The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Gr 1–3—The author pays loving tribute to Mexico's Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the most noted appearance of the Virgin Mary in the Americas, framing this story with a family's sharing traditions surrounding the celebration of her feast day, December 12. Grandma Lupita and her granddaughters create yellow, orange, and red paper roses and bake rose cookies to commemorate Our Lady's appearance to a poor man in the hills near Mexico City in 1531. A jewel-toned palette presents both expressive faces and the warmth of Mexican mountain landscapes. The story moves with ease from full-page illustrations of a contemporary family to the narrated story; patterned frames surround scenes from the historical tale while a folk-art motif dances across the page under the text. An author's note explains the history and tradition of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A respectful balance of religion, history, and faith that begins with a child's questioning voice.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX