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Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Santiago Stays is the latest book of award-winning author and illustrator Angela Dominguez. Dominguez’s story is charming, delicate, and easy to read. Her narrative is about a young boy who tries to play with his French bulldog Santiago. The boy offers Santiago diverse colorful options like playing with a toy, going for a walk, and even eating a hamburger to captivate his attention. What the boy didn’t know is that Santiago had a very important job to do that’s why he could not play with him. When the boy lost control and became loud, her little sister woke up with a cry. As soon as she saw Santiago, she smiled. The boy now realized why nothing made Santiago looses his post. “Good Boy, Santiago” the boy exclaimed.
With engaging and simple text, young readers and listeners enthrall in the artwork illustrations created in pencil, ink, marker, and tissue paper.
Santiago Stays is a highly recommended book especially for pet lovers and families who enjoy great stories. Reading gives you wings! Visit your local library to emerge in the fascinating world of books.
To read more about Angela Dominguez please check the following links:
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Review by Ariadna Sánchez
December is here! A special and sweet way to share time with the beloved ones is through cooking. Oaxaca al Gustois by renowned British author Diana Kennedy. Kennedy takes audacious readers to an amazing and delectable journey into one of the most colorful and one-of-a-kind cuisines in the world.
The southern Mexican state of Oaxaca is a complex and diverse region with a huge variety of flavors and gourmet dishes. The secret behind each recipe is reveal by Oaxacan natives. Kennedy travel from north to south and from east to west of Oaxaca to capture in words and by photograph the essence behind the three hundred recipes most of them from home cooks.
Oaxaca al Gusto is organized by regions for an easy search. Along with each recipe, readers can check some cooking techniques, learn from the community, and admire the stunning and appetitive images. In addition, Oaxaca al Gusto contains a special chapter that focuses on the three main components of the Oaxacan cuisine: corn, chocolate and chiles. Follow by a complete glossary, an extended biography of author Diana Kennedy and last by not least a note to the cook. Oaxaca al Gusto is definitely a mouthwatering experience!
Have a safe and great Thanksgiving celebration and remember that reading is delicious. Visit your local library to merge into the fascinating world of books.
To read more of Diana Kennedy’s experiences please follow the next link:
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Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Let’s celebrate together with Los Gatos Black on Halloween written by Marisa Montes and gorgeously illustrated by Yuyi Morales. Montes’s vivid narrative has the power to delineate the beauty of Latin American culture page by page. The fusion of Spanish words in the story creates a smooth seasonal spirit. It’s like an invitation to a wonderful journey of pleasant emotions.Everything is ready to rock under the full bright moon! Surrounded by spooky sounds, the pumpkins, mummies, wolfman, zombies, los gatos black, las brujas on their broomsticks, los muertos crawling out of their coffins, and los esqueletos with their white shiny bones arrive one by one to the colorful haunted mansion. The party is perfect until a loud rasp at the door. This unexpected twist gives the monsters a terrible problem. Monsters are scared of niños especially on Halloween night. What will happen next? A complementary glossary is available at the end of the book. Delightful pictures by Morales are the perfect complement for this breathtaking and mysterious story. BOO!
Visit your local library for more eerie and creepy tales. Reading gives you wings!
Enjoy the read-along Los Gatos Black on Halloween video:
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Los Monstruos: Halloween Song in Spanish
by Music With Sara
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Día de los Muertos or Day of the Death is approaching. In preparation for this amazing festivity, reading Mi Familia Calaca/ My Skeleton Family by Cynthia Weill in collaboration with Oaxacan paper mache artisan Jesús Canseco Zárate is a great way to start the celebration.
Weill’s latest bilingual book gives a glance of the vast Mexican art. Anita is a young calacagirl, who introduces each member of her skeleton family. With short and catching sentences in English and Spanish, each character reveals its beauty to the young readers. Each page shows a colorful encounter starting with Anita’s brother Miguel (el travieso/the brat), followed by her cute baby brother Juanito, then her stylish mother, next her handsome father, as well as her adorable grandparents, and last but not least her cat and dog.
The astonishing art created by Canseco Zárate pops-out automatically like jack-in-the-box. The wonderful sculptures in paper mache are a pleasure for the senses.
Mi Familia Calaca/ My Skeleton Family is a must read for the season. Reading gives you wings. Visit your local library to check out more exciting stories.
For additional information about Cynthia Weill’s books and artisan Jesús Canseco Zárate’s calacas click on the following links:
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Latino/a Rising is the first collection of U.S. Latino/a science fiction, fantasy, and other speculative genres.
There is a growing movement of people who are interested in the incredible U.S. Latino/a writers and artists who have turned to science fiction, fantasy, and other speculative genres. Latino/a Rising: An Anthology of U.S. Latino/a Speculative Fictionwill introduce the public to the work of these writers and artists.
With the exception of Edward James Olmos’ Bladerunner and Battlestar Galactica, positive U.S. Latino/a characters have been largely absent from mainstream speculative fiction novels and films. Films such as Men in Black and Alien Nation, and shows such as X-Files, express the anxiety that the mainstream has concerning Latinos/as and recent immigrants. Latino/a Rising will contest this trend, showing how Latino/a writers and artists are transforming the genres.
