Mediopollito/Half-Chicken

Mediopollito/Half-Chicken. Alma Flor Ada. Illus. by Kim Howard. New York: Delacorte Press, 1995. 37 pages. $15.95 (Hardback). ISBN 0-385-32044-2. Grades K- 3. Bilingual.

Do you know why there are roosters on weather vanes? You will after reading this traditional Mexican folktale retold by Alma Flor Ada. Mediopollito, or Half-Chicken, was born with only one leg, one wing, one eye, and half of the feathers as other chicks. Rather than shun this unique animal, everyone was in awe of him. Mediopollito liked this and went to show himself to the Mexican viceroy. On the way he helped water, fire, and wind; and these new friendships were responsible for saving his life and for the rooster on the weather vane. This traditional, yet silly tale is enriched by the bright, two-dimensional illustrations of Kim Howard. The pictures give the farm animals, town’s people, and elements new life and will draw readers in. This bilingual story also encourages the sharing of the tale in two languages, making it a great addition to a bilingual collection. Recommended.

Little Night

Little Night. Yuyi Morales. Illus. by Yuyi Morales. New Milford: Roaring Book Press, 2007. 30 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 1-59643-088-5. Grades Pre K-2. English. .

At the end of the day when most parents are getting their children ready for bed, Mother Sky is getting her daughter Little Night ready to rise and shine.  Little Night is not ready to come out from her hiding places and fill the sky just yet, however. While Mother Sky fills a tub with falling stars, find a dress crocheted from clouds, and prepares a glass of the Milky Way’s creamiest stars Little Night hides in the blueberry fields and behind the hills. Pura Belpré Award winner Yuyi Morales introduces magical realism in this story full of celestial imagery, playtime, and mother-daughter bonding. The rich illustrations in pinks, purples, reds, and browns set a dreamy, sleepy scene. While Little Night is winding up, readers will surely find their eyes heavy with sleep. Little Night is a magical bedtime story to be enjoyed by children and parents alike. Recommended.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. Yuyi Morales. Illus. by Yuyi Morales. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2003. 32 pages. $15.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-8118-3758-0. Grades K-3. English with some Spanish.

It’s time for Grandma Beetle’s birthday party, but an unexpected guest, Señor Calavera, arrives with different plans. This very skinny, though polite depiction of death insists Grandma Beetle go with him. Unfortunately for Señor Calavera, Grandma Beetle is very busy, but is willing to go in “just a minute.” Just a minute actually turns in to ten brightly illustrated tasks that depict the rich Latino culture of both award winning author illustrator Yuyi Morales and Grandma Beetle. Readers can practice counting from one to ten in English and Spanish as Grandma Beetle makes tortillas, stuffs piñatas, brews tea, and welcomes her grandchildren. Señor Calavera has such a blast he leaves looking forward to next year’s party. Both the text and detailed illustrations enrich reader’s minds, introducing culture, tradition, and numbers. This recipient of the Pura Belpré, Américas, and Tomás Rivera Book Awards is an excellent addition to any collection. Highly Recommended.

Chato's Kitchen

Chato’s Kitchen.  Gary Soto. Illus by Susan Guevara. New York: The Putnam and Grosset Group, 1997. Unpaged. $6.99 (Paperback). Grades K-2. English with some Spanish

Chato’s Kitchen. Gary Soto. Weston Woods, 2002. 9 minutes 57 seconds. $18.95 (Book and Audio CD). Grades K-2. English with some Spanish

Chato is the coolest low-riding, food loving cat in his East Los Angeles barrio. He thinks he is in luck when he sees his next meal, a family of five mice, move in next door. After he initially frightens his new neighbors he cleverly invites them over for a dinner party. Chato realizes the joke is on him when the ratoncitos bring Chroizo, their own low-riding dog friend along. Chato’s Kitchen is a funny, detailed, and culturally rich story that portrays life in the barrio in a fun, yet realistic way. Cheech Marin does an excellent job narrating the text, giving each of Gary Soto’s award winning characters an authentic, colorful and attention-getting voice. Susan Guevara’s bright, intricate images give the flowing text even more life, and will have readers thoroughly engaged. This audio kit is a great addition to any collection. Highly Recommended     

What Can You Do With a Rebozo?

What Can You Do With a Rebozo?.  Carmen Tafolla.  Illus. by Amy Córdova.  Berkley: Tricycle Pres, 2008.  32 pages.  $14.95 (Hardcover).  ISBN 978-1-582-46220-2.  Grades PreK-2. English.

