Reviews for El mejor regalo del mundo: La leyenda de la Vieja Bel�n

The average rating for El mejor regalo del mundo: La leyenda de la Vieja Bel�n based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2018-11-17 00:00:00 Simon Cain In her third picture-book for young readers, Julia Alvarez again turns to the folklore of her native Dominican Republic, this time focusing on the legend of La Vieja Belen - a kind-hearted old woman so busy cleaning and cooking that she cannot find the time to accompany the Three Kings on their visit to the Christ child. Regretting her decision shortly thereafter, La Vieja Belen sets out in pursuit, stopping at every home she meets to inquire after this "king of the poor," and leaving a gift for the children... I was delighted to come across this Dominican folktale, previously unknown to me, as it is almost identical to the Italian folk-legend of Old Befana (mentioned by Alvarez in her afterword), who also decides against accompanying the Three Kings, regrets it, and sets out to follow them. I enjoyed El mejor regalo del mundo principally for the glimpse it offered of an unfamiliar folk tradition, and wished (as I often do) that there were more information available about that tradition. Unfortunately, I was less thrilled by Alvarez's narrative itself. Told in both English and Spanish, the rhyming verse (in English - the only version I am able to read) was awkward and unconvincing, and I couldn't help wondering why the author didn't stick with the lovely prose that worked so well in The Secret Footprints . The illustrations by Ruddy Núñez were too cartoonish to appeal to me, and did little to relieve my sense of frustration. This is a fascinating story - I only wish that it had a better presentation!

Review # 2 was written on 2013-10-22 00:00:00 Shawn Steuer This narrative tells the story of an old Dominican folk tale about La Vieja Belen,who brings gift to the poor children in the country after The Three Kings have come. This tale tells of how La Vieja Belen got started, which happended when she met Los Tres Reyes Magos/The three Wise Men on their way to see the newborn King, Jesus. They asked La Vieja Belen to join them, to which she responds she will follow later on. A week later she gathers her things and tries to find the newborn King, who she could not find, so every time she found a poor child during her search she left them a gift in case it was the newborn King she was looking for. La Vieja Belen still searches to try and find him and every year a week after Los Tres Reyes Magos have left children gifts, La Vieja Belen comes along and does the same. As a teacher this is something that I can use in my classroom to show how other countries, in particular Hispanic countries, have different characters as part of their traditions. This would be a great story for any child in the class who happens to be Dominican to learn about this Dominican tradition as it is a story that not many hear recently because of the focus on Santa Claus. I myself had not heard of this story and I am very glad that I read this book and found a bit more about my country of origin. The book is both in English and Spanish, which is a great way to expose my students to a different language. Both the author and the illustrator are from the Dominican Republic and this makes the story even more authentic because it is a story that they both grew up listening to and one that they want to make sure gets carried on. This text further shows the diversity of different Hispanic countries. My favorite line in the book and a good message for the kids to take away from it is that "of the gifts you can give, your time is the best".