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Legends
The Legend of the Poinsettia
In Mexico, the poinsettia is called "flor de la Nochebuenao," flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the exquisite red stars lighting the countryside. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child.
Beloved Newbery honor–winning author and Caldecott honor–winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art but the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.
Beloved Newbery honor–winning author and Caldecott honor–winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art but the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
About the author
Tomie dePaola
383 books854 followersTomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
October 14, 2022
A Mexican legend of a traditional Christmas decoration that teaches a lesson with real merit: The simplest gift that is given with love and joy will always outshine all others.
December 7, 2018
The Poinsettia came to the US from a Mexican tradition. I didn’t know this. They have a myth about the plant down there and this is the story of that myth. The story touched my heart.
It’s similar to the Little Drummer boy. A young girl’s mother is ill and they have nothing to offer the baby Jesus for Christmas. After meeting a fairy godmother who tells her you can give anything if it’s from the heart, she picks a bunch of weeds. The village can’t believe she would bring weeds to church. A Miracle occurs and the plant blooms a bright beautiful red. It’s a lovely story.
It's easy to fall into that trap of "I can't believe that's all their bringing." It happens in churches and every organization all the time. I think it happens at pot-lucks often also. Someone brings a bag of chips and the people who spent hours cooking feel offended. It's so easy to forget that it's what a person brings with their heart because that is so much easier to miss. We can really see that. There are times we can feel it, if it's directed toward us, but I know have have felt a judgement or two. This story is a good reminder that the stuff part is not as important as the heart part and I can't see that part.
The niece has an issue about stories with something happening to mom, so she did not like the story even though the mom turned out ok. She gave it 2 stars. The nephew thought it was an ok story, but no monsters or robots. He gave it 3 stars. I thought it was a lovely tale.
It’s similar to the Little Drummer boy. A young girl’s mother is ill and they have nothing to offer the baby Jesus for Christmas. After meeting a fairy godmother who tells her you can give anything if it’s from the heart, she picks a bunch of weeds. The village can’t believe she would bring weeds to church. A Miracle occurs and the plant blooms a bright beautiful red. It’s a lovely story.
It's easy to fall into that trap of "I can't believe that's all their bringing." It happens in churches and every organization all the time. I think it happens at pot-lucks often also. Someone brings a bag of chips and the people who spent hours cooking feel offended. It's so easy to forget that it's what a person brings with their heart because that is so much easier to miss. We can really see that. There are times we can feel it, if it's directed toward us, but I know have have felt a judgement or two. This story is a good reminder that the stuff part is not as important as the heart part and I can't see that part.
The niece has an issue about stories with something happening to mom, so she did not like the story even though the mom turned out ok. She gave it 2 stars. The nephew thought it was an ok story, but no monsters or robots. He gave it 3 stars. I thought it was a lovely tale.
November 27, 2021
Beautiful book that children will love to have read to them on Christmas. This is what I call a 'tradition book' that a small child will remember as the years go by - one day reading the book to their own family and remembering all those who use to read the book to them when they were a child.
November 17, 2017
Part of my Texas History lesson. I really enjoyed the artwork and story that Mr. dePaola gave to the story.
April 22, 2012
Another amazing example of Depaola'a words; this is the story of how the poinsettia became so important to the Christmas tradition. This story is a great way to introduce students to other cultures and their holiday traditions; perfect for a holidays around the world unit.
December 15, 2018
This adds another dimension to the traditional stories of the season. The author's note describes this as a Mexican legend that he wanted to illustrate. I appreciate the idea that gifts come from the heart and are not the price on a tag.
January 23, 2013
Author: Tomie dePaola
Grade: 4th
This Mexican legend is about a little girl (Lucida) who helps her mother weave a blanket for baby Jesus for a celebration on Christmas Eve. Lucida's mother becomes ill and is unable to finish the blanket. Lucida tries to finish it herself but is unsuccessful. She becomes angry at herself and doesn't want to attend the celebration. A women appears out of nowhere and convinces Lucida that any gift is welcome to baby Jesus. Embarrassed, Lucida grabs some green weeds and puts them next to baby Jesus. The green weeds magically turn into beautiful poinsettia's. She is amazed, as well as everyone else.
What stood out to me the most was the fact that Lucida wanted to help her mom finish the job. Lucida wanted to go beyond her expectations. This is very important for children to know and practice, because in the work place, your employer will always want you to go beyond your expectations.
