Nuestra California (Our California)

By staff -- Críticas, 12/15/2007

Gr 2-5–Seldom has California been presented with more verve! From the opening spread map to the closing information on significant towns, the brief, gently rhyming text gives vivid snapshots of the state’s major urban and rural areas. Text and illustration take readers on a fascinating trip, from San Diego’s beautiful views and zoo to San Francisco’s gentle fog, from the majesties of Yosemite to the sun-drenched Central Valley. The acrylic illustrations are painted on grained wood with texture added by scraping and distressing the paint. The result is a collection of arresting vignettes with infused yellows, oranges, reds, and blues. The final pages present detailed bullet-format information on the 14 places treated (10 cities or towns plus Yosemite, the Channel Islands, the Central Valley, and the Death Valley) with enough facts for short reports. The expository narrative flows well, and is clear and informative. This lovely presentation is excellent for school and public libraries, as well as home use.—Ann Welton, Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, Tacoma, WA