The secret stars
(Kids Holiday)

Ages 4^-7. On a stormy Night of the Three Kings in New Mexico, Pepe and Sila worry that the kings won't find their way through the icy darkness. How will the children get their toys? Grandma wraps Pepe and Sila in her quilt, and they travel with her in a dream to discover that there are secret stars that light the way wherever they look. There is not much story, but the magic realism of words and acrylic pictures shows the mystery of the holiday, the warmth inside the small ranch house, and the shining stars that glitter in the icy world outside. And in the morning, of course, the gifts are there. --Hazel Rochman

Gr 1-3‘"It is the night of the Three Kings" and a freezing rain is falling in New Mexico. Pepe and Sila worry that, without stars to guide them, the Kings will be unable to find the children to bring them toys. However, their grandmother reassures them by showing them unconventional stars. The story moves from an earthly to an ethereal plane as Pepe and Sila float with their grandmother through the house, up the chimney, and over the surrounding area. The text reads like a poem, with many poetic devices. Slate skillfully uses onomatopoeia ("Rat-a-tat-tat, rat-a-tat-tat" for drumming rain), loose alliteration, and repetition of words and phrases to evoke a dreamlike state. The three discover "secret stars" in the most unlikely places‘frostflowers, spider webs, the veins on the old woman's cheeks. Fortunately, the Kings do find the ranch and leave their gifts. Dávalos's illustrations have a flavor of the Southwest and are as appealing as the well-written text. Many pictures are bordered by simple painted wooden frames, emphasizing the rustic appearance of the artwork. A mystical story with illustrations that lend a touch of reality.‘MMH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

On a cold Night of the Three Kings in New Mexico, two children, snuggling with their grandmother, worry about whether the kings will be able to come and bring them presents in such weather. In a lyrical dream sequence, Grandmother shows them secret stars that guide the kings. Rich, warm illustrations help create the magical mood of the story. From HORN BOOK Spring 1999, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Ages 4^-7. On a stormy Night of the Three Kings in New Mexico, Pepe and Sila worry that the kings won't find their way through the icy darkness. How will the children get their toys? Grandma wraps Pepe and Sila in her quilt, and they travel with her in a dream to discover that there are secret stars that light the way wherever they look. There is not much story, but the magic realism of words and acrylic pictures shows the mystery of the holiday, the warmth inside the small ranch house, and the shining stars that glitter in the icy world outside. And in the morning, of course, the gifts are there. ((Reviewed September 15, 1998)) Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews

Gr 1-3 "It is the night of the Three Kings" and a freezing rain is falling in New Mexico. Pepe and Sila worry that, without stars to guide them, the Kings will be unable to find the children to bring them toys. However, their grandmother reassures them by showing them unconventional stars. The story moves from an earthly to an ethereal plane as Pepe and Sila float with their grandmother through the house, up the chimney, and over the surrounding area. The text reads like a poem, with many poetic devices. Slate skillfully uses onomatopoeia ("Rat-a-tat-tat, rat-a-tat-tat" for drumming rain), loose alliteration, and repetition of words and phrases to evoke a dreamlike state. The three discover "secret stars" in the most unlikely places frostflowers, spider webs, the veins on the old woman's cheeks. Fortunately, the Kings do find the ranch and leave their gifts. Dávalos's illustrations have a flavor of the Southwest and are as appealing as the well-written text. Many pictures are bordered by simple painted wooden frames, emphasizing the rustic appearance of the artwork. A mystical story with illustrations that lend a touch of reality. MMH Copyright 1998 School Library Journal Reviews

This story adds warmth and meaning to the "Three Kings" traditions and celebrations experienced by many Latinos throughout the United States. It takes place in New Mexico, and the dreamlike quality of both the text and the illustrations contributes to the magic of the arrival of the Three Kings despite an ice storm and bitter cold. (Gr 1-3) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.