Medias naranjas: Lucy & Desi

Toddler-PreS–This is the next book in the “Medias naranjas” series that poses the question, “Who’s your better half?” and introduces children to the iconic 1950s TV characters, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. In her rhyming bilingual book, Reyes cleverly relates how Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz met and made the most of their star power as a Hollywood couple. Each verse is translated on the same page, which makes it easy to follow the story simultaneously in English and Spanish. Focusing on the couple’s early movie successes and later comedic stylings, Hill’s illustrations highlight episodes from the Arnazes’ hilarious I Love Lucy days; kids will love Lucy’s red hair and outrageous outfits alongside Ricky’s debonair presence. Their TV sidekicks, Ethel and Fred Mertz are also featured. Reyes and Hill further demonstrate how the Desilu production company changed television sitcoms for all time and opened the doors for shows like Mission Impossible and Star Trek to make their own marks in TV history. The Ball-Arnaz legacy had its ups and downs, and this book ensures that their contributions will always be remembered fondly.