Juan and the Chupacabras. / Juan y el chupacabras.

By staff -- Críticas, 10/15/2006

K-Gr 3—Like the Loch Ness monster and Big Foot, the Chupacabras is an elusive creature that has gained a place in popular consciousness. In this book, Juan’s grandfather narrates his encounter with the mythical beast. The old man has many stories of when he was young, but few can top that fateful night when he and the Chupacabras met. Armed only with a tree branch, he was able to fend off the fearsome creature. This tall tale is much to swallow, so Juan and his cousin Luz decide to see for themselves. Equipped with marbles soaked in holy water from the church, the children find a big surprise on the cold dark night in the cornfield. This short story is well developed, with children who are realistically inquisitive and a grandfather who is a classic storyteller. Vivid and well crafted, the illustrations portray the characters with stylistic depth; even the Chupacabras is depicted as an ugly, yet charming monster.—Joel Bangilan, Juvenile Services Librarian, Alief Regional Branch Houston, TX