September Reviews of the Latest Spanish-Language Titles for Children: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Bilingual Titles
English-language reviews of the latest Spanish-language and bilingual books for children
-- Library Journal, 09/15/2009
These reviews, which will also appear in the October issue of School Library Journal, were selected and evaluated by a team chaired by Freda Mosquera, Broward County Library, FL.
AHLBERG, Allan. El gato que desapareció misteriosamente. tr. by Carlos Abio & Mercedes Villegas. illus. by Katharine McEwen. 80p. maps. Alfaguara Infantil. 2009. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-607-11-0111-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–The Gaskitt’s sly and curious cat, Horacio, has gone missing. This tale of adventure and mystery starring the quirky family, a group of robbers, and a very strange substitute teacher reveals clues to its whereabouts throughout the cleverly illustrated story. Mrs. Gaskitt hardly ever gets out of bed, and Horacio is not the only pet in the community that has disappeared.Colorful illustrations help readers connect the unusual and often-amusing activities taking place in the town, especially the maps and small clocks throughout the pages that suggest many things going on at the same time. The English to Spanish translation does a good job of conveying the humor and mystery of the story. Children will enjoy this fun chapter book.–Shannon Dye Gemberling, Peoria Public Library, AZ
BARANDA, María. La risa de los cocodrilos. illus. by Julián Cicero. 70p. Ediciones el Naranjo. 2009. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-968-5389-67-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–Jonas writes to a magazine advice columnist, asking why he doesn’t look like his mother. With only a drawing as evidence of their differences, Ombi does her best to answer his question. Unfortunately, her answer is not what Jonas is looking for, and the two characters engage in a back-and-forth correspondence that eventually has them using courier pigeons to deliver their letters faster. Only after much soul-searching and consultation with friends does Ombi finally hit upon an answer that meets with the boy’s approval. Unique, colorful illustrations throughout this chapter book provide readers with an inside look at the characters’ lives and the drawings they exchange. While the book eventually arrives at a happy conclusion, the story includes various tangents that seem somewhat random, and the slow-moving, tangled plot might prove too much to hold the attention of reluctant readers. Purchase this one for larger collections.–Erica Kindrick, University of Washington’s iSchool
BARANDA, María. Ruge! illus. by Alejandro Magallanes. unpaged. Ediciones el Naranjo. 2009. BD $13.95. ISBN 978-968-5389-65-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–In this poetic book, the presence of children in varied surroundings is revealed and affirmed through their vocalization, the rugido wherever children may be. Its theme will delight the youngest Spanish-speaking readers. Magallanes’s cartoon-style illustrations provide the perfect visual representations. ¿Qué se oye junto a los rios que bajan del monte como un canto de hierba y nube? ¿Quién despierta a ranas y a pájaros cuando sueñan con sueños de fieros dragones? The answer to these questions appears on the last page. This book belongs on the shelves of most libraries because of its above-average text and art.–Jennifer Battle, Texas State University, San Marcos
COLATO LAÍNEZ, René. René Has Two Last Names/René tiene dos apellidos. illus. by Fabiola Graullera Ramírez. unpaged. Arte Publico. Nov. 2009. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-55885-530-4. LC 2009004864.
K-Gr 3–René, a new student from El Salvador, doesn’t understand why his second last name is missing from his desk’s name label. Adding it results in a name so long that his classmates make fun of it by comparing it to that of a dinosaur. He discusses the problem with his parents, but they don’t have an answer. That night he dreams of a world without a mother and maternal grandparents who dance, make chocolate, and fix his bike. Half of his world is missing and he is not about to let that happen. When his teacher assigns the students the project of creating a family tree, René is determined to show his classmates and teacher why he has two last names and the importance of his dos apellidos. Colato Laínez introduces readers to a significant Hispanic cultural tradition and the sentiments of many immigrants. The illustrations are simple but beautifully embellish the text. A wonderful bilingual selection for storytime and for units on families.–Diana Borrego Martínez, Salinas, CA
COSTALES, Amy. Sundays on Fourth Street/Los domingos en la calle Cuatro. illus. by Elaine Jerome. unpaged. Arte Publico. Nov. 2009. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-55885-520-5. LC 2009004867.
