FICTION

Marco's Cinco de Mayo

by Lisa BULLARD
illus. by Holli Conger. 24p. (Cloverleaf Books Holidays and Special Days Series). further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Millbrook. Apr. 2012. PLB $23.93. ISBN 978-0-7613-5082-8; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8580-6; ebook $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8841-8. LC 2011021293.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—A Mexican American boy celebrates Cinco de Mayo with his family. The colorful cartoon-inspired graphics show round-faced Marco dressed in costume to dance in a street celebration filled with easily identifiable images (a Ferris wheel, balloons, food stands, floats, and flags). The first pages introduce the holiday with child-friendly art and a map of North America. In an awkward, odd transition, Marco's cousin Diego tells him the story behind the holiday to help his performance if he "felt afraid." His brief summary of the Mexican military success against France 150 years earlier thankfully leaves Marco proudly brave with "feet ready to dance." The book ends with images of the celebration—a taco-eating contest and fireworks with Marco's happy family. Instructions for making maracas are appended. Websites are included (Sesame Street's classic Cinco de Mayo video is rather dated). An age-appropriate introduction to the holiday for the youngest of readers.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX
Children from different cultural groups describe their families' celebrations. Information about the occasions is included in the simplistic stories, but text boxes provide more details than the young narrators do. Bright, cheerful illustrations will draw readers to these introductions. Birthday focuses on U.S. customs but mentions other traditions. An activity concludes each volume. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cloverleaf Books: Holidays and Special Days titles: Brandon's Birthday Surprise, Chelsea's Chinese New Year, and Marco's Cinco de Mayo.
Reviewed by Mary Elam , Apr 01, 2012

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