Hooray, It's Three Kings Day!

This book was a really nice read and would be perfect as a Christmas present as the holiday falls on January 6th, after Christmas. The colour and images were bright and very well done. The illustrations were perfect. I liked that this book teaches you about a holiday, one I had only heard about and never knew of. There is also a glossary and a recipe at the back which I think is a really nice touch at the end. A lovely, heartwarming yet educational book.

A heartwarming story of a little girl named Sofia, who is learning how to celebrate Three Kings Day. When Sofia's abuela brings her santos of the three wise men, she teaches Sofia how to use them in her holiday decorations, inching them closer each day to the manger. When it's finally Three Kings' Eve, Sofia's abuela teaches her another tradition: taking a shoebox, leaving grass inside for the wise men's camels, and waking up to small gifts and candy! Along with adorable illustrations, wonderfully weaved throughout the story is a sense of gratitude and the warmth of loved ones gathering during the holiday season.

(The end notes also include a Spanish glossary, as well as a recipe for chocolate coquito - Puerto Rican eggnog!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love children's books that teach about other cultures and bring the flavors and colours of various festivities. Although we recognize Three Kings Day in my country, we do not celebrate it as such and I had no idea it has such a tradition in Puerto Rico, Mexico and other countries. I loved the tradition of moving the wooden kings closer to Bethlehem for 12 days and the custom with the shoebox! I am infinitely grateful for books like this, as they give me a great opportunity to teach my two little ones about other cultures in an accessible and beautiful form. The illustrations are superb. I also very much appreciate the recipe at the end - it will be a perfect thing to make together with the kids to celebrate the Three Kings Day after Christmas.

Thank you so much to Familius and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Three Kings day is a special celebration following the story of the three kings as they went to Bethlehem to visit the baby Christ on the 6th January and how their kindness, generosity and love was spread all around. This story follows little Sofia as she learns all about the kings for this special holiday.

What a beautiful picture book, this is an absolutely wonderful story to share with your children regardless of if it is your culture or religion, this story is beautiful and comes with so much love and warmth. It shares about the kindness of the men, the storyline of what happens after Christ was born, what it feels like celebrating with your whole family, who show up especially for this holiday and the magic of what the men and their camels drop off the morning of January 6th.

It’s so very educational as you are learning about this wonderful holiday, you also have more details in the back of the book. You are able to learn a little Spanish as some of the language is wonderfully used within it, with a glossary at the end. Or if you are fluent in Spanish there is a version written fully in Spanish.

The illustrations were just absolutely beautiful and detailed, you could see so much around the rooms which I loved, I also loved seeing Sofia move the three kings as they got closer as the twelves days went by of the holiday, it was so beautiful.

I do highly recommend this book, it was a beautiful read, it makes a perfect after Christmas read as then you can start enjoying this holiday or start learning about it and how others celebrate it. It brings the magic of this holiday to many children and adults that may not know it even exists.

I love the care, nostalgia and appreciation the book had on Puerto Rican culture, especially on a beautiful holiday like it's Three Kings' Day. The illustration is beautiful, it was an easy bilingual read for children and it holds a warm feeling for connecting with family. This is a pride of work to teach children the beauty of Puerto Rico's Christmas and the importance of sharing traditions in creative ways.

'Hooray, It's Three Kings Day!' is a delightfully informative and vibrant exploration into the holiday. The approach will engage children to be curious about the holiday and how it intertwines with other wintry holidays. The illustrations are filled with warmth and softness replicating that of the familial traditions. Such a lovely read.

What a sweet story celebrating family, tradition and the art of storytelling. It’s not only a charming tale of a girl’s bond with her Abuela at the holidays, it’s also a lesson in considering your family’s past and maintaining the future. This story encourages children to think about heirloom gifts as more than just fun or special, but also as pieces of a family legacy that they can carry on.
The illustrations were absolutely beautiful and this book with hands-down have a place on our holiday shelf!

Thank you to Familius, the author and Net Galley for the ARC!

This was a beautifully written and illustrated story. I loved the vibrant colors. I also love all the different elements of the holiday that are discussed and highlighted.

I plan to read this with my children during the holiday season.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC copy. :)

Wow! This book was so super pretty; I adored the illustrations! It's a very simple picture book; I loved the connection to culture as well as religion, and the different holiday traditions and rituals represented. I wanted to pop into the story to see what the traditions looked like myself, and to learn more in-depth about the holiday.

While this isn't a holiday I celebrate, I always try to purchase/read books from different religions/cultures so the collection best represents the diverse community visiting the library.

Such a lovely story. Vibrant, cheerful illustrations. This is a book of The Three Kings and one family’s traditions. The author’s descriptions make it easy to picture the story unfolding in the mind’s eye. I was blessed with a free ARC, and am voluntarily leaving my review. Highly recommend as a permanent addition to your home library.

