August Reviews of the Latest Spanish-Language Titles for Children: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Bilingual Titles
Chaired by Freda Mosquera, Broward County Library, FL August 15, 2010AGIN, Élodie, et al. 18 Historias de princesas y de hadas.
tr. by Irene Oyaga. illus. by Cathy Delanssay, et al. 116p. Pirueta. 2010. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-84-96939-04-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-4-This collection of original fairy tales offers slightly offbeat stories and stunning full-page illustrations of multicultural princesses and fairies. The mostly digital, cartoon artwork is highly detailed, modern, and often surreal. The cover art features a fairy princess clad in a bright blue gown with glittery hair and wings standing in front of a dark, turreted castle. One of the most unconventional stories, "Isabela, la cabra," is about a king who is tricked into marrying a goat. When he realizes at the ceremony that his new bride has a beard and four legs, he has a heart attack and dies, but the queen goat lives a long happy life on the castle lawn, producing delicious milk and cheeses. This book makes a perfect read-aloud for fluent Spanish speakers. Translated from the original French and published in Barcelona, this edition includes the occasional use of the "vosotros" plural informal verb form, which is mostly used in Spain. Children will pore over the enchanting illustrations, and the stories will keep them asking for just one more.-Rebecca Hickman, Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
ARGUETA, Jorge. Arroz con leche/Rice Pudding: Un poema para cocinar/A Cooking Poem.
illus. by Fernando Vilela. unpaged. Groundwood. Sept. 2010. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-88899-981-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 3-A boy goes to the market to buy ingredients for rice pudding. What ensues is a poetic journey of making the sweet treat, step by step. The bilingual text is not a straightforward recipe, but could be followed to make the traditional dish. With his mom in the background, the boy adds rice to the pot and soon "the kitchen is raining little white grain drops." Parent supervision or participation is required for parts of the story, as indicated by an asterisk, as when it's time to "take the salt cellar and dance around." The remarkable illustrations are the perfect complement to Argueta's lush language. Vilela uses a printmaking technique to bring to life the simple action and turn it into something quite extraordinary. A first purchase for schools and libraries.-Shannon Dye, Peoria Public Library, Peoria, AZ
BARNER, Bob. The Day of the Dead/El día de los muertos: A Bilingual Celebration.
tr. by Teresa Mlawer. illus. by author. unpaged. Holiday House. Sept. 2010. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2214-2. LC 2009049721.
K-Gr 3-Barner introduces a tradition that may seem morbid to those not familiar with its practice or history. The Day of the Dead is a Latin American holiday observed for several days, beginning on Halloween. It is a joyous celebration of deceased loved ones through memories, songs, food, and dance, and Barner successfully captures that spirit within these pages. Rich colors and simple phrases guide children through a tradition that is anything but mundane. The festive and detailed illustrations add to the authentic feel of the book, which will serve as an excellent accompaniment to lessons about the holiday and will encourage further research. With its sugar skulls and colorful altars, this observance highlights the unique cultural differences that exist throughout the world.-Roberto Zapata, San Antonio Public Library, TX
BENATAR, Raquel. Yes, You Can Too!/¡Tú también puedes!: The Life of Barack Obama/La vida de Barack Obama.
tr. by Pilar Verú and Maria Kadus. illus. by Alexander Levitas. unpaged. chron. further reading. Laredo. 2009. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56492-365-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-8-Benatar follows Obama's life from his somewhat turbulent childhood to his election as the first African-American President of the United States. The focus is on his rising above personal challenges stemming from a fragmented family life to develop self-confidence, gathering strength from those close to him, and in being successful in school. The author also explores how Obama's passion for helping others developed over time into a desire to make a difference in the world. An expert on biographical illustration, Levitas uses watercolor and pencil illustrations, mostly in earth tones and shades of green and red, to portray key aspects of Obama's life. The Spanish and English texts flow nicely and could be used as a source for intermediate language study.-Cristi Jenkins, Fort Vancouver Library District, WA
CANETTI, Yanitzia. En tiempos difíciles.
illus. by Romont Willy. unpaged. Brick House. 2010. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-59835-102-6. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2-"Why can't we buy new clothes or toys?" "Why are we moving in with our grandparents?" "Why are we selling our stuff?" These and many more questions are discussed in this picture book about a family in transition due to economic hardships. In simple prose, the minimal text works alongside the illustrations to convey the situation and the feelings of the family members. The difficult times and answers are represented by a split page with the hardships illustrated in opaque colors and the answer or alternative in brighter vibrant colors. In responding to the questions, Canetti seeks to see the silver lining in each situation. The story is definitely recommended for families who are struggling to make ends meet and want to discuss with their children the changes that must occur in the household. The book not only presents them with answers but also aids parents in discussing difficult subjects, therefore easing the transitions that must be made.-Veronica Corral, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, VA
CANETTI, Yanitzia. Yo también puedo ser presidente.
