Spanish
RSSChaired by Freda Mosquera, Broward County Library, FL
ALCÁNTARA, Ricardo. Los disfraces de Tento. Bk. 3. ISBN 978-84-263-7665-7.
–––– . ¿Quién es Tento? Bk. 1. ISBN 978-84-263-7663-3.
–––– . Tento busca su osito. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-84-263-7664-0.
–––– . Tento y el color del mar. Bk. 4. ISBN 978-84-263-7666-4.
ea vol: illus. by Gusti. unpaged. (El perrito Tento Series). Edelvives. 2010. BD $10.95. LC number unavailable.
PreS–In these simple board books, Alcántara introduces his charming and adventurous character. In Book 1, children discover that Tento is not a baby, but a white, small, playful dog with long black ears and a red nose. He says “grrrrrrr” when he’s angry. In another selection, he has lost his beloved teddy bear. He looks under the bed, on top of his dresser, and in his toy box. Children will enjoy guessing where it is. In Book 3, the pup loves to play dress up. Sometimes he dresses up like a pirate, other times like a superhero. In the last book, Tento would really love to know what color the sea is so he decides to keep looking until he finds it. Gusti’s childlike illustrations are simple and sweet. Tento and his teddy bear are lovable, colorful characters that are sure to engage the strictest critics of all–toddlers.–Jessica McClinton, King County Library System, Auburn, WA
DAHL, Michael. ¡Montones de mariquitas!: Cuenta de cinco en cinco/Lots of Ladybugs!: Counting by Fives. tr. by Martín Luis Guzmán Ferrer. illus. by Todd Ouren. 24p. Picture Window. 2010. RTE $25.99. ISBN 978-1-4048-6297-5. LC 2004019003.
PreS-Gr 1–A boy counts the black spots on the ladybugs he finds in his front yard. Each one has five spots on its “red, red shell.” One more ladybug appears on each page, adding 5 more spots to count until the number reaches 50. This colorful and animated story is a good way to reinforce counting by fives, and the repetition of phrases will help beginning readers enjoy it. The accuracy of the Spanish translation makes this title a solid choice for bilingual children to practice their skills. The simple vocabulary follows the same rhythm and patterns as the English version. The full-bleed digitally enhanced illustrations work in perfect harmony with the action. The illustrator adds dominolike rectangles with each number increasing by five to support the mathematical skills. The last page offers fun facts and an activity.–Patricia Bashir, The Brentwood Library, TN
DICKMANN, Nancy. La carne y las proteínas. ISBN 978-1-4329-5130-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-5137-5. LC 2010027736.
–––– . La leche y el queso. ISBN 978-1-4329-5131-3; ISBN 978-1-4329-5138-2. LC 2010027737.
–––– . Las frutas. ISBN 978-1-4329-5127-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-5134-4. LC 2010027730.
–––– . Las verduras. ISBN 978-1-4329-5128-3; ISBN 978-1-4329-5135-1. LC 2010027733.
–––– . Los granos. ISBN 978-1-4329-5129-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-5136-8. LC 2010027735.
RISSMAN, Rebecca. Mi pirámide alimentaria. ISBN 978-1-4329-5132-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-5139-9. LC 2010032021.
ea vol: 24p. (Comer sano Series). photos. glossary. index. Heinemann/Raintree. 2011. RTE $21.50; pap. $5.99.
PreS-Gr 1–These simple texts are complemented with large and bright photographs on every page. Each title includes questions that are explored throughout, such as: “What are fruits?” or “How do vegetables help us?” A “test” or “search” game is appended to encourage children to look at a photo and answer a question. For example, in La carne, a photograph depicts a dinner plate with sliced chicken, sliced baby potatoes, a salad, a small bowl of fruit, and a glass of juice. The question is “Can you find the meat?” An illustrated glossary for Spanish learners and an index with notes for parents and teachers are appended. Solid purchases for schools and libraries needing easy-to-read nonfiction.–Angélica Sauceda, Anaheim Public Library, CA
FONTANEL, Béatrice. Tristán e Iseo. illus. by Aurélia Fronty. unpaged. Edelvives. 2010. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-84-263-7696-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-9–In this picture-book retelling of a medieval romance, a 15-year-old orphan goes to live with his uncle, the King of Cornualles. During that time, a giant from Ireland comes to the court to request payment in the form of young slaves. Tristan kills the giant but is gravely wounded himself. Before dying, the giant tells him that his niece, Iseo, can heal him. So, Tristan sets sail to Ireland where he recovers and falls under the magical spell of a love potion. The relationship is impossible because Iseo is to marry Tristan’s uncle, and only through deceit can the pair be together. The story is told through the eyes of a messenger with its beginning line, “Hear yee, Hear yee!” Short verses and deep-hued paintings adorn the pages. Both the art and the mature themes suggest a sophisticated audience. Everything about this book speaks of a medieval tale, but in a colorful, unconventional way.–Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL
