Abuela

Abuela. Arthur Durros. Illus. by Elisa Kleven. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 1991. 38 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-525-44750-4. Grades K-4. English with some Spanish.

“What if I could fly?” ponders the young Rosalba as she imagines herself flying with her wise and experienced abuela over the sites of New York City. Together they soar next to the Statue of Liberty, on top of the waves, down to the docks, over the streets and in to the clouds. Arthur Dorros mixes Spanish vocabulary and Latino culture in to a magical story of imagination that readers will find themselves absorbed in. While the clear, animated text teaches Spanish and excites the imagination, the colorful and extremely detailed collages of Elisa Kleven give readers a glimpse in to Rosalba’s world and mind. Readers of all ages will discover worlds outside their own as they fly with Rosalba and her grandma. This adventure, great for story times or casual reading, would be a great addition to any collection. Recommended.