Grade: 4th
This Mexican legend is about a little girl (Lucida) who helps her mother weave a blanket for baby Jesus for a celebration on Christmas Eve. Lucida's mother becomes ill and is unable to finish the blanket. Lucida tries to finish it herself but is unsuccessful. She becomes angry at herself and doesn't want to attend the celebration. A women appears out of nowhere and convinces Lucida that any gift is welcome to baby Jesus. Embarrassed, Lucida grabs some green weeds and puts them next to baby Jesus. The green weeds magically turn into beautiful poinsettia's. She is amazed, as well as everyone else.
What stood out to me the most was the fact that Lucida wanted to help her mom finish the job. Lucida wanted to go beyond her expectations. This is very important for children to know and practice, because in the work place, your employer will always want you to go beyond your expectations.
August 12, 2016
DePaolo depicts a Mexican legend of the origin of the poinsettia in this book. He conveys the emotion of the family situation of the protagonist and the miracle that occurs at the Christmas Eve mass in a beautiful way.
November 13, 2017
A lovely book about family, love, and spirituality during one of the greatest celebrations of the year
November 27, 2023
My favorite Christmas story. It makes me happy every year.
December 11, 2020
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Dear Tomie dePaola. . . .he captured this legend of how the poinsettia came to be, and I am thankful. The world lost him just this terrible year (2020). Poinsettias are popular in our family, and so is Christmas. It was natural to grab this off the library shelf for a read to my group.
Unexpected words needed explaining. A delightful sprinkling of Spanish, which I'm ever eager to do, pulling out my years-spent-in-Spanish-classes experience; and those related to a Catholic upbringing - which neither the reader or listeners have. . . so "mass" and "virgin" needed a quick review. And that last one, it needs all kinds of explaining when we are talking about Mary*the*Mother*of*Jesus. . . .she's not just your usual mother, or your usual virgin. So I breezed right over that one. We'll see what the fall-out is there, if any.
The book was well received, and we found wonderful pictures and types of poinsettias in the world to ooooo and aaaah over - and, bonus, I was able to share the fun fact that not only was I married their grandfather in the corner of the living room of one set of listeners, because it was Dec 23rd, our wedding flowers were . . . . .poinsettias! All shades available - red, white, pink and a slightly greeny-yellow.
If you want to add a "round-the-world" aspect to the reading you share with children in your life, this is a great choice. It should be noted that religion is a main element of the legend, and the flower is a result of a miracle, an answer to a little girl's prayer to be able to provide an acceptable offering to her Savior.
Dear Tomie dePaola. . . .he captured this legend of how the poinsettia came to be, and I am thankful. The world lost him just this terrible year (2020). Poinsettias are popular in our family, and so is Christmas. It was natural to grab this off the library shelf for a read to my group.
Unexpected words needed explaining. A delightful sprinkling of Spanish, which I'm ever eager to do, pulling out my years-spent-in-Spanish-classes experience; and those related to a Catholic upbringing - which neither the reader or listeners have. . . so "mass" and "virgin" needed a quick review. And that last one, it needs all kinds of explaining when we are talking about Mary*the*Mother*of*Jesus. . . .she's not just your usual mother, or your usual virgin. So I breezed right over that one. We'll see what the fall-out is there, if any.
The book was well received, and we found wonderful pictures and types of poinsettias in the world to ooooo and aaaah over - and, bonus, I was able to share the fun fact that not only was I married their grandfather in the corner of the living room of one set of listeners, because it was Dec 23rd, our wedding flowers were . . . . .poinsettias! All shades available - red, white, pink and a slightly greeny-yellow.
If you want to add a "round-the-world" aspect to the reading you share with children in your life, this is a great choice. It should be noted that religion is a main element of the legend, and the flower is a result of a miracle, an answer to a little girl's prayer to be able to provide an acceptable offering to her Savior.
December 5, 2020
Such a touching story of Christmas magic. Also interesting to learn why it is called a poinsettia!
October 17, 2017
Awards: n/a
Appropriate grade level(s):kindergarten-3rd grade
Summary: Lucida is a young Mexican girl who is helping her mother make a blanket to cover the figure of Baby Jesus on Christmas. One day, Lucida's mom falls ill so she tries to fix the blanket herself, only to end up tangling it. But with the wisdom of an old mysterious women, Lucida realizes any gift is beautiful and blesses her village with la Flor de Nochebuena- the Flower of the Holy Night- the poinsettia.