KROSOCZKA, Jarrett J. Lunch Lady y el sustituto cibernético. tr. by Rosa Martí. illus. by author. unpaged. Roca Editorial. 2011. pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-84-9918-127-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–With its outlandish plots and colorful characters, this graphic-novel series has earned a following with young children and educators alike. In this story, Lunch Lady becomes suspicious when a popular teacher is absent and an odd-acting substitute fills in. After investigating, she discovers a plot by another teacher to win the “Teacher of the Year” award by using an army of cyborg robots. Lunch Lady manages to defeat them using chicken-nugget bombs and fish-stick nunchucks. Her sidekick Betty captures the plotting teacher using nothing more than her hairnet and quick arm. The ending has a lesson about standing up to bullies. Twists and turns are sure to entice reluctant as well as avid comic-book readers. Shades of yellow are used throughout the illustrations to add depth to the scenery and characters. The Castillian Spanish translation might sound unusual to some American Spanish readers, but it is not too difficult to figure out. This funny, action-packed title is sure to please a variety of readers .–Roberto Zapata, San Antonio Public Library, TX
LACOMBE, Benjamin. Melodía en la ciudad. tr. from French by Elena Gallo Krahe. illus. by author. 34p. Edelvives. 2010. Tr $31.95. ISBN 978-84-263-7697-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–Alejandro lives in a city in which everyone works in the same miserable factory. He knows that if he doesn’t escape, he is doomed to lead the same boring existence as his parents. Life is dismal until a band of Gypsies comes to town with a traveling circus. Alejandro falls in love with beautiful, young Elena, who promises to kiss him if he will write her a song. (The lyrics are included at the end.) The beautifully detailed, full-page illustrations have an ethereal quality and feature gray industrial scenes contrasted with glowing shades of rose, teal, and amber to depict the Gypsies and the circus scenes. Some of the images and descriptions of the sideshow “monstrous,” such as the limbless girl, wolf-faced boy, and Siamese twins, may be disturbing to young children. The vocabulary is advanced and at times the European “vosotros” form is used. Recommended for libraries that serve advanced readers of Spanish.–Rebecca Hickman, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
MARTÍNEZ, Rocío. El de-sastre perfecto. illus. by author. unpaged. Edelvives. 2010. Tr $22.95. ISBN 978-84-263-7741-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-4–In this lesson about turning life’s lemons into lemonade, two long-warring nations agree to a truce. As a first step of goodwill, each country will participate in a military parade. A new start calls for crisp uniforms, so the generals go off to put in orders for their regalia. In one of the countries, the best tailor is swamped, but he concedes to the request, given the precariousness of the cease-fire. The “disaster” of the title plays on the word for tailor in Spanish, “sastre.” He receives the wrong shipment of cloth too close to the parade date to reorder the goods. The yards of a tropical-patterned fabric are unsuitable for military garb, but the man gave his word on the delivery. He plunges ahead, and although the generals protest, they sport the untraditional outfits, brightly illustrated in contrast to the other, subdued tones. The female president of the other country thinks the uniforms are perfect. This rollicking story teaches children about keeping promises, making do, taking risks, and, ultimately, the important role women can play in achieving peace in the world.–Gisela Norat, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA
O’CALLAGHAN I DUCH, Elena. El color de la arena. illus. by María Jesús Santos Heredero. 40p. Edelvives. 2010. Tr $22.95. ISBN 978-8-42-635921-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4 -“My grandfather says that the world is very big.” So begins this book in which a boy describes his life in a refugee camp in the middle of the desert. The color of the sand is the color of his existence. His only glimpse beyond this world is through the stories that his grandfather shares with him about their people’s previous lives. Color and paper were things that were commonly available and now are lost. Not understanding why things are the way they are, the child accepts them and makes do with what he has. His grandfather’s tales spark his imagination, filling him with the hope to see what the man describes. This book is a wonderful introduction for children who have never met others who have been displaced from their homes. It creates an environment in which readers can relate to the thoughts and worries of this young boy. In the same manner, it introduces them to a whole new way of life. Beautifully written and complemented with harmonious art, this book not only pleases the eye, but also instills hope for the human spirit.– Verónica Corral, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC
PATTERSON, Irania Macías. Wings and Dreams: The Legend of Angel Falls/Alas y sueños: La leyenda del Salto Ángel. illus. by Catherine Courtlandt McElvane. 40p. Novello Festival. 2010. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-0-9815192-4-1. LC 2010028630.
