Pat Mora's Newsletter - November 2013

Roses in December: Sharing a Rich Cultural Tradition

Last December, the picture books, The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe and a Spanish language edition, La hermosa Señora: Nuestra Se�ora de Guadalupe were published just in time for the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. One of Mexico's most-loved stories is told as a story-within-a-story, making it more accessible to children and framing it within a contemporary celebration of the "special" day. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a powerful symbol for Mexicans, people of Mexican descent, Latinos, Catholics, women and and diverse believers in the feminine force in the universe.

There are hundreds of images on Pat's Pinterest board, The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe including fine art, altars and shrines, outdoor murals, folk art, jewelry, clothing, tattoos, and food. Viewing these representations of Our Lady illuminates her status as a cultural icon.

From left to right:
Feast Day in Monterrey, Mexico. Photo by Loreley. Source: Behance.net.
Handcrafted suitcase by Mark Montano. Source:
www.favecraftsblog.com/meet-and-make-mark-montano-giveaway.
Still Life with Tea and Veda. Collage by Oliver Jeffers. Source: hwww.oliverjeffers.com.

	Bookjoy Around the World What a wonderful time other attendees and I enjoyed at the 10th IBBY Regional Conference in St. Louis this October. If you're not familiar with the International Board on Books for Young People and its USBBY chapter, I encourage you to learn more about their wonderful work. It was an honor to present with Ashley Bryan who illustrated the poem I wrote for the IBBY poster, "Bookjoy Around the World." I'm grateful for all I learned at the conference and for the pleasure of being with book-loving friends.
Handcrafted quilt by Doris/San Antonio. Source: www.remnantsfiberculture.blogspot.com .	Roses in December: Sharing a Rich Cultural Tradition Last December, the picture books, The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe and a Spanish language edition, La hermosa Señora: Nuestra Se�ora de Guadalupe were published just in time for the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. One of Mexico's most-loved stories is told as a story-within-a-story, making it more accessible to children and framing it within a contemporary celebration of the "special" day. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a powerful symbol for Mexicans, people of Mexican descent, Latinos, Catholics, women and and diverse believers in the feminine force in the universe. There are hundreds of images on Pat's Pinterest board, The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe including fine art, altars and shrines, outdoor murals, folk art, jewelry, clothing, tattoos, and food. Viewing these representations of Our Lady illuminates her status as a cultural icon. From left to right: Feast Day in Monterrey, Mexico. Photo by Loreley. Source: Behance.net. Handcrafted suitcase by Mark Montano. Source: www.favecraftsblog.com/meet-and-make-mark-montano-giveaway. Still Life with Tea and Veda. Collage by Oliver Jeffers. Source: hwww.oliverjeffers.com.
	Bookjoy for the Holidays! Sample these books as you consider holiday gift books for family and friends, and to donate to schools, libraries, and community centers. Gracias/Thanks Straight from the heart of a child flows this lighthearted bilingual celebration of family, friendship, and fun. Come share the joy and think about all life's little pleasures for which we can say, "�Gracias! Thanks!" (Also available in audio.) Yum! �Mmm! �Qu� Rico! America's Sprouting and Yum! �Mmm! �Qu� Rico! Brotes de las Am�ricas Enjoy a luscious collection of haiku celebrating foods native to the Americas. Brimming with imagination and fun, these poems capture the tasty essence of foods that have delighted, united, and enriched our lives for centuries. (Available in Spanish, English and audio editions.) The Gift of the Poinsettia: El regalo de la flor de nochebuena As he participates in the festivities of Las Posadas, preparing for the birth of Christ, a young Mexican boy worries about what gift he will have for the Christ Child. A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas A festive Latino twist on "The Twelve Days of Christmas" populated with pi�atas in place of partridges, as well as burritos bailando (dancing donkeys), lunitas cantando (singing moons) and much more, all displayed in wonderful, vivid colors. The Bakery Lady/La señora de la panader�a In this colorful bilingual picture book, Mónica yearns to be a baker like her grandparents. Her first real test comes as she and her beloved grandparents prepare for the coming celebration of January sixth, Feast of the Three Kings, el Día de los Reyes Magos. Explore curriculum activities and classroom ideas for these holiday titles as well as for all of Pat's books.
	Join Pat in Boston for NCTE Saturday 11/23 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., Signing at HarperCollins Booth #1008 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Signing at Random House Children's Books Booth #907 Sunday 11/24, 8:30 AM - 9:45 a.m. Session in Sheraton, Sheraton/Republic Ballroom A, Second Floor "Empowering Latino Youth by Employing Pat Mora's Work to Guide Instruction" presented by Dr. Carol Brochin & her students, University of Texas at El Paso. Pat is attending the session.
	Holidays are a time for gratitude, friends and family. I'm grateful to all of you who creatively promote Bookjoy and Día throughout the year. Wishing you health and happiness!