Review: I thought this was such a heart warming book. Many children celebrate Christmas so I think it is good for them to hear a story about a Christmas legend from another country. This book has small Spanish words throughout the story so children are also learning a little bit about the Spanish language as they read.
In-class uses:
-Small Spanish vocabulary
-Christmas around the world
-Mexican culture
Appropriate grade level(s):kindergarten-3rd grade
Summary: Lucida is a young Mexican girl who is helping her mother make a blanket to cover the figure of Baby Jesus on Christmas. One day, Lucida's mom falls ill so she tries to fix the blanket herself, only to end up tangling it. But with the wisdom of an old mysterious women, Lucida realizes any gift is beautiful and blesses her village with la Flor de Nochebuena- the Flower of the Holy Night- the poinsettia.
Review: I thought this was such a heart warming book. Many children celebrate Christmas so I think it is good for them to hear a story about a Christmas legend from another country. This book has small Spanish words throughout the story so children are also learning a little bit about the Spanish language as they read.
In-class uses:
-Small Spanish vocabulary
-Christmas around the world
-Mexican culture
July 4, 2017
Another beautiful version of the origins of the poinsettia but emphasized with the gorgeous work of Tomie dePaola.
The illustrations match the rest of his work - soft, colorful and full of details. His cultural attention to detail puts you into Mexico.
The writing is simple to read and the very few rare time he uses Spanish there is an in-story definition.
All in all a good book for those who are fans of the author and/or a fan of Christmas legends.
The illustrations match the rest of his work - soft, colorful and full of details. His cultural attention to detail puts you into Mexico.
The writing is simple to read and the very few rare time he uses Spanish there is an in-story definition.
All in all a good book for those who are fans of the author and/or a fan of Christmas legends.
October 14, 2018
The legend of how the poinsettia came to be. It's also a powerful story of a little girl's humble love for Jesus.
February 8, 2023
A sweet legend of the poinsettia and a child's Christmas gift to baby Jesus.
October 8, 2022
I love how Tomie dePaola researches various cultural legends to explain flowers like the Indian Paintbrush and the Poinsettia. This is a Christmas story where a Mexican girl has no gift to bring the baby Jesus so she gathers green weeds to decorate the manger as her gift given from the heart with love. The poinsettia blooms for Jesus as a miracle of beauty. This is a beautiful Christmas story and I always enjoy Tomie’s colorful innocent childlike illustrations.
October 28, 2016
Nice change of pace for those looking beyond traditional Christmas lit fare about trees, Santa, and the like.Although I like Tomie dePaola's illustrations they are forever associated with Strega Nona so I keep expecting to see pages covered in oodles of noodles.
January 1, 2017
This was the first time I read this story and it was so great! The illustrations make the story as well. Will become a traditional story to read every year from now on.
November 18, 2020
I love Tomie dePaola's books and this one is no exception. It's lovely.
December 3, 2018
A lovely book and a lovely legend. My 2yr old has wanted to read this again and again.
January 1, 2020
A bit too generic.
April 20, 2022
Breathtaking story about poinsettias and why it became so famous
January 4, 2024
The vibrant colors and something of a folk art style make very attractive illustrations. I wasn’t familiar with this sweet story from Mexican culture about the flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night).
November 28, 2012
In the Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola, a young girl named Lucida and her mother were asked to weave a new blanket to cover Baby Jesus in the Christmas procession. Her mother becomes very sick and she had to finish the blanket by herself. She tried and tried but the yarn kept getting tangled in the loom. She had ruined the blanket and no one could fix it in time.
Since she could not give Baby Jesus the blanket she grabbed the only thing that she could find which were green weeds. She was worried that her gift would not be good enough because it appeared to be only weeds. She did not want to let her mother and family down and she knew she must present a gift. She laid them by statue of Baby Jesus and all of the sudden they bloomed into beautiful, red poinsettias. The poinsettias looked like giant stars and they lit up the town. The people named them la Flor de Nochebuena which means the Flower of the Holy Night or poinsettia. Even though she could not finish the blanket she still gave Baby Jesus a wonderful gift that came from her heart.