32p. photos. Brick House. 2009. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-59835-100-2. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3-Using bright, full-color photographs of 14 boys and girls, this title depicts children of different ages and ethnic backgrounds and teaches potential future leaders the values needed to be President of the United States. Each youngster proudly displays a strong character value such as being respectful, honest, persistent, responsible, generous, fair, and organized. Readers will identify with the children in the pictures and recognize some of the same traits in themselves. This is an enjoyable read to open conversation between adults and children about ethics and ideals.-Angélica Sauceda, Anaheim Public Library, Anaheim, CA
CARRERAS DE SOSA, Lydia. Sé que estás allí.
212p. Edelvives. 2010. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-84-263-7373-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-8-Rosendo, 14, has what might sound like a typical problem for adolescents-issues with the development of his vocal chords. His voice is particularly high-pitched due to a medical condition that is never really explained. When an older boy at school selects him as a target, an agonizing story of secretive bullying begins, one that will have readers sympathizing with Rosendo's humiliation. The emotionally redemptive ending is left to the very last pages, with a resolution that comes from an unexpected source and leaves readers feeling satisfied. Carreras de Sosa shines a different light on bullying, unmasking its abusive nature and showing the circular role that self-esteem plays in both creating, and stopping, this manipulative behavior.-Erica Kindrick, Yolo County Library, CA
COVEY, Sean. Los 7 hábitos de las niños felices.
tr. by Roberto R. Bravo. illus. by Stacy Curtis. 94p. Blume. 2009. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-84-9801-400-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 3-In this Spanish translation of Covey's The 7 Habits of Happy Kids (S & S, 2008), each chapter introduces an animal and a good habit. "Mom, I'm bored, what do I do?" begins Samy Ardilla. He isn't fond of her suggestions or those of his friends, but he becomes proactive in identifying ways to entertain himself. Similarly other characters learn to start an activity with a goal in mind, put first things first, and renew the four basic areas of life. Bonuses include a note for parents that includes discussion questions, suggested activities, and commentary from the author. Curtis's illustrations make learning each habit more interactive and interesting. Kids will have fun looking for an eighth character, Erni Gusanito, who is very shy and hard to spot. One caveat: Spanish-speaking families may object to the name Pinchi Puercoespin, as the first part sounds literally like an adjective that is colloquially used and is offensive in Spanish. Overall, though, this book will entertain both kids and their parents and is a useful tool for teachers.-Jessica McClinton Lopez, Librarian, King County Library System, Auburn, WA
ESCRIVÁ, Victoria Pérez. ¡Achís!
ISBN 978-84-263-7380-9.
----. ¡Cataplof!
ISBN 978-84-263-7381-6.
----. ¡Splash!
ISBN 978-84-263-7379-3.
ea vol: illus. by Claudia Ranucci. unpaged. (Cosas, Cositas y Cacharros Series). Edelvives. 2010. Tr $9.95. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3-In this series, youngsters are introduced to objects and their interaction with humans. In ¡Achís!, a broom sneezes every time it sweeps the floor. Owner after owner tosses it out until a gardener finds it and recognizes the broom's dilemma. He cleans it and uses it for jobs that involve little or no dust. In ¡Cataplof!, a chair overthrows its overweight owner time after time until the owner sheds some pounds, and in ¡Splash!, a water hose confronted with several arguments snaps itself, wetting everyone in the process and causing them all to laugh and solve the problem. The interaction with the large colorful illustrations begins on the covers, where the glossy subjects and titles invite reader to touch them. The books open with a parade of household items for children to identify. The simplicity of the spreads correlates to the text, allowing for a clear understanding of each story. A delightful series to teach empathy.-Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL
FARQUHARSON, Polly. La línea verde: Un paseo por el parque.
tr. by Remedios Diéguez Diéguez. illus. by author. unpaged. Blume. 2009. Tr $16.95 ISBN 978-84-9801-379-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2-A captivating look at a trip to the park, told from the perspective of a child. Through close-up photographs of common outdoor scenes, Farquharson allows readers to see the beauty in everyday things as they follow the green line as it lazily loops its way from page to page, around pictures of fluffy dandelions, ladybugs lounging on leaves, and through rain-soaked grass. On each spread, the continuous green line illustrates the idea being presented, and brings an air of wonder and excitement to the straightforward text. An endearing look at one of the simple pleasures of life.-Erica Kindrick, Yolo County Library, CA
GUY, Ginger Foglesong. ¡Bravo!
illus. by René King Moreno. unpaged. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-173180-8. LC 2008042362.
