Pablo wants to bring from his parents' bakery something that reflects his culture. But Pablo is confronted in a dilemma: Should he bring a Mexican treat, which reflects his mother's culture or a Jewish, pastry that reflects dad's? Pablo has a hard time deciding between a pan dulce and a challah. Pablo finally decides on a jalapeno bagel - a pleasant mixture of both mom and dad's cultures. Natasha Wing's heart-warming story of a mixed family simply makes the book more appealing to both parents and children. Jalapeno Bagels is a rarity among picture books as it will of tremendous interest to those who search for materials to teach kids about ethnically diverse families. The appendices provide glossary of terms in Spanish and Yiddish. What really makes me happy is that the book comes with recipe for jalapeno bagels. Robert Casilla's water-colored paintings authenticate the characters.

This story is about a young boy who is asked to bring something to school for "International Day". He is asked by his teacher to bring something that reflects his culture. His mother suggests that he help out in their family bakery to aid him in making his decision. He could not decide between his mother's Mexican or his father's Jewish baked goods. To the surprise of his parents, the boy decides to take in jalapeno bagels. When his father asks him "Why jalapeno bagels?", his son replies "Because they are a mixture of both of you. Just like me."

I feel this book is very important for the classroom library because it is a wonderful portrayal of a diverse ethnic family. There is also a glossary of Spanish and Yiddish terms for children to learn and recipes from an authentic Mexican-Jewish bakery. The illustrations of bright watercolors help to enhance the richness of the story. It is well written and holds the reader's interest with new words from different languages.

I read a relative's copy of this book to my three year old daughter, five months ago, and she is still talking about it. The artwork is unique enough that you find something new in it every time you look at it. The rhymes are easy to read and are interesting to the young child. Her attention span was quite long with this book, thanks to the author and illustrator. A book well worth the investment.

A charming Easter tale sure to delight young and old alike. Children will love looking for the eggs hidden in the pictures and listening to the rhythmic language; adults will smile at the new and original twists on this Easter time take-off of the well-loved Twas the Night Before Christmas. The perfect Easter basket gift!

The idea of the monsters getting ready for Haloween was great. I loved the book. I bought 10 copies and gave them to friends and relatives. They had received the Night Before Easter Book and were looking forward to the continuation of the next Night Before series. We are anxiously awaiting The Night Before Valentines Day.

What a fun book! With the familiar syntax of Clement Moore's "'Twas the Night before Christmas", this story combines the hectic pace of preperation with all the familiar elements of the big day. From cooking to relatives to football to the parades, my 6 year old delights in the families preperations.
The story promotes togetherness as family and includes a pause to give thanks for what they have.
The illustations are colorful and a delight to our youngsters eyes.

This is both my daughter's and my favorite Christmas book. We read it every night. It rhymes, is funny and has beautiful illustrations.

I like the way the book begins, with children thinking and wondering about kindergarten, the night before school begins. But the book then turns to the mommies and daddies, who stand crying at the door on the first day of kindergarten. I didn't really want to give my daughter any ideas, as she was already a nervous wreck. The teacher assures the parents that everything will be fine, but I really didn't like this part of the book at all.

I bought this for my 2 year old who was starting Preschool and she LOVES it! It has darling illustrations, a cute story and a happy ending.....I recommend this one!

I bought this book for my granddaughter and for a friend's child who is entering kindergarten. Loved the idea of making children aware that this is a big step for them but somewhat bitter-sweet for their parents. Mentioned leaving their baby things behind as they go into the big school world. Pictures were very up to date--clothes, backpacks, school supplies. Very well done. I would extend the age range for appropriate readership through kindergarten age and not limit it to preschool.

I bought this book for my 2 year old to help her understand the whole Valentine concept and she really enjoys this book! The illustrations are darling and the story is really cute! Since she's a little young for it I improvise on the words. :) Cute book!