PreS-Gr 2–A Mexican-American girl enjoys her family’s shopping excursions where they look for cowboy boots, eat authentic Mexican food, and have fun at a church carnival. The text is on the left pages, English on top and Spanish on the bottom, both set against a textured light blue background and a small, framed picture separating the languages. The theme of the small picture is expanded upon in the facing full-page illustration. For example, the image of a pair of scissors and tresses of hair hints at the full-page barbershop scene. The text in both languages is simple, yet descriptive. The watercolor illustrations have a childlike quality, but at times the characters’ expressions look a bit wooden. Children will enjoy the pattern of the text and the frequent refrain, “It could be any Sunday on Fourth Street/Podría ser cualquier domingo en la calle Cuatro.”–Rebecca Hickman, Sherman Library at NSU, Fort Lauderdale, FL
FOCH, Élisabeth. Bestiario azteca. tr. by Natalia Ortiz. illus. by Ianna Andréadis. unpaged. bibliog. Petra Ediciones. 2008. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-968-9482-03-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–This small, square art book pays homage to the animals of Aztec mythology. From the eagle/cuauhtli to the snail/tecciztli, all 40 animals carry a message of harmony, of life, and/or of death. With monochromatic ink-and-brush illustrations, the images are based on artifacts from the Mexican Anthropology Museum, Mayor Temple Museum, and the Quai Branly Museum. The vocabulary, and ideas such as death, sacrifice, etc., can make this book difficult for young children to understand. For older children, this book is a starting point to develop an understanding of myths and their place in ancient cultures.–Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL
GARCÍA-CASTELLANO, Ana, et al. Los inventores de cuentos. illus. by Irene Fra. 76p. Alfaguara Infantil. 2009. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-607-11-0102-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–There was once a princess who loved to collect things. She decided to collect words and went about gathering them and storing them in boxes. When she was sure that she had them all, she thought that it was time to organize them, but which one would be the most important? Everyone at court had an opinion, but no one could agree. With words chosen by the princess, five authors tell five stories with different plots that vary from a king and a queen who spend their lives inventing orders; a sad little boy who, instead of kisses, always receives pushes and shouts; a funny witch who wants to recover the ability to speak; a child whose life was too busy to enjoy; and a haunted house where a young boy confronts his fears. The authors use different imaginary settings in Spain, and each selection encourages readers to discover which word means the most to everyone. The tales have a positive message about moral values, friendship, courage, determination, and confidence in doing what is right. This is an ideal beginning chapter book with simple pen-and-ink drawings throughout.–Liliana Patricia Rocha, Teton County Library, Jackson, WY
GONZALEZ, Maya Christina. I Know the River Loves Me/Yo sé que el río me ama. illus. by author. 24p. Children’s Book Press. 2009. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-89239-233-9. LC 2008053194.
PreS-Gr 2–This lovely picture book is about a girl’s symbiotic relationship with a beloved river. It is always there for her, providing sanctuary, beauty, and a fun place to play. Likewise, the child takes care to help preserve it. Although pollution is never mentioned, readers see her gathering empty bottles, papers, and wrappers in her backpack to take away with her. As the seasons change, so do the youngster and the river. Gonzalez’s illustrations portray a girl drawn in charcoal, which contrasts with the swirling brushstrokes of bright color inks of the river, the trees, the clouds, and the environs. On most pages the text appears in English with the Spanish text printed directly below. Occasionally, however, the words merge with the art like a concrete poem. Although the story is bilingual, the author’s note at the end is in English only.–Rebecca Hickman, Sherman Library at NSU, Fort Lauderdale, FL
HAERY, Lee. Llueve llueve llueve... tr. by Agatha Yoo. illus. by Jeong Byeongkyu. unpaged. Petra Ediciones. 2009. Tr $12.50. ISBN 978-968-9482-04-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–This endearing story takes place one dark and stormy day. A leopard is hiding under an umbrella, a lion is thirstily drinking the rain, a butterfly is tiptoeing along, a tyrannosaurus is splashing in puddles, a tiger is waiting in a cave, a dragon is sending the rain, and Dad…well, what he is doing is revealed at the end. The book is perfect for storytime. The short, repetitive sentences will help children predict activities, and they’ll be delighted with the unexpected ending. The deceptively simple cartoon art is done mainly in monochromatic pencil with subtle dabs of watercolor, and each spread varies in perspective and intensity. Children will identify with the characters’ humorous actions and eagerly engage in a discussion about their favorite rainy-day activities.–Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL
KATZ, Karen. ¡Cu-Cú, Bebé! tr. by Daynali Flores Rodríguez. illus. by author. unpaged. S & S. 2009. BD $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7938-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS–Who is under the umbrella? Who is behind the curtains? Peek and find out! Colorful and creative illustrations and an attractive and imaginative design introduce toddlers to some simple directional concepts as well as to racial and cultural diversity. The bright colors will attract their immediate attention and the design will keep them busy lifting and closing the flaps while they learn to recognize different objects and motions. However, the word bajo twice instead of the correct Spanish adverb debajo; bajo is either a qualifying adjective or a tense of an intransitive verb. There is also a problematic use of possessive pronouns on the back cover.–Narda McCarthy, Para Los Niños, Broward County, FL
KINNEY, Jeff. La ley de Rodrick. Bk. 2. tr. by Esteban Morán. illus. by author. 217p. (Diario de Greg Series). Lectorum. 2009. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-1-9330326-2-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–This is the well-translated and hilariously entertaining Spanish-language version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. Greg’s adventures and antics in middle school, the journal format, and the engaging cartoon art will appeal to new Spanish readers familiar with the character and to readers who come from predominantly Latin American countries. This edition, which differs slightly from the one published in Spain, is culturally more in sync with the American middle-school experience. The book design makes this title pleasurable reading for kids who are fluent in Spanish and for those just learning the language.–Eric Gomez, Broward County African-American Research Library, Fort Lauderdale, FL
LOZANO, José. Once Around the Block/Una vuelta a la manzana. tr. by Luis Humberto Crosthwaite. illus. by author. 32p. Cinco Puntos. 2009. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-933693-57-6. LC 2008056038.