PreS-Gr 2-A boy and a girl hunt for objects around their yard. After finding lids, bells, sticks, and a horn, they gather with friends to form a musical parade to delight their family. Guy has written yet another beautiful and heartfelt book that celebrates the magic and joys of coming together through shared creativity. Moreno's stunning illustrations aptly express the thrill of finding beauty in the moment and of having pure, unadulterated fun as only children can. Pastels, watercolors, and pencils are used to create appealing landscapes of grassy hills, pink flowers, welcoming trees, tidy houses, and a rainbow-filled sky. Smiling round faced children of various ethnicities gather to play together, while loving family members look on. This intriguing story of "looking and finding" will captivate young readers, and the bilingual text will facilitate learning basic Spanish and English. ¡Bravo!-Cristi Jenkins, Fort Vancouver Library District, WA
KRINGS, Antoon. Julieta Ranita.
tr. by David Cáceres González. illus. by author. unpaged. (Bichitos Curiosos Series). Blume. 2010. Tr $5.95. ISBN 978-84-9801-409-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2-Charming and sweet Julieta Ranita lives with her fellow frogs on a pond near a flower garden. Romeo the toad likes her, but her sisters and cousins constantly bully him. He often visits the pond to be with Julieta, but he is shy and hardly speaks to her. One day Julieta's sisters call him ugly and fat, and Romeo runs off to his own garden and cries out of sadness. Later he hears the suitors singing to court the frogs and he decides to sing to Julieta as well. The suitors are jealous and push him into the muddy water. Angry and embarrassed, he makes a garden hose look like a snake and scares them away while seemingly beheading a snake and saving the animals of the pond. Julieta Ranita falls instantly in love. This heartwarming story, originally from France, is written in sophisticated language that will help to enrich readers' vocabulary. The art clearly convey the characters' emotions playing a powerful role as a complement to the text. Beginning readers will enjoy the rhyming element that the author adds to names, such as Mariano Gusano and Julieta Ranita.-Patricia Bashir, Frisco Public Library, Frisco, TX
LACÁMARA, Laura. Floating on Mama's Song/Flotando en la canción de mamá.
illus. by Yuyi Morales. unpaged. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Sept. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-084368-7; PLB $17.98. ISBN 978-0-06-084370-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3-Anita comes home from school on her seventh birthday to find her mother singing opera and floating in the air. Outside, her dog, Tito, is also floating. "'It's been happening all day, every time I sing!'" says Mama. Then Anita realizes that everyone who hears the music floats, too. But, when some nosy neighbors complain that their pig, goat, and cow are floating, Grandma orders her daughter to stop singing. Mama grows sad, the cow won't give milk, the pig won't eat, and the goat won't sleep. Everyone is miserable. An old picture with a cow stuck in a mango tree helps Anita, Grandma, and Mama discover the special gift that all the women in the family have. Lacámara's debut weaves together a stirring Caribbean tale inspired by her Cuban roots and her mother's opera singing. Both the English and Spanish versions of the story are fun and easy to read, and also well translated. The fusion of Morales's collage illustrations, with bright energetic colors, large warm brown characters, and real photographs interspersed with digitally enhanced foliage, will help children's imaginations take flight. A grand addition to most bilingual collection.-Angélica Sauceda, Anaheim Public Library, Anaheim, CA
MADDERN, Eric. El rey y la semilla.
tr. by Remedios Diéguez Diéguez. illus. by Paul Hess. unpaged. Blume. 2009. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-84-9801-375-7. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3-King Karnak realizes that he is growing old without an heir so he calls for a competition to name his successor. All the knights and nobles are expecting the best fighter to be the next king. A young man, Jack, the son of a local farmer, goes to the gathering to observe the event. To everyone's surprise and disappointment, the king gives a seed to each contender and asks him to return in six months and show what he has grown. Jack knows everything about growing seeds, so he takes one. He tries everything that he can think of, but nothing grows. After six months, all the contestants present thriving blooms and beautiful plants, but Jack has nothing but his pot of dirt. He presents it to the king, and is declared the successor because of his honesty. This book is a European version of a traditional Chinese Mandarin tale. Hess's colored pencils and watercolor illustrations are full of humor and creativity that young readers will enjoy. A charming way to teach values.-Liliana Patricia Rocha, Teton County Library, Jackson, WY
NEREI, adapt. Los animales mensajeros.
