Cleo

PreS-Gr 2—In this Spanish-language title, imagination and a new friendship offer a young girl respite from a mundane life of regimen. Alone on the playground, a downcast Cleo is lamenting the daily directives to brush her hair, pay more attention, and rush to catch the bus. She decides to head somewhere far, where no one will make fun of her big, round glasses. Leaving the gloomy playground behind and joined by her black cat Amadeus, whom she admires for his insouciant spirit, Cleo sets off on a skiff. Eventually she meets an unnamed boy on a small boat, accompanied by a parrot. Together they share stories, battle mythical creatures, and nap in the clouds. Full-bleed watercolor spreads depict the expansive imaginations of the characters and evoke a true sense of wonder. The illustrations are rife with symbolism, employing flocks of birds and the sea to mirror Cleo's newfound freedom and the possibilities before her, a sophisticated touch that will inspire further discussion. The descriptive language and vivid illustrations are aptly suited for read-alouds and one-on-one sharing. The text itself, however, is often difficult to read against some of the more polychromatic spreads, almost disappearing in some instances. The font choice may also exclude independent readers, who might struggle with the cursive text style.