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“Grandma makes tamales by the dozens to bring Christmas cheer for la familia. …Inspired by his real-life grandmother’s seasonal efforts, Briseño presents a series of cozy vignettes that focus on Latine familial love, narrated by an unnamed young child. …Boasting a vibrant palette of rich, earthy colors, Sánchez’s digital artwork superbly captures the tenderness and serenity of each scene. …When Grandma wraps up her last tamales for the season, the real significance of the holiday emerges.”

– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Tamales For Christmas

Written by Stephen Briseño
Illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
Published by Random House Studio

Before the first Christmas light is strung, Grandma is hard at work, making thousands of tamales to ensure gifts for her family. This heartwarming tale, based on a true story, explores a grandmother’s boundless generosity, and the irresistible magic of tamales.

When the weather changes, but way before the Christmas tree is decorated, Grandma prepares. With so many children and grandchildren in her family, she finds a way to put gifts under the tree— she sells as many tamales as she can! Masa in one hand, corn husks in the other, Grandma’s just getting started. 15 tamales. As Halloween passes, and Thanksgiving, Grandma is still toiling away in the kitchen: 150 tamales, 700 tamales, 850 tamales. When it’s time to string the lights for Christmas, she’s inching closer to 1000 tamales! Enough to give to those in need and pack the tree with gifts for her loved ones.

Based on the author’s own grandmother, who was the heart of the familia, here is a warm story about Christmas, generosity, and, yes, tamales.

Look for the Spanish version, Tamales para Navidad.

Primary ISBN: 9780593647813
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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