Shirley J. Juvenile Literature The story behind the Pointsettia, its name and Christmas affiliation
The Legend of the Pointsettia by Tomie dePaola 32 pages
The story behind the Pointsettia takes place in Mexico. When a little girl has no gift to present to the baby Jesus at Church on Christmas Eve she sees weeds growing along the road, she picks up an armload and places them at the altar saying a prayer that her gift will be accepted. Her eyes are closed and as she hears gasps behind her she opens her eyes to see the weeds have become beautiful red star plants. The name Pointsettia came from the surname of the man who introduced them to America. A good telling with magnificent colorful illustrations. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the stories behind the symbols of holidays and especially to little ones to be read to and anyone really who enjoys a good story.
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