What can you do with a rebozo? The young, female narrator of this story shares the culturally and personally significant activities in her life using her Mama’s rebozo, or large scarf. With this simple piece of cloth she finds strength, energy, superhero powers, comfort, warmth and love. Award Winning Mexican-American poet Carmen Tafolla draws readers in to this fun expression of Mexican culture using catchy rhymes and an upbeat childlike tone. The rich acrylics of seasoned illustrator Amy Córdova further engage the reader as they subtly incorporate Spanish language, traditional dress, style, and dance in a non-stereotypical way. While this simple story introduces a unique culture to readers, the everyday situations portrayed in the story can appeal to readers from all backgrounds and make them think of similar objects in their own lives. This is a great tool for story times and multicultural units. Highly Recommended.

Tomás and the Library Lady

Tomás and the Library Lady.  Pat Mora. Illus. by Raul Colón. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 1997. 32 pages. $17.00 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-679-90401-8.  Grades K-3. English with some Spanish.

 “En un tiempo pasado,” are words of magic that Tomás looks forward to hearing Papá Grande say to help pass the hot afternoons on the Iowa farm where his parents are field workers. When Tomás has learned all Papá’s stories his grandfather tells him of a special place where he can read and learn his own stories to share: the library. At the library Tomás meets a lady who introduces him to the fantastic worlds of dinosaurs, cowboys, and animals found in books. The Pura Belpré and Tomás Rivera Award winning Mora appeals to children's curiosity in order to incite a passion for the library and reading. The wonderfully unique illustrations of Raul Colón bring the stories Tomás reads to life and capture a child’s imagination. This story sheds light on the life of immigrant workers and encourages a lifelong love of reading. Recommended.

The Storyteller’s Candle: La velita de los cuentos

The Storyteller’s Candle: La velita de los cuentos.  Lucía González.  Illus. by Lulu Delacre.  San Francisco: Children’s Book Press, 2008.  32 pages.  $16.95 (Hardcover).  ISBN 978-0-89239-222-3.  Grades 3-5.  Bilingual.

Winter in Nueva York is very different than the warm, breezy ones that Hildamar and her family were used to in Puerto Rico. On an especially cold day before Christmas vacation began Hildamar’s family found a place to not only warm up, but a place to celebrate their favorite Puerto Rican holiday, El Día de los Reyes. This place was the public library where New York’s first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpré, welcomed everyone and introduced Spanish speakers to the wealth of materials and services available to them. Pura Belpré Award Honorees Lucía González and Lulu Delacre team together to depict and relay the inspirational story of Pura Belpré and all the good she did for the community. This bilingual story teaches Spanish language and Puerto Rican culture and traditions to readers in a delightful way. Recommended.

Papá and Me

Papá and Me. Arthur Dorros. Illus. by Rudy Gutierrez. New York: Harper Collins, 2008. 32 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-06-058156-5. Ages 4-8. English with some Spanish.

 “It will be a great day for Papá and me!” declares the young male narrator in this story of paternal love and admiration. As the sun rises so does the narrator’s excitement for day of fun ahead; and Papá does not disappoint. After Papá makes a delicious breakfast they begin their day. The pair sings, visits the park, watches birds, and races down the street. Dorros masterfully turns a simple father son outing in to an adventure filled with excitement. He eloquently mixes Spanish and English to create the dialog between father and son in a way that non-native Spanish speakers will understand and native speakers will appreciate. The bright, mural like illustrations of Pura Belpré Honoree Rudy Gutierrez set the tone for the story by blending symbols and the folk style of Latino culture the emotion of the young boy to create an aura of fantasy and reality. Recommended.

My Colors, My World / Mis colores, mi mundo

My Colors, My World / Mis colores, mi mundo. Maya Christina Gonzalez. Illus. by Maya Christina Gonzalez. San Fransisco: Children’s Book Press, 2007. 30 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-89239-221-6. Grades PreK-3. Bilingual.

My Colors, My World follows a young girl through her daily encounters with colors. Written in both English and Spanish, the story takes readers through the color spectrum from hot pink, “the color of the desert sunset,” to the dark blue of the night sky. Pura Belpré Honoree Maya Christina Gonzalez offers a relatable concept book that captures the observation and creativity of children. The writing flows smoothly and would lend itself to a read aloud lesson. The bright, shaded illustrations are also idea for display as they perfectly reflect the hues described in the text and offer scenes straight from the imagination. Readers will enjoy learning their colors in both languages and seeing them in new and unusual places in this story. Highly Recommended.

Marimba! Animales from A to Z

¡Marimba! Animales from A to Z. Pat Mora. Illus. by Doug Cushman. New York: Clarion Books, 2006. 32 pages. $16.00 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-618-19453-7. Pre K-3. English with some Spanish.