One of the themes for this book could be that gifts do not have to be expensive they just need to come from the heart. The monetary value and appearance do not matter. Lucinda gave Baby Jesus what looked to be weeds but turned out to be beautiful poinsettias. Another theme could be the importance of family. Lucinda’s mother became very sick but she took care of her brother and sister. She also tried to finish the blanket that her mother and she had worked so hard on. She tried to make her mother proud and she did even though she did not finish the blanket. She gave the Baby Jesus the only thing she had to give.
Since she could not give Baby Jesus the blanket she grabbed the only thing that she could find which were green weeds. She was worried that her gift would not be good enough because it appeared to be only weeds. She did not want to let her mother and family down and she knew she must present a gift. She laid them by statue of Baby Jesus and all of the sudden they bloomed into beautiful, red poinsettias. The poinsettias looked like giant stars and they lit up the town. The people named them la Flor de Nochebuena which means the Flower of the Holy Night or poinsettia. Even though she could not finish the blanket she still gave Baby Jesus a wonderful gift that came from her heart.
One of the themes for this book could be that gifts do not have to be expensive they just need to come from the heart. The monetary value and appearance do not matter. Lucinda gave Baby Jesus what looked to be weeds but turned out to be beautiful poinsettias. Another theme could be the importance of family. Lucinda’s mother became very sick but she took care of her brother and sister. She also tried to finish the blanket that her mother and she had worked so hard on. She tried to make her mother proud and she did even though she did not finish the blanket. She gave the Baby Jesus the only thing she had to give.
October 12, 2017
The Legend of the Poinsettia is a story about a little girl named Lucida who is growing up in the mountains of Mexico with her family. As Christmastime approached, the priest of their church cam up to Lucida's mother and asks her to weave a new blanket for the Baby Jesus in the Christmas procession. Lucinda's mother agreed gladly and included that her daughter will help her. One day right before Christmas Eve, Lucida was told that her mother had fallen ill and she needed to go home to be with her brother and sister. Lucida was sad she was unable to finish the blanket because her family would not have any gift to present for the procession. Right before the event, Lucida was hiding when a woman came up to her and told her that any gift given is beautiful. Lucida grabbed a handful of what appeared to be weeds to present, but turned out to be a beautiful red poinsettia.
The theme of this story includes family traditions, Multicultural insights, as well as the idea that giving a gift no matter what the content, is with good intention and love.
I connected with this book because I could understand how Lucida was feeling embarrassed that she was unable to give any sort of gift, however found that it's the thought that counts and not the specific gift itself.
I recommend this book because it gives children a chance to learn about Mexican culture around Christmastime and the importance of the act of giving.
The theme of this story includes family traditions, Multicultural insights, as well as the idea that giving a gift no matter what the content, is with good intention and love.
I connected with this book because I could understand how Lucida was feeling embarrassed that she was unable to give any sort of gift, however found that it's the thought that counts and not the specific gift itself.
I recommend this book because it gives children a chance to learn about Mexican culture around Christmastime and the importance of the act of giving.
October 27, 2020
This book was cute! I really liked the illustrations, since they weren't surprisingly, stereotypes, but instead felt like people I know, because Im myself am Mexican, so it felt real, and authentic. I also remember this book as a kid, and now I remember why it stuck with me, for a long time it was the only representation I had as a child, there were people like me-- darker skinned, tanned, who had dark hair, and didn't have features that were considered "beautiful" and so, rereading this book was a trip to the past for me, but a good one. It makes me want to help kids out there, who were like me, and who didn't have much representation growing up.
The reason why I didn't give this book five stars though is because just a few things, like, the story is nothing amazing, it's good, and helped educate me on legends I didn't know from my own culture, the illustrations were bright and colorful, and that's it. If I had one complaint, I wish the book had notes at the bottom of the page to translate certain phrases, instead of having the phrase in spanish and then translating it to english. I also wish that there would have been more terms of endearment used, instead of just mi nina, (my girl) um.. tbh, I don't know anyone who would say that? And just in my personal opinion a better phrase would've been mija, which just would've been culturally and contextually wise, since that is often used as a term of endearment and love. All in all, a wonderful book.