‘Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day!’ by Annette M. Clayton is a joyful celebration of the cultural and religious traditions surrounding Three Kings Day. The story captures the excitement and significance of the holiday, offering young readers a delightful introduction to this important festive occasion.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot follows the preparations and celebrations of Three Kings Day, highlighting the traditions, customs, and excitement that come with this special time of year. The story is engaging and educational, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the holiday's cultural importance. While the plot is straightforward and enjoyable, it might have benefited from a bit more depth to add further interest. Nonetheless, it effectively conveys the joy and significance of the occasion.

Character: ★★★★★
The characters in ‘Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day!’ are vibrant and relatable, bringing the story to life. Through their interactions and experiences, readers get a sense of the warmth and togetherness that the holiday fosters. The characters are well-developed and embody the spirit of family, community, and celebration, making it easy for children to connect with them and understand the emotions tied to the holiday.

Illustrations: ★★★★★
The illustrations are a standout feature of this book. They are colourful and lively, beautifully capturing the festive atmosphere of Three Kings Day. The artwork complements the narrative perfectly, adding richness and visual appeal that enhances the overall reading experience. Young readers are likely to be captivated by the detailed and culturally authentic depictions of the celebrations.

Engagement: ★★★★★
‘Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day!’ is highly engaging, keeping readers interested from start to finish. The combination of a culturally rich storyline, relatable characters, and stunning illustrations makes it a book that children will want to return to again and again. The story’s pacing is well-suited for its audience, maintaining attention and enthusiasm throughout.

Readability: ★★★★★
The language and style of the book are perfectly suited for its intended audience, making it an easy and enjoyable read for children. The text is clear, concise, and accessible, while also introducing readers to new concepts and vocabulary related to the holiday. The readability of the book ensures that young readers can easily follow along and fully immerse themselves in the story.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
Overall, ‘Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day!’ is an enjoyable and heartwarming read. The book succeeds in both educating and entertaining its audience, making it a valuable addition to any child’s bookshelf. While the plot is simple, the vibrant characters, beautiful illustrations, and cultural significance of the story make it a highly enjoyable experience. Some readers might wish for a bit more complexity in the storyline, but the book’s charm and warmth more than make up for it.


‘Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day!’ by Annette M. Clayton is a delightful celebration of a beloved holiday, offering young readers a joyful and educational experience. The book’s vibrant characters, stunning illustrations, and engaging narrative make it a standout choice for families looking to introduce children to the cultural and religious traditions of Three Kings Day. It’s a book that will bring warmth and joy to readers, making it a perfect read for the holiday season and beyond.

I thought that this was a really lovely book that would easily be a family treasure and keepsake.

I thought that the story in this book was wonderful, it was well written, had a lovely flow to the story and the illustrations in the book were stunning and really brought the book to life.

I loved the story and the celebration and family traditions and I can't wait to read this book again over the festive period.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

Such a wonderful book. I love learning and sharing how different cultures celebrate a holiday. It expands the minds of little children and helps them be more open and accepting of how one celebrates a holiday. This is definitely a book that I will add to my class library. The pictures are so cute as well, it helps kids stay engaged.

A book about a joyful celebration of both culture and family!

Annette Clayton's "Hooray, It's The Three Kings Day," is a delightful and engaging book that offers a wonderful introduction to this festive celebration and to Spanish culture. It highlights the importance of family traditions, and the bonds shared across generations. The book also includes a helpful glossary and an author's note that provides further context about the holiday, making it an invaluable resource for readers unfamiliar with these customs. With its vibrant and captivating illustrations, Jone Leal made sure that this book is sure to attract young readers (and also adults!) Ideal for children ages 5-8.

Book Review: Hooray, It's Three Kings Day!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As I sat down to read Hooray, It's Three Kings Day! by Annette M. Clayton, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. This picture book is not just a story; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the rich traditions surrounding Three Kings Day, and it does an incredible job of capturing the essence of this festive occasion.

The story centers around Sofia and her beloved abuela, who brings her cherished wooden santos from Puerto Rico. Through their special tradition, we learn about the wise men who followed a star to find Baby Jesus. The warmth of family and the beauty of their culture come alive in every page, making it a joyful read that resonates deeply with anyone familiar with these customs. What I particularly loved was how Annette Clayton draws from her own experiences, making the narrative relatable and authentic.

Now, let’s talk about the illustrations by Jone Leal! Wow! The artwork is absolutely stunning—vibrant colors and lively scenes that perfectly encapsulate the festive spirit of Three Kings Day. Each illustration adds another layer to the story, making it visually engaging and enriching the overall reading experience. It’s one of those books where you can’t help but linger on each page, soaking in all the details.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is its educational element. It includes four pages of backmatter filled with traditional recipes, a Spanish glossary, and insights into how this holiday is celebrated in various countries. This makes it not only a delightful story but also a valuable resource for young readers eager to learn more about their cultural heritage.

In summary, Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day! is a joyful celebration that introduces children to the cultural and religious significance of this holiday. With relatable characters, an engaging storyline, and breathtaking illustrations, it’s a book that will surely become a staple in any young reader's holiday collection. Whether you're sharing it with your family or gifting it to a friend, it's an experience that will bring warmth and joy to the season. Highly recommend!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️