Last year I was very excited about The Night Before Christmas (Knopf, 2014). I am still excited about it and consider it a lovely new tradition to reread and "re-enjoy" this book. Roger Duvoisin's illustrative work is of particular interest to me, and his classic style is simply lovely. (Duvoisin won the Caldecott Medal in 1948 for White Snow, Bright Snow (Lothrop, 1947).
And this year, I am enjoying this picture book by Sonia Manzano (yes, Maria from Sesame Street!):
Manzano, Sonia. Miracle on 133rd Street. Illus. by Marjorie Priceman. New York, Atheneum, 2015. Print.
This very colorful picture book tells the story of José's family during the holiday season. José's mother is trying to cook a roast, but their oven is too small. His father gets the idea to ask the neighborhood pizzeria owner if they can borrow his oven. On the way down the stairs in the building, they meet up with their neighbors, each lamenting their holiday troubles (rambunctious children keeping mothers busy during holiday break, grandparents sad that their families cannot visit, parents dealing with the high cost of gift-buying, etc.) The roast is finally cooked, and in its pick-up and return, their holiday festivities take shape -- and also bring joy into their neighbors' Christmas Eve.
Priceman's illustrations are lively, feathery, and playful: José's family in their cozy apartment, bright patterns on clothing, characters floating in the air as they walk down city streets. Wispy swirls in white and light blue represent pleasant scents and aromas one can almost smell. Emotions are shown with on-the-mark facial expressions consisting of closed eyes, rosy cheeks, or a gaping mouth. The pizzeria owner is clearly joyful as he tosses pizza, and we see that through a declarative smile under a curly mustache. Pets are part of the story (look for them in each scene), whether as terrified cats escaping playful children, or a scared dog hiding under a blanket, reflecting his owner's fear of leaving his apartment at night. Tall, bright city buildings are the backdrop for many of the scenes, but only after the neighbors begin to connect; the world opens up to them as they reach out. And as these city dwellers bond on a cold holiday night, the city becomes more welcoming. And so does the world.
Manzano's story is uplifting, a light fun trail to follow. But José's family is sharing a message, too -- finding joy through friendships, and immediately making everyone's day better with one kind invitation. The pace is bouncy and moves readers along at a perfect speed: we enjoy the adventure, but the treasure of the story stays with us. Readers will fall into a delightful rhythm as they turn each page. In its entire package, Miracle on 133rd Street becomes a holiday experience that readers can enjoy each year and be inspired by as well.
Read more about Sonia Manzano's books here.
Marjorie Priceman won a Caldecott Honor Medal for Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin.