The Legend of the Poinsettia

Written by Tomie dePaola

A girl's selfless gift transforms a humble flower into a Christmas legend.

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,394 ratings

32 pages· 1,217 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud· AD680L

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Bookroo's summary

In a vibrant Mexican village, young Lucida faces a Christmas dilemma. With nothing to offer the Christ Child, she discovers the true essence of giving. Her humble gift transforms into the radiant poinsettia, lighting up the countryside with its red stars. As Lucida learns what makes a gift truly beautiful, the legend of the poinsettia is born. Will her unselfish act inspire others to see beyond appearances? This enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of selfless love, set against the colorful backdrop of Mexican traditions.

From the publisher

In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up 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 also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 1,217
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD680L

Themes & topics

Books about flowers Books about Christmas Books about holidays Books about culture Books about Mexico

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.9

out of 7

6.0

“Another childhood favorite! Tomie dePaola's signature illustrations are gorgeous, and beautifully detail this legend of how the Poinsettia came to be through the earnest desire of a young girl to have a gift for the baby Jesus. Even non-readers can enjoy this story, purely through the illustrations because they are so detailed and full of emotion. The little bits of Mexican heritage and culture that shine through in both the story and the illustrations are engaging and give an added authenticity to the book.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

6.0

“This is a great story about the legend of how the poinsettia came to be celebrated around the Christmas season. I love that it stems from a little girl who was trying her best to give the best gift she could at the manger, and that her gift was made beautiful. I especially loved the message that any gift is beautiful because it is given. The illustrations are also beautiful.”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

The author