Pancho's Piñata

Ethel M. King-Shaw is a professor emeritus of curriculum and instruction
at the University of Calgary.

Czernecki and Rhodes share an interest in the folklore and culture of
Mexico and South America, which has led them to collaborate in writing
and illustrating several children’s books.

This story takes place on Christmas Eve in the Mexican village of San
Miguel. In the traditional procession, children carry painted clay
figurines of Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child, which are added to a
Nativity scene in the village square beside a very old cactus. Singing
and dancing follow. In the sky, a special star approaches and is caught
on one of the sharp spines on top of the cactus. Only after midnight,
when the revelling has subsided, does Pancho, dressed as an angel, hear
the cry for help. Waving his staff, the young boy is able to free the
star. In return, he receives a gift of stardust, which rewards him with
much contentment. Years later Pancho devises a plan to share gifts with
others on Christmas Eve, and the legend of the piсata is born. To this
day, the tradition has prevailed, and it is claimed that the Christmas
star still shines brightly over the cactus.

This book is rich in imagery; a detailed verbal description on one page
is complemented on the opposite page with an artistic drawing that has
clean lines and strong colors. The spirit of Christmas is presented with
great sensitivity. Children from 7 to 10 will appreciate the fantasy;
they might also want to emulate the preparation and playing of
Pancho’s game.