illus. by Carlos Piedra Santa. 16p. Piedra Santa Editorial. 2010. Tr $10.95. ISBN 978-99922-1-358-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1-This is the first volume of Las historias del Popol Vuh for children, an adaptation of the Quiché Mayan classic about creation written by an anonymous Guatemalan Indian in the mid-16th century. This selection features the twins Hunahpú and Ixbalanqué. When their grandmother, Ixmucané, needs to speak to them, she enlists the help of a louse to relay her message. Along the way, the louse encounters a frog, a snake, and finally a hawk, all of whom offer their assistance. Each helper swallows the smaller one in order to travel faster. Once the siblings are found, each animal vomits the creature it swallowed in order for the louse to give the twins the message. The tale begins with a sense of urgency, which continues to the last page when readers discover that the grandmother merely wanted to let her grandsons know that their meal was ready. Nerei uses parentheses to provide additional explanations that are far more fleshed out in the Popol Vuh. Readers may find them confusing and disruptive. The eye-catching illustrations are both soft and bold. Piedra Santa uses neutral colors for the landscape and vibrant colors for the characters, allowing them to jump off the pages. Each page includes the Mayan symbol for numbers, and a family tree as well as the cast of characters is appended. An excellent storytelling resource, especially for libraries serving communities from Central America.-Rebecca Alcalá, San Mateo County Library System, CA
RAMÍREZ, Antonio. Napí funda un pueblo/Napí Makes a Village.
tr. by Elisa Amado. illus. by Domi. unpaged. Groundwood. 2010. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-88899-965-8. LC C2009-904496-X.
Gr 1-3-Ramírez returns to the world of the young Mazateca girl introduced in Napí (2004) and Napí va a la montaña (2006, both Groundwood). In this installment based on a true story, Napí tells how she and her family are forced from their village because the government decides to build a dam. As the people are uprooted, they take to the water to try to find a new place to settle, and this proves to be an eye-opening experience for the girl. She encounters exotic jaguars as spring sets in, witnesses villagers setting fires to clear the land, and then grows up fast as her dad almost perishes in a fire as he goes to collect the harvest. Domi's large mural-like, earthy watercolor paintings are closely intertwined with the words and reflect the Spanish-English bilingual text and fine details. The clear text, authentic artwork, and realistic story line make for a fine addition to Spanish-language collections.-Rhonda Jeffers, Coweta Public Library System, Newnan, GA
SCHUH, Mari. Cepillarse los dientes/Brushing Teeth.
ISBN 978-1-4296-4597-3. LC 2009040921.
----. Todo sobre los dientes/All about Teeth.
ISBN 978-1-4296-4595-9. LC 2009040916.
----. Un diente está flojo/Loose Tooth.
ISBN 978-1-4296-4598-0. LC 2009040923.
----. Uso del hilo dental/Flossing Teeth.
ISBN 978-1-4296-4600-0. LC 2009040925.
ea vol: tr. by Martín Luis Guzmán Ferrer. 24p. (Pebble Plus Bilingüe: Dientes sanos/Pebble Plus Bilingual: Healthy Teeth Series). diags. photos. glossary. index. Websites. Capstone/Pebble Plus. 2010. RTE $22.65.
Gr 2-6-These attractive titles instruct readers about their functions their teeth and provide tips on how to take care of them and achieve long-lasting, positive results. The books include charming photographs and colorful diagrams as well as language that is easy to understand. Each title concludes with an Internet address that provides additional information. The competent Spanish translation loses neither detail nor meaning from its original English text. Useful resources for classrooms, parents, teachers, and children.-Narda McCarthy, Broward County Library Consultant, FL
ZEA, Amílcar. Zico Perico.
illus. by Carlos Piedra Santa. 16p. glossary. Piedra Santa Editorial. 2009. pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-99922-1-345-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1-Zico Perico has a wonderful voice. The parrot dreams of being a radio personality, a television host, an actor, or a journalist. Rejected everywhere, he decides to be a singer. Eventually he appears on the Internet and becomes a global success. Told in rhyme, the story introduces readers to different means of communication. The unique illustrations combine painting and photography, creating a cartoonlike feel, overlapping fantasy and reality. An illustrated glossary and suggested activities to do before, during, and after reading the book are appended.-Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL
