Cuentos favoritos de Puerto Rico. (Favorite Tales of Puerto Rico)

By staff -- Críticas, 2/15/2007

Gr 4-6–In this colorfully illustrated book, three legends capture a rich heritage. Anchored in today’s reality of a modern Puerto Rican society driven by the U.S. economy, the stories that García weaves incorporate oral tradition that preserve a people’s folklore. Like the coquí (a tiny tree frog native to the island) in one story of endurance and size-defying will, this small Caribbean country has a proud and resilient past steeped in a history of colonization. Not surprisingly, two of the stories are set in Old San Juan in the time of Spanish rule. The magic and miracle that readers encounter will teach children about the virtue of fidelity. Each in their own way, a canine friend and a colonial official demonstrate loyalty, faithfulness, and unswerving allegiance to master and God. Along with the power of love, children will also witness examples of the pitfalls of arrogance. These tales will interest schools and public libraries with native Spanish speakers.—Gisela Norat, Associate Professor of Spanish, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA