Hugo C. Martin

I liked reading “Pablo’s Christmas” because it tied together the holiday of Christmas and the culture of a Mexican family. This story, taking place in Mexico, explores Christmas in a different sense. With a family in desperation of money, Pablo’s father must leave to find work. The illustrator, Lee Chapman, did an incredible job of helping the reader visualize. His pictures were well in depth and I particularly liked looking at the animals he illustrated. The large coyotes were drawn very precisely and I could see the anger coming through their eyes. I also loved the plot of this story because it shares a new perspective. Pablo’s father had to leave his family in Mexico in order to make extra money in America. This circumstance pushes readers to think about different hardships that individuals may face. Thus, the main idea of this story is family. Even in desperate times, Pablo’s family was able to celebrate a joyful Christmas that they would always remember.… (meer)

This book seems to sew together both a religious holiday (Christmas) and the culture of a family in Mexico, making it a unique choice. The book tells the story of Pablo and his family, who live in Mexico. When Pablo's mother announces she's expecting a baby, Pablo's father leaves them to go to America to earn some money. Pablo is then asked to be the “man of the family” until his father's return, which happens on Christmas. In the time of his father's absence, Pablo battles some coyotes and learns how to carve (which is the same trade his father has). The book includes information about the way the Mexican culture celebrates Christmas (with a tree, yes, and stringing popcorn upon it) and also has many references to the Mexican culture in general with regards to certain terminology (hermanitas, for sisters, for example) and their traditions or foods. The illustrations fit this story to a T, with a style similar to art that comes from that country, and many details and symbolism within.… (meer)