<p>As the weather turns cold and people prepare for Christmas, Mim" begins to dream and plan for her family's annual trip to Puerto Rico. Even though she cannot fully explain the Puerto Rican traditions in English, her friends in her multicultural classroom can see her excitement. But that anticipation turns to sadness when she learns that, with a new baby in the house, her family will not travel this Christmas. As Mim" mopes her way toward the holidays, her friends plan a surprise. Mim"'s ups and downs are believable and sympathetic, as are her friends' gales of laughter when Mim" tries to describe objects unfamiliar to them, such as maracasa"are they really full of rice and beans? Sosa's illustrations are warm, realistic and so detailed that readers can read the classroom rules on the wall behind Mim"'s head. And yes, they will learn what a parranda is. (Picture book. 5-8)</p>

Gr 1-3-Every Christmas, Mim' visits her extended family in Puerto Rico for a holiday that includes a parranda. She tries to explain the concept-a gathering of friends playing instruments, dancing, and singing to awaken the sleeping family on Christmas morning--to her American classmates, but they make fun of the idea. Then she learns that this year, she won't be going to Puerto Rico because her baby sister is too young to make the journey. Luckily, her friends save the day; they transform the Christmas party they've been planning into Mim''s very own parranda. Gil adroitly weaves together a well-paced, bilingual story of cultural identity, personal disappointment, and friendship. Combining realism and folk art, Sousa's illustrations capture the changing moods of the narrative.-Daisy Porter, San Jose Public Library, CA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.