The reason why I didn't give this book five stars though is because just a few things, like, the story is nothing amazing, it's good, and helped educate me on legends I didn't know from my own culture, the illustrations were bright and colorful, and that's it. If I had one complaint, I wish the book had notes at the bottom of the page to translate certain phrases, instead of having the phrase in spanish and then translating it to english. I also wish that there would have been more terms of endearment used, instead of just mi nina, (my girl) um.. tbh, I don't know anyone who would say that? And just in my personal opinion a better phrase would've been mija, which just would've been culturally and contextually wise, since that is often used as a term of endearment and love. All in all, a wonderful book.
December 21, 2016
Awards: None
Grade Level: Kindergarten-2nd
Summary:
Lucida and her mom work very hard to weave a blanket for the baby JESUS in the towns nativity celebration. Lucida has to finish weaving the blanket because her mom gets sick. Lucida destroys the blanket by accident. Lucida is so ashamed that she goes and hides in the church on CHRISTMAS eve. There an old woman appears to Lucida and explains that any gift is a good gift. Lucida then puts palm trees around the manger which begin to turn into red flames, and look like the poinsettia flower.
Review:
I loved this story. I think that the moral of the story is that giving is the most important thing and not to worry if the gift is a good gift. This is a great moral lesson for young children to learn through a read aloud. There are a lot of words per page for this grade level, but as a teacher I think this would be a great read aloud for the class.
Possible In-class Uses:
1. Students could use poinsettia stencils to cut out flowers on construction paper, paint them red, add red glitter, and hang them around the room.
2. Students could write in their journal the best gift they ever received, but the only catch is that the gift cannot be materialistic. Students can then share with a partner.
Grade Level: Kindergarten-2nd
Summary:
Lucida and her mom work very hard to weave a blanket for the baby JESUS in the towns nativity celebration. Lucida has to finish weaving the blanket because her mom gets sick. Lucida destroys the blanket by accident. Lucida is so ashamed that she goes and hides in the church on CHRISTMAS eve. There an old woman appears to Lucida and explains that any gift is a good gift. Lucida then puts palm trees around the manger which begin to turn into red flames, and look like the poinsettia flower.
Review:
I loved this story. I think that the moral of the story is that giving is the most important thing and not to worry if the gift is a good gift. This is a great moral lesson for young children to learn through a read aloud. There are a lot of words per page for this grade level, but as a teacher I think this would be a great read aloud for the class.
Possible In-class Uses:
1. Students could use poinsettia stencils to cut out flowers on construction paper, paint them red, add red glitter, and hang them around the room.
2. Students could write in their journal the best gift they ever received, but the only catch is that the gift cannot be materialistic. Students can then share with a partner.
October 15, 2017
The Legend of the Poinsettia is a touching tale about young Lucida and her gift to baby Jesus. In the beginning of the story, Lucida has the special duty of assisting her mama with making a new blanket for baby Jesus in the church manger. But then, mama falls ill. Lucida is unable to finish the blanket by herself and becomes upset that she has nothing to give baby Jesus. Then, a wise, old woman tells Lucida that Jesus will love anything Lucida gives him. So, in desperation, Lucida gathers weeds and lies them near the manger. Suddenly, the weeds turn into beautiful red poinsettias. This legend shows why the poinsettia is still such an important tradition and what giving a gift with love really means.
June 23, 2020
This story has always had a special place in my heart for two reasons. One, I was Stage Manager in a theatrical production of it, and dePaola was always one of my favorite children's book authors.
Lucida goes through quite a journey in this book. She learns the true value of giving, and how gifts don't have to be shiny or large. If it comes from the heart, and truly has meaning, that is the best gift in the world.
As with many of dePaola's tales this is also an origin story, of how the poinsettia came to be, and what it stands for. You are given a historical excerpt which also highlights this.
The illustrations are extraordinary. Very reflective of Mexican folklore, and old Mexican tradition. In bright, vivid colors and intense detail they beautifully portray the story.
Lucida goes through quite a journey in this book. She learns the true value of giving, and how gifts don't have to be shiny or large. If it comes from the heart, and truly has meaning, that is the best gift in the world.
As with many of dePaola's tales this is also an origin story, of how the poinsettia came to be, and what it stands for. You are given a historical excerpt which also highlights this.
The illustrations are extraordinary. Very reflective of Mexican folklore, and old Mexican tradition. In bright, vivid colors and intense detail they beautifully portray the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews