This time Rice has a sombrero-wearing Santa making his rounds through the Mexican desert. On la Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, accompanied by his faithful burros—Pedro, Pancho, Felipe, Miguel, Rosita, Juanita, Linda, and Isabel—he visits the home of a Mexican family filling their piñata with fruits and toys.
La Nochebuena South of the Border serves as an introduction to our southern neighbors. The story and illustrations draw attention to the cultural differences that make the Mexican Christmas holiday unique and enjoyable.
The text appears side by side in English and Spanish. Bilingual families can share the story in their native language. Meanwhile, English-speaking children can develop a familiarity with the common and lesser-known vocabulary of the region.