PreS-Gr 2–A Mexican-American neighborhood, its residents, and daily routines are brought to life in this alphabetical story that begins with Amelia and her sister Anita and ends with Zacarías and his crazy dog Zapper the Yapper. Humorous, double-page text and vivid colors make this an ideal ABC book. The narration in English and Spanish carry the same tone and story line. Lozano’s illustrations exude a Mexican feel and depict a vibrant and modern Hispanic community. Great for reading aloud, this book is a solid choice for building basic vocabulary skills.–Eric Gómez, Broward County African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
MOORE, Lucy. Creación a Todo Color. tr. by Celeste Klein. illus. by Honor Ayres. 24p. Grupo Nelson. 2009. Tr $11.99. ISBN 978-1-60255-266-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–In a free-verse retelling of the creation story, children are invited to imagine a time when nothing existed, not even a Playstation. Then everything comes into being: light, celestial bodies, oceans, plants, animals, and humans. As creation is finished and Earth is inherited by children, the youngsters are encouraged to live in harmony with nature. The author uses rich vocabulary as she introduces different flora and fauna. The colorful watercolor illustrations beautifully connect with the text on each spread. In addition, this is a good book to begin a discussion on how children can help their planet. Flaps are used to suggest ways to help Earth such as turning off lights, caring for animals, using garbage cans, and recycling.–Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL
RIVERA MARÍN, Guadalupe. My Papa Diego and Me: Memories of My Father and His Art//Mi papá Diego y yo: Recuerdos de mi padre y su arte. illus. by Diego Rivera. 32p. photos. reprods. CIP. Children’s Book Press. 2009. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-89239-228-5. LC 2008053193.
Gr 2-5–In this beautiful bilingual picture book, Diego Rivera’s daughter has brought together 14 of her father’s original works with a focus on those depicting children. Each well-reproduced painting is accompanied by a brief discussion describing the historical or cultural details of the time. The author also weaves in her own memories and those of her father, making the book personal yet accessible. The anecdotal nature of the biographical information will help readers form an understanding of the artist’s beliefs and motivations rather than provide detailed events of his life. An introduction and short endnotes give more concrete facts. However, readers looking for more traditional biographies would be better served by Jonah Winter’s Diego (Knopf, 1991), which chronicles the artist’s early life.–Angelica G. Fortin, San Diego County Library, Spring Valley, CA
RIVERA, Rafael, Jr. & Tim Hoppey. Baseball on Mars/Béisbol en Marte. tr. by Gabriela Baeza Ventura. illus. by Christina Rodriguez. unpaged. Arte Publico. Oct. 2009. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-55885-521-2. LC 2009004865.
PrsS-Gr 3–A bilingual story of a Bronx-based Latino family and a father’s reluctant engagement with his son’s extraordinary imagination. The book realistically portrays a boy piecing together a spaceship from a wooden barrel and other household objects. Roberto’s father is anything but impressed and is displeased to see his favorite chair–the one about to be commissioned for viewing the Yankees v. Red Sox game–usurped by his son for his haphazard journey. Nevertheless, with his mom’s encouragement, his dad agrees to accompany the boy on his engineless trek. Through it all, readers learn how a simple game of catch between father and son can become an event of cosmic proportions. Here, it is the father who “comes of age,” learning the value and enjoyment of time spent with his son. Rodriguez’s color illustrations add flavor and dimension to this family’s newfound love of the game and their growing appreciation of one another. A satisfying read-aloud in either English or Spanish.–Michael Shapiro, WebJunction/OCLC, Dublin, OH
SÁENZ, Benjamin Alire. The Dog Who Loved Tortillas: A Little Diego Book/La perrita que le encantaban las tortillas: Un libro de Dieguito. tr. by Luis Humberto Crosthwaite. illus. by Geronimo Garcia. 38p. CIP. Cinco Puntos. 2009. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-933693-54-5. LC 2008056036.