It’s just another day at the zoo until “the ting-tong of the marimba wakes all animales on cue.” As the sombrero wearing monkey plays his marimba, burros bray, coyotes conga, flamencos practice flamenco, koalas serve enchiladas, and rinocerontes rumba. This fun animal filled story teaches readers the alphabet while incorporating Latina culture and Spanish language. Multiple award winner Pat Mora smartly selects Spanish cognates to help readers learn words with familiar sounds and roots while also incorporating other markers of Latina culture. She also expertly uses rhyme and rhythm to pace the story with the music of the marimba and give it flavor. Illustrator Doug Cushman adds to the story by depicting the cultural fiesta with bright colors, animated double page spreads, and the animals’ detailed facial expressions that will surely have readers laughing and enjoying the story. Recommended. 

Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book

Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book.  Yuyi Morales.  New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2008.  32 pages.  $17.95 (Hardcover).  ISBN 978-1-59643-329-8.  Grades K-3.  English with some Spanish.

Señor Calavera has been looking forward to Grandma’s Beetle’s birthday since he first met the fiesta throwing character in Morale’s previous Pura Belpré Award winning trickster tale Just A Minute. Although Señor Calavera spends all morning getting spiffed up for the party he forgets one important detail: a present for Grandma Beetle. Fortunately the wise ghost of Zelmiro helps him find “the thing she would love the most.” Morales uses Señor Calavera’s quest for the perfect gift to teach the Spanish alphabet to readers in a fun and culturally enlightening way. The Spanish vocabulary introduced as gifts are defined in text as well as in the colorful, detailed illustrations. Both the fun story and beautiful illustrations not only entertain the readers, but serve as a cultural and linguistic smorgasbord for all readers; introducing complex vocabulary and unique cultural items like una historieta, una lotería, and rayuela. Highly Recommended.

Gracias/Thanks

Gracias/Thanks. Pat Mora. Illus. by John Parra. New York: Lee & Low Books, Inc., 2009. 32 pages. $17.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-1-60060-258-0. K-2. Bilingual.

From the moment the bright rays of the sun shine through his window until the moment a cricket plays him a lullaby, the young male narrator of Gracias/Thanks shows his appreciation for everything and everyone in his life. The exuberant observation of childhood gives a new twist to the universal message of thanks as even the smallest creatures and basic items get recognized. The English and Spanish texts flow naturally thanks to the imagery and figurative language employed by the award winning Mora. The acrylic, double paged masterpieces of award winning illustrator John Parra give the story further depth as they depict the memories, experiences, and culture of this young boy and his extended family. The blend of complex, detailed illustrations and simple concept of giving thanks makes Gracias/Thanks a great discussion starter as well as a challenge for the reader to look in to their own life. Highly Recommended.

Floating on Mama’s Song / Flotando en la canción de mama

Floating on Mama’s Song / Flotando en la canción de mama. Laura Lacámara. Illus. by Yuyi Morales. New York: Katherine Tegen Books, 2010. 29 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-06-084368-7. Grades K-3. Bilingual.

Mama’s beautiful singing always makes Anita happy. The day after Anita turns seven Mama’s songs cease lifting just Anita’s spirits, but cause the feet of anyone listening to rise off the ground! Anita is delighted with her ability to float through the air, but the neighbors do not enjoy seeing their animals hover airborne Mama promises to stop singing to avoid danger, but with her silence comes an unbearable sadness. Anita can no longer watch Mama suffer and sets out to cure the sorrow. Luckily she stumbles across a family secret that restores happiness. The energetic and emotional text floats, English over Spanish, amidst brightly colored double- page illustrations, whose blend of photographs, bright paints, and digitally enhanced flora and fauna help create a magical yet realistic atmosphere. The award winning Morales and newcomer Lacámara deliver an uplifting story that celebrates individuality and the power of staying true to yourself. Recommended.

Fiesta Babies

Fiesta Babies.  Carmen Tafolla.  Illus. by Amy Córdova.  Berkley: Tricycle Pres, 2010.  24 pages.  $12.99 (Hardcover).  ISBN 978-1-58246-319-3.  Grades PreK-K.  English with some Spanish.

“Fiesta Babies go out on the town” in this rhythmic, rhyming tale of cultural celebration. The multi-cultural Fiesta Babies dress for the occasion wearing coronas, eat party food like salsa, and dance the cha-cha in style to mariachi music. Award winning Mexican-American poet Carmen Tafolla spreads the fun of fiestas through the enjoyment of children of all colors from around the world. The vibrant, colorful pictures of Pure Belpré Honor winner Amy Córdova bring the story to life as readers see details from a variety of cultures and get to participate in the party. The incorporation of Spanish words is seamless and natural, and their meanings are made clear with the corresponding illustrations. A glossary is provided for further clarification and background. Fiesta Babies is an excellent way to introduce culture to young readers. Recommended.

Doña Flor

Doña Flor. Pat Mora. Illus. by Raul Colón. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. 40 pages. $15.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-375-82337-9. Grades PreK-3. English with some Spanish.

