The Santero's Miracle: A Bilingual Story

By Rudolfo Anaya and Amy Córdova

Book Overview

In this bilingual story of faith, Don Jacobo has a dream that, in the end, is a reminder that miracles do happen. Jacobo is teaching his visiting grandson Andr?s how to become a santero. Christmas is coming, snow is falling in the village, and the two are working on a carving of San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers.

The half-finished carving stands in the living room beside the two oxen and the angel that don Jacobo carved earlier in the month. The snow-covered mountains are beautiful, but the road to the village is impassable. Andr?s's parents will not be able to get to the house for the holiday, and Jacobo's neighbor Leopoldo is desperately ill but cannot get to the hospital.

Then comes Jacobo's dream; San Isidro is plowing with the two oxen and the angel is helping. "But we don't plow 'til April," don Jacobo muses upon awakening. "What does it mean?" The night had been bitterly cold and don Jacobo must bundle up to go to the barn to feed his cows and chickens. As he steps outside, he can hardly believe his eyes. The snow-packed road is clear.

Rudolfo Anaya's story of the power of faith, hope, and love will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826328474
• ISBN13: 9780826328472
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.3" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Northern New Mexico traditions and culture

The Santero's Miracle is a very sweet story that captures the culture and traditions of Northern New Mexico. The persons who carve saints (santeros) are highly regarded here. Many families have a multi-generational tradition of carving. This story illustrates the unique culture that developed in the remote mountains of Northern New Mexico. This is a rare place in America. The illustrations are exquisite. It doesn't matter what religious tradition the reader practices -- this is a story for everyone.

A Christmas tale about the power of miracles

Award-winning author and illustrator team Rudolfo Anaya and Amy Cordova present The Santero's Miracle: A Bilingual Story, an English/Spanish Christmas tale about the power of miracles. Don Jacobo is teaching his visiting grandson Andres how to become a santero; the two of them are working on a carving of San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers. Due to the great snowfall, Andres' parents cannot come home in time for the holiday, and don Jacobo's neighbor, don Leopoldo, is severely ill but cannot reach the hospital. Then don Jacobo dreams of a miracle: San Isidro plowing with two oxen and and an angel helping. The meaning of the dream brings about a reminder of the power of compassion, faith, and love. The bright color illustrations practically leap off the page in this joyful and uplifting story meant to be shared.