Pablo Remembers

Pablo Remembers
Written and Illustrated by: George Ancona


Grades 2-4 - available in English and Spanish

"Using clear prose on attractively bordered pages and well-composed full-color photographs, Ancona takes readers through the preparations for The Day of the Dead, a Hispanic holiday that extends from October 31st- November 2nd. Pablo Montano Ruiz, a boy of about 12 who lives near Oaxaca, goes shopping for candles, tomatoes, sugarcane, radishes, and calaveras de dulce (sugar skulls), all necessary ingredients for the special foods and elaborate ceremonies that are detailed. All of the items purchased are given in both Spanish and English. This intriguing book makes an excellent offering during the Halloween season, as it gives a different perspective on a holiday that is both perceived and marketed in our culture as a time of frightening hauntings. Mexicans, combining Spanish Christian beliefs with Aztec and Mayan cosmology, view these three days-All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day-as a time of loving family remembrance of those who have died. A sound title for balance in collections, ESL classes, or multicultural studies."

School Library Journal

Web Resources:
http://www.librarything.com/tag/Day+of+the+Dead

Awards:
Pura Belpre Honor Book, 1996

Gathering the Sun

Author: Alma Flor Ada
Illustrator: Simon Silva

Bilingual K-3

"Using the Spanish alphabet as a template, Ada has written 27 poems that celebrate both the bounty of the harvest and the Mexican heritage of the farmworkers and their families. The poems, presented in both Spanish and English, are short and simple bursts of flavor: "Árboles/Trees," "Betabel/Beet," "César Chávez," etc. Silva's sun-drenched gouache paintings are robust, with images sculpted in paint. Brimming with respect and pride, the book, with its mythic vision of the migrant farm worker, will add much to any unit on farming or Mexican American heritage."

Booklist Review

Awards:
Pura Belpre Award, 1997

Web Resources:
www.almaflorada.com

The Pot That Juan Built

By Nancy Andrews-Goebel
Illustrator: David Diaz

K-6 - Available in English and Spanish

Summary:
Juan Quezada is the premier potter in Mexico. With local materials and the primitive methods of the Casas Grandes people—including using human hair to make brushes and cow manure to feed the flames that fire his pots—Juan creates stunning pots in the traditional style. Each is a work of art unlike any other.

The text is written in the form of "The House That Jack Built" and accompanied by a comprehensive afterword with photos and information about Juan’s technique as well as a history of Mata Ortiz, the northern Mexican village where Juan began and continues to work. This celebratory story tells how Juan’s pioneering work has transformed Mata Ortiz from an impoverished village into a prosperous community of world-renowned artists.

With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz, THE POT THAT JUAN BUILT is sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

Awards:

* ALA Notable Children's Book 2003, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
* Best Books 2002, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
* Children's Book Award 2003, INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION

Web Resources:
http://www.kidseconbooks.com/html/the_pot_that_juan_built.html

Bebe Goes Shopping

Author: Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrator: Steven Salerno

Bilingual, K-2

"Learn 32 Spanish words in this merry romp about a trip to the supermercado with Mamá and Bebé. Northen California author Susan Middleton Elya writes in bouncy rhymes that naturally accommodate both English and Spanish and some chaos too."

San Francisco Chronicle Book Review

Web Resources:
www.susanelya.com

N is for Navidad

Author: Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrator: Joe Cepeda
Bilingual K-3

"A lively introduction to Latino Christmas traditions follows an alphabetical structure as a way to introduce key Spanish terms and explain holiday customs and activities. The highlighted words include the Spanish words for decorations, food, family members, key characters in the Nativity store and terms relating to church attendance. Additional days of celebration, such as Las Posadas and Three Kings Day, are also included."

Kirkus Book Reviews

Web Resources:
www.susanelya.com

Say Hola to Spanish

Author: Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrator: Loretta Lopez

Bilingual, K-3

"Spanish is fun,/ so give it a try./ Hola is hello,/ adiós is good-bye." So begins this catchy introduction to some basic vocabulary. The almost-musical rhymes resemble a commercial jingle and facilitate learning. The Spanish terms are printed in bold throughout the text, along with plenty of visual clues, to make it easy for youngsters to decipher them. A glossary of the 70 words with pronunciations and the English equivalent is provided."

School Library Journal

Web Resources:
www.susanelya.com

F is for Fiesta

Author: Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas

Bilingual - K-2.

Susan Middleton Elya's "F is For Fiesta" describes a lively birthday party, featuring the 30 letters of the Spanish alphabet. Before the party begins, "A" is for adornos hung by Papá while "B" is for the biscochitos Mamá bakes.

Brian Karas' delightful illustrations draw young readers into a party, complete with dulces (sweets), globos (balloons), juguetes (toys) and a bright star-shaped piñata filled with candy. this joyous alphabet book includes a glossary of translations and is an excellent resource for bilingual K-2 teachers.

Topeka's Capital Journal

Web Resources:
www.susanelya.com