The legend of the poinsettia - tomie depaola

Called la flor de la Nochebuena--the flower of the Holy Night--in Mexico, the poinsettia blooms at Christmastime, the symbol of a little girls unselfish gift to the Christ Child.

With illustrations that capture the brilliant colors of Mexico as well as the magic and excitement of the season, Tomie dePaola imbues the tale with his own special feeling for Christmas.

Full color.

In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night.

At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside.

This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girls unselfish gift to the Christ Child.

Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas.

His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.