K-Gr 3–A captivating bilingual book with close family relationships and unconditional love at its core. When Gabriela and Diego ask for a dog, their parents tell them that they will have to share, which the siblings reluctantly accept. The family goes to the Humane Society, where Gabriela chooses the perfect puppy and Diego chooses the perfect name: Sofie. They bathe her, battle for the right to sleep with her, help in her training, and both claim to love her more than the other. While teaching her a trick, the children discover the pup loves tortillas; soon she is known to the entire neighborhood for her gentleness, sweetness, and as the dog who loves tortillas. When Sofie gets sick, the children finally learn to share her. Full-page innovative and colorful clay illustrations will hold the attention of young readers. The Spanish corresponds to the vernacular used by some Hispanic-American communities in the Southwest of the U.S. One of its characteristics is the elimination of conjunctions and articles used in standard Spanish. Both versions have a few typos.–Narda McCarthy, Para Los Niños, Broward County, FL
SHANNON, Sarah. Despacio. ISBN 978-1-4329-3545-0. LC 2009007710.
––––. Cambiar de dirección. ISBN 978-1-4329-3546-7. LC 2009007711.
––––. Empujar. ISBN 978-1-4329-3542-9. LC 2009007706.
––––. Jalar. ISBN 978-1-4329-3543-6. LC 2009007708.
––––. Rápido. ISBN 978-1-4329-3544-3. LC 2009007709.
ea vol: 24p. (Como se mueven? Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. Heinemann Library. 2009. PLB $20.71.
PreS-Gr 2–These books are perfect introductions to the concepts of movement, simple forces, and energy and to the differences between pulling, pushing, and changing direction. They explain different aspects of how things move through simple texts and good-quality photographs that illustrate forces in action in contemporary settings. They also include practical notes to parents and teachers on how to introduce the subjects and how to develop activities at home and in classrooms. The ¿Qué aprendiste? (What did you learn?) sections and illustrated glossaries are particularly useful. An excellent complement for thematic storytimes on transportation, traveling, outdoor activities, sports, among others.–Freda Mosquera, Broward County Library, FL
SHEINBERG, Moisés F. Estrellas de vainilla. illus. by Aleida Ocegueda. 110p. Ediciones el Naranjo. 2009. pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-607-7661-02-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–Skat has just finished his last day of elementary school and is about to bask in the freedom of doing exactly what he wants for a whole two months–until his parents inform him that the family will be traveling to a house close to Papantla, Veracruz. Skat is sure he will be bored the entire time. Nevertheless, as he and his family arrive in Papantla and journey to the mystical abode known as the Mulata’s house, Skat’s curiosity is piqued. Who was the Mulata? Who wrote the cryptic notes demanding they leave and never return? And what of the love notes from Don Agustín de Mendoza to Sirius written in 1654? The search for the answers to these questions leads Skat on a journey of discovery through the past. Estrellas de vainilla succeeds not only as a fascinating adventure story but also as a reminder for kids that the world is full of discovery beyond keyboards, monitors, and remote controls. Ocegueda’s images of iguanas and stars and figures of the past and present will pull readers in as if they were part of the book’s culture and mystery, standing right there next to Skat each time he makes a new discovery. Outstanding.–Jessica McClinton, King County Library System, Auburn, WA
WEILL, Cynthia. Opuestos: Mexican Folk Art Opposites in English and Spanish. illus. by wood sculptures by Quirino & Martin Santiago. unpaged. CIP. Cinco Puntos. 2009. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-933693-56-9. LC 2008056039.
K-Gr 3–Oaxacan folk art in the form of hand-carved wood sculptures abounds in this bilingual concept book about opposites. Contrasting concepts include inside and outside, high and low, and left and right, to name a few. At the turn of each page, readers see brightly painted wood characters set against equally vibrantly colored background pages that effortlessly convey the concept the author sets out to teach. On each spread, the English and Spanish words for a single concept face the opposing concept. This attractive volume conveys the concept in a unique and inviting fashion and provides youngsters with an introduction to some Mexican art in the process.–Rhonda L. Jeffers, Coweta Public Library System, Newnan, GA
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