Countdown for Nochebuena - by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom

About the Book

"A celebration of Christmas Eve"--Cover.

Book Synopsis

Celebrate the Latine traditions of Christmas Eve with this joyful story that counts up to twelve and back down again.

Also available in a shorter board book edition.

This charming, bouncy text that alternates between English and Spanish and counts holiday elements like dancers, singers, and special foods up to twelve--to midnight, when Christmas Eve turns to Christmas and presents are opened!--and back down again, pairs perfectly with its illustrative context clues. In this story, family members young and old are excited to gather in their best festive clothes to celebrate Nochebuena, a Christmas Eve celebration for Latine people around the world. Simple yet lyrical text inspired by the author-illustrator's Cuban American heritage combines with a warm art style perfect for celebrating the holiday.

Review Quotes

Praise for Tumble:
An American Library Association Notable Children's Book of 2024


"Bergstrom's story is told in short, rhyming couplets paired with rich, earthy illustrations. ...Dusted with a hint of whimsy, this playful primer on desert life is perfect for all libraries."--School Library Journey, starred review

"Simple prose and spare scenes successfully convey desert ecology through the experiences of a humble 'tumble.'"--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"What a journey this is. While the text is simple...the life forms that the plant encounters are complex. ...Deceptively simple yet wondrous."--Kirkus, starred review

Praise for Countdown for Nochebuena:
LA Times Best Books to Read During the Holidiays by Latinx Authors
Publishers Weekly 2023 Holiday Books for Kids

"With sweet imagery, this simple counting book that celebrates family, friends, and Christmas will appeal to children and adults."--School Library Journal

"An emphasis on the joy of being together radiates from the pages."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Adriana Hernández-Bergstrom is an up-and-coming Cuban American mixed-media author-illustrator and designer. Her debut picture book was Abuelita and I Make Flan. She received a Walter Dean Myers Grant from We Need Diverse Books and was chosen as a WNDB Mentee in illustration. She studied industrial design at RISD and printmaking and theatre production at the University of Miami. Adriana lived in Germany for many years and speaks English, Spanish, and German.