacobo is a one of the best santeros (wood carver of saints) in New Mexico. He carves a beautiful wooden santero of Saint San Isidro for the Christmas holiday.The closeness of Andres and his grandparents during Christmas is a wonderful portrayal of family life. Andres, his grandparents and his neighbor all experience a personal trial during the Christmas Holiday. A wonderful Christmas miracle occurs. You will want to experience this miracle by reading the book. Because this book centers around saints and Saint San Isidro in particular, it may present a problem for non-Catholics, but all people can enjoy this wonderful story of a miracle. After all, isn't that what Christmas is all about --experiencing a miracle!"The Santero's Miracle" would make a wonderful Christmas gift book. It is a beautifully illustrated children's book. Almost every page contains a full color illustration. The illustrations are bold and colorful and emphasize each individual's character and personality. This is a bilingual book in both Sapnish and English. Both English and Spanish speaking students will be drawn to this book because they can instantly see the Spanish version of each English paragraph. There is also a brief dictionary at the end of the book which gives the meaning of various Spanish words and phrases found in the English text. The publisher made a bad choice of printed font. It is too light and should have been darker and bolder.

The Santero's Miracle is a very sweet story that captures the culture and traditions of Northern New Mexico. The persons who carve saints (santeros) are highly regarded here. Many families have a multi-generational tradition of carving.This story illustrates the unique culture that developed in the remote mountains of Northern New Mexico. This is a rare place in America.The illustrations are exquisite. It doesn't matter what religious tradition the reader practices -- this is a story for everyone.

I love this book and I love that it is in both English and Spanish (page is divided in half, with English on one side and Spanish on the other). It is a delightful folk tale that celebrates the rich culture of our Mexican neighbors.

I love the work of Rudolfo Anaya so was pleased to discover this book.