This has been one of my family's very favorite picture books since our oldest was a toddler. It is a beautiful re-telling of a beautiful story with illustrations that complement it nicely and which are very appealing to children. I especially like Tomie de Paola's attention to detail. It's informative enough to be interesting even for adults.

The story tells of Mary's apparitions to an Indian convert, Juan Diego, in Mexico, in 1531. She asked Juan Diego to tell the bishop that she wished a church to be built. On his second visit, the bishop asked Juan to ask "the lady" for a sign. Mary sends Juan back to the bishop with fresh cut roses - even though it's the middle of December. When Juan opens his tilma (like a cloak) to show the roses to the bishop, they discover that Our Lady's image has been miraculously imprinted on his tilma. This tilma has remained intact and is displayed even today in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

The author also avoids some of the mistakes and biases often present in renditions of the story. By explaining how the Bishop interrogated Juan Diego and carefully recorded all the details, the author makes it clear that this story is not a legend, but an actual occurence. (A note following the story also gives information about the miraculous condition of the tilma today - which is amazingly intact after more than 400 years.) The author also seems to have avoided any politically correct bias. I was particularly impressed with his portrayal of the bishop who was a very holy man with a genuine concern for all the people of Mexico.

Queen Isabella (the Catholic) of Spain is one of the most influential and controversial women in history. She and her husband were responsible for supporting Columbus' voyages to the New World, the re-conquering of all of Spain from the Moors, the expulsion of the Jews, and the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition. Her daughter, Catherine of Aragon, was the unfortunate first wife of King Henry VIII of England (who founded the Anglican church because he didn't accept the Pope's refusal to grant him an annulment of his marriage to Catherine). The story is fast-paced and gripping (as well as complex), but also very sad and even disturbing at times. It's an important period of history for Catholic to understand as many aspects of this story are frequently used to attack the Church. Reading the whole story will also dispel some common myths about history in general – particularly ones that try to make blanket statements about history and assumptions that as history progresses things always get worse.

Recommended for upper high school or adult.

To celebrate Christmas, in addition to baking Christmas cookies, setting up the manger scene, decorating the tree, and numerous other seasonal activities, we also like to pause in out preparations to cozy up together and read good books that encapsulate the true meaning of Christmas. The Last Straw by Frederick H. Thury is one such book.

Hoshmakaka is a grumpy, old camel, who would rather do anything than carry gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Bethlehem. He is sleeping peacefully one night when he is visited by voices informing him that the wise men have chosen him for this task. He balks at the idea, providing feeble excuses, but when a furious wind blows the sand, he changes his mind.

The next day as the servants of the wise men are placing the precious gifts on his back a group of young, admiring camels comments that he must be very special. His pride puffed up, he brags that he is “as strong as ten horses” and then allows the young camels to accompany him along the journey. This could be his downfall. Will they find out the truth?

Along the way, one after another person or animal begs Hoshmakaka to carry a gift to the newborn king, creating a mountainous pile on his back. Finally, he comes within sight of Bethlehem. Feeling the strain of the weight, he doubts he will make it when a small voice asks him to carry one more gift for the baby.

Can he do it? Will he make it?

The pictures are delightful. My children enjoyed picking out the gifts piling up on his back. It has also become a familiar line in our home to say, “My joints, my gout, my sciatica.” And the ending is superb! All ages will enjoy this wonderful story.