Gr 1-3–This adventurous, imaginative bilingual folktale is set at Venezuela’s Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world. Vividly colored line drawings depict the animals, people, and scenery of this uniquely beautiful landmark. As the story begins, despair has set in upon the Pemones Indian community because their ancient territory has been invaded by conquerors from the north. Shortly thereafter, an elder in the tribe sends young Takupi on a treacherous journey in an attempt to locate land he has envisioned in his dreams. This land is said to be heavenly, where water abounds in the desertlike terrain, children are transported on eagles’ backs, and man has the ability to touch the clouds. Takupi is given gifts to aid him on his journey, but even with them, he faces impediments that test his courage and call into question his destiny. At the conclusion, the author provides background information on Jimmy Angel, the U.S. pilot who discovered the falls in the 20th century, and the locale of a majestic natural wonder that the Pemones Indians have known for centuries.–Rhonda Jeffers, Coweta Public Library System, Newnan, GA
PAVÓN, Mar. La gallina Cocorina. illus. by Mónica Carretero. 36p. Cuento de Luz. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-8-49-378146-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 3–Cocorina lays eggs upside down, which creates a slight problem when her chicks come out of their eggs. One gets a bump on the head, another sees stars. The hen quickly takes them under her wing, but a rumor spreads around the barnyard that she is a negligent parent. Nothing seems to go her way. When she sings, there’s a thunderstorm, and her chicks are out in the rain. They play hide-and-seek and fall asleep before she remembers to look for them. The rumor spreads to the capital, and eventually all around the world. At the moment her chicks are about to be put up for adoption, they stand up and defend their absent-minded mother, saying that she is the only one who can console them, and that no one hugs them like she does. Cocorina is a delightful character, and a sympathetic one as well. The Spanish text is perfect for a read-aloud, with a nice rhythm and rhyme structure. It’s the illustrations that really steal the show here–all the characters have tremendous personality, but most of all Cocorina, whom the illustrator portrays with large expressive eyes and a delightfully pear-shaped body.–Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO
PUYBARET, Éric. Los islotes de Pedestal. tr. by Elena Gallo Krahe. 41p. (Viaje al país de los magos Series). Edelvives. 2010. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-84-263-7711-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–An explorer named Azarias finds an old map that shows the location of a lost archipelago that is a magical land. He promptly builds a vessel that can travel by air, land, and sea, and sets out to find the faraway place, along with a handyman named Turpino and a researcher named Pablo. Turpino has an empty head and carries with him an assortment of useful brains such as those belonging to a diplomat, actor, prince, etc., that he can employ as needed. Pablo keeps a diary of the voyage, excerpts of which make up this story. The book is beautifully illustrated in earth tones and pastel hues. Elongated figures contribute to the whimsical aspect of the tale. Aerial illustrations bring depth and a sense of adventure. There are also drawings with cursive notations that bring realism to the diary account. Adventure readers will return to this book again and again.–Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL
QUERALT, Elisenda, Joaquim Soler, & Elisenda Queralt. La salamandra. ISBN 978-8-49-825449-5.
–––– . La tortuga. ISBN 978-8-49-825377-1.
ea vol: 24p. (Fauna en peligro Series). Combel Editorial. 2010. Tr $12.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–These simple titles discuss the evolution, adaptations, and life cycles of salamanders and turtles. Crisp and close-up photographs on brightly colored spreads show detail and capture the animals in their natural habitats. The texts are divided into short topics, each of which opens with a question box. The answers are found at the back of the books. An alert highlights the animals’ endangered status. As a bonus, each book has a naturalist club envelope with a cutout paper figurine and other activities that children will love. Attractive and engaging introductions to endangered species.–Ana Rodriguez, Tamarac Elementary School, FL
SCHWARTZ, Marcia. Lobo and the Rabbit Stew/El lobo y el caldo de conejo. illus. by D. B. Campbell. 32p. Raven Tree. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-936299-00-3; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-936299-01-0. LC 2010922814.
PreS-Gr 3–Señor Lobo thinks that he has to eat rabbit stew on a full moon or he will go insane. Mama hears the howling and warns her little bunny to be extra careful. When she leaves him alone, she advises him to not to open the door to anyone. The wolf tries to trick him into letting him in for a treat, but then decides to flush him out with a snake and some cactus molasses down the chimney. This funny story is described by the publisher as being bilingual, but Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the English narration, and kids can figure out the meanings in context. This is a great way to introduce youngsters to some vocabulary in a different language, and the words, including the masculine/feminine articles and singular/plural forms, appear in the glossary along with the definitions. Campbell’s large, double-paged mixed-media cartoon illustrations expand the humor and have a Southwestern flair. Text and illustrations complement each other, making this trickster tale a good selection for bilingual storytimes.–Liliana Patricia Rocha, Teton County Library, Jackson, WY
WHIPPLE, Vicky. La florecita de la maleza/The Little Weed Flower. tr. by Cambridge Brickhouse. illus. by Pamela Barcita. 32p. glossary. Raven Tree. 2010. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-936299-32-4; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-936299-33-1. LC 2010922818.
PreS-Gr 3–With a hawk’s help, a blooming weed, harassed by others of its kind, is noticed and loved by the gardener. Moved to the garden, she is likewise scorned by the flowers. When her blossoms begin to wilt, she encourages them to deepen their roots until the gardener returns. After receiving water, they realize that they cannot be truly beautiful without the gardener’s love. Using pastel pencils, the artist works her magic to create a garden filled with vibrant colors, earth tones, and multiple greens. Plants peer out with humanlike faces. Text appears on either side of the large, double-page illustrations. One side contains English, the opposite accurately translated Spanish. Small, secondary illustrations, such as a snail looking into the gardener’s hole or a frog jumping on the weed, often appear under the blocks of text. Reminiscent of Margery Williams’s The Velveteen Rabbit, in which love makes something real, this allegorical story will appeal to a wide audience.–Cristi Jenkins, Fort Vancouver Regional Library, WA