Long ago a little girl named Flor grew to be as tall as trees while her “mother sang to her in a voice as sweet as river music.” The beauty of her mother’s song also filled Flor with kindness and love. She carries children to school, reads stories to the neighborhood, and bakes tortillas so large they can be used for almost anything. When the town is frightened by the scary roars of a hidden puma Flor comes to their rescue. Pura Belpré Award Winner Pat Mora eloquently and lyrically evokes the majesty of nature, magnificence of human kindness, and the magic of fables with this story.  The textured illustrations of Tomás Rivera Award winner Raul Colón give the story’s setting a mythical feel that readers will fall in to. Doña Flor is the essence of a tall tale and can and should be told over and over again. Highly Recommended.

Bebé Goes Shopping

Bebé Goes Shopping. Susan Middleton Elya. Illus. by Steven Salerno. Orlando: Harcourt, Inc., 2006. 32 pages. $16.00 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-15-20526-X. Baby-K. English with some Spanish.

Bebé may be cute, but he is not the best shopping companion. In this story Mamá takes Bebé to the supermercado where her hijo is fascinated by colorful boxes, fun looking jars, animal cookies, and balloons. Fortunately Mamá knows how to keep this excited boy behaved while she gets the groceries she needs. Susan Elya’s fun, rhyming story turns an everyday event in to an educational adventure by incorporating Spanish vocabulary in English sentences. The natural and fluid way the vocabulary is used allows readers to predict the rhyming pronunciation and recognize patterns. The lively, watercolor illustrations of Steven Salerno add emotion and humor to the story as well and will have readers just as curious as Bebé. This book will be enjoyed by children and parents alike. Highly Recommended.  

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.  

My Chinatown: One Year in Poems

My Chinatown: One Year in Poems. Kam Mak. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2002. 32 pages. $16.89 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-06-029191-5. Grades 2-6.

“How can it ever be a good year thousands of miles away from home?” In My Chinatown: One Year in Poems a young boy chronicles his family’s recent move from Hong Kong to New York’s Chinatown. From Winter to Winter he reflects on what he is missing in Hong Kong and comparing it to what he sees before him in his new home. While there are traditional celebrations, foods, and items that remind him of Hong Kong; nothing is quite the same. As the year progresses, however, this young boy begins to embrace the differences around him as well, deciding that it may not be home, but it is Chinatown. Kam Mak paints the streets of New York’s Chinatown in photograph like illustrations and words that appeal to all the senses. Mak addresses the uncertainty and wariness of starting over in a different place, but offers hope in the similarities that can be found and the unique differences that are accidentally encountered. Chinese culture is beautifully described and depicted, opening a new world to many readers while reminding others of their own. This book offers comfort and home to those who find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Highly Recommended

Monsoon Afternoon

Monsoon Afternoon. Kashmira Sheth. Illus. by Yoshiko Jaeggi. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, 2008. 32 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-1-56145-455-6. Grades K-3.

Dark clouds may seem ominous and heavy rains frightening, but to the young boy in India they welcome a change in weather and a time for adventure. When the first monsoon of the season rolls in the young boy in this story wants to play, but his Dadima is drinking tea, his Mommy is off to work, his Pappa is writing, and his brother is eating. Just as he is about to give up his Dadji comes to the rescue. Together this boy and his grandpa sail paper boats, explore the city, and make a mess while discussing the cycle and permanency of monsoons. This multi-cultural, multi-generational story not only conveys love and appreciation for family and culture, but a reverence for nature and what has always been. Author Kashmira Sheth recounts her experiences with monsoon season on the west coast of India in her author’s note; which opens reader’s eyes to the beauty that does exist. Yoshiko Jaeggis beautifully realistic double page spreads use color, shading and texture to bring the storm to life and the rain seep off the page. Together the stunning illustrations and lively, descriptive text transports readers to a different country, during a different season while still reminding them of an afternoon at home with a loved one. Highly Recommended

Ling &Ting: Not Exactly the Same

Ling &Ting: Not Exactly the Same. Grace Lin. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2010. 44 pages. $14.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-316-02452-5. Grades K-2.

Ling and Ting may be twins, but they are not exactly the same. Matching eyes, hair, cheeks and smiles make it hard for people to tell twin sisters Ling and Ting apart, but readers will quickly see their individuality. In six brief stories Ling and Ting show their many differences while showing that they still a very strong bond. Grace Lin has created an easy reader that will not only have readers giggling, but that shows how people that look alike do not necessarily act the same. Although fear about endorsing the “all Asians look alike” stereotype may arise, the expression of character differences voids this concern. Inspiration for the story and some of the illustrations may come from the Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka books; Lin has made a new tale for today’s children. Asian American children will be able to see themselves and their culture in these pages; while all readers will enjoy the cute interactions of childhood. The small, colorful illustrations tell the stories perfectly, showing emotions and action in a way that will help readers understand the text. The easy to understand dialog and sentence structure, along with the brief stories make this an excellent easy reader. Recommended