Missing snow and the familiar Christmas traditions of her mother’s family, Nina is apprehensive about spending the holiday with her dad’s relatives in Miami’s Little Havana. Her abuela , Mimi, reassures her by letting her know she is needed to help with the preparations for La Noche Buena , or Christmas Eve. Over the course of three days, Nina peels garlic and onions and makes countless trips to her uncle’s house with marinade for the roasting pig. By the time La Noche Buena arrives, Nina feels like she belongs. She’s also more than ready to feast on the delicious meat, fruit, seafood, beans, and rice, and attend Misa del Gallo (Rooster’s Mass). Illustrator Angela Dominguez’s colorful acrylic artwork and author Antonio Sacre’s cheerful narrative are a perfect pairing in story about a child who finds comfort and joy in the embrace and traditions of her Cuban American family. (Ages 5–9)