10 años con Mafalda. (10 Years with Mafalda)

By staff -- Críticas, 11/15/2005

Gr 4-Adult–Created in 1964 by Quino, Mafalda appeared in various Spanish-language newspapers and weeklies until the Argentine illustrator discontinued the series in 1974. The quirky young girl became an icon throughout Latin America, similar to Charlie Brown in the United States. One could say Mafalda is a singular phenomenon, though, as she is popular both with adults and children even 20 years after the series ended. Several volumes of Mafalda cartoons have been reprinted, but this is the first one that gathers a selection of cartoons spanning the 1964–74 period. Mafalda cares deeply about humanity, she loves the Beatles and hates soup, and she has several friends who are as amusing as she is (Felipe, Manolito, Susanita, Libertad, and Miguelito). While adults and teenagers will enjoy the political undertones of her comments about the government, women’s issues, and the environment, younger audiences will enjoy her funny observations about everyday things (e.g., television, band aids, cats) and her conversations with friends and family. Written in Argentine Spanish, the cartoons include a few colloquialisms and the use of the vos form, but they are easy to understand. An interview with Quino at the beginning of the book is more appropriate for an adult audience. Recommended for public and elementary school libraries.—Veronica Covington, Univ. of Texas, Austin