Please support this project
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Nature and its colors serve as an inspiration for writer Antonio Ramírez and acclaimed Oaxacan artist Domi to create Napí.Their creativity portrays the one-of-a-kind beauty and the heritage of the Mazatec region located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Simple words, filled with sentiment, are the ingredients that make Napí a priceless tale.
Napí is a mazatec girl who loves to dream. She enjoys listening to her grandfather’s stories while sitting near the river. As her náa or grandmother braids Napí’s hair, the stunning sunset covers the Mazatec region with bright orange, intense violet and dark green. A starry sky is the perfect blanket for Napí’s good night sleep. Napí dreams that she is a white and tall heron. By being a heron, Napí flies high in the sky and admires the gorgeous region as her wings flap in the air like if they were dancing with the wind. Napí wakes up each morning in her comfortable and cozy bed thinking about what the next dream will be about.
Visit your local library to check out more cheerful stories. Remember, reading gives you wings!
Find more of Domi’s great illustrations at:
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Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Each September, we celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Month here in the United States. It runs from September 15 to October 15 and its purpose is to celebrate the history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, México, the Caribbean and Central and South America. These individuals have impacted the community in a positive way.
Gathering the Sun, written by award-winning author Alma Flor Ada and gorgeously illustrated by Simón Silva, fits perfectly for the occasion. Ada’s inspirational poems using the alphabet help the reader to discover the essence, strength, and beauty of a community of lives and work in the field. The marvelous twenty-eight colorful pages honor the courage of women and men who, with their daily efforts, create a better place to live for all.
Each letter transmits a strong message that glorifies the perfection of Mother Nature. These poems glorify the gifts of the harvest season to be enjoyed as brothers and sisters.
Árboles (Trees), Betabel (Beet), Cesar Chávez, Duraznos (Peaches) are some of the words that you find in this lovely book. Let’s celebrate and honor the unique and wonderful riqueza latina.
Visit your local library for more interesting stories. ¡Viva Hispanic Heritage Month! Reading gives your wings.
To learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Month visit the following links:
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Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Ejutla de Crespo is a small town located in the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Many years ago Don Ricardo, or Tío Rico as people usually called him, was the man responsible for creating astonishing piñatas. Tío Rico’s creativity is the inspiration for El Piñatero/The Piñata Maker by award-winning author and photographer George Ancona.
Tío Rico created artistic white swans, silky herons, cheerful dolls, and delicious orange carrots just to mention some. His piñatas made birthday celebrations special all over Ejutla de Crespo. My father and my mother told me wonderful stories about Tío Rico’s work. For example, they told me that Tío Rico’s piñatas were the most popular items in the community all year round. My grandparents bought piñatas from Tío Rico for my parents, uncles and aunts for their parties. If you ask me where magic and fun meets, I have to respond by saying, “inside Tío Rico’s piñatas.” Ancona’s lovely pictures capture Tío Rico’s patience during the step-by-step elaboration of his one-of-a kind art pieces. El Piñatero / The Piñata Maker is a bilingual book that offers an additional guide to create your own piñata at home. Each page of El Piñatero/ The Piñata Maker is an open invitation to discover the beauty of Ejutla de Crespo, Oaxaca.
Visit your local library for more interesting stories. Reading gives you wings!
Additional information for El Piñatero/ The Piñata Maker:
Meet Mr. Ancona:
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Review by Ariadna Sánchez
A vast variety of colors cover the universe. Their presence in the environment provides human beings with the inspiration necessary to create exquisite art pieces. Colors can cheer the spirit up in only seconds. They transform a lonely soul into a cheerful one by giving hope and serenity to it.Colores de la Vida by Cynthia Weill has fabulous folk art by Artisans from Oaxaca, Mexico. Weill’s perfect combination of art and colors results in a boost of power of the immense world of colors in English and Spanish. Page by page, Colores de la Vida is an open invitation to admire the beauty in our surroundings.
Visit your local library to check out other great books written by Cynthia Weill. Reading gives you wings!
For additional information regarding Weill’s work click the following link:
Listen in Spanish Cynthia Weill Interview
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
The Bogeyman is one of the most iconic figures in the Latin culture. In addition, La Llorona (The Weeping Woman) and El Chupacabras are folkloric characters that seduce old and new generations into a mysterious and magical world. The legends, myths, and folk stories about these unique figures gave birth to a legacy that will last forever in Mexico’s villages and cities as well as the rest of Latin America.
¡El Cucuy! A Bogeyman Cuento in English and Spanish as told by Joe Hayes and phenomenally illustrated by Honorio Robledo is a must read during the summer break.
In Oaxaca, México El Cucuy is best known as el Coco. Hayes description of El Cucuy matches the one my abuelita used to tell me “a gigantic old man with a humped back and a large, red left ear that can hear everything. And he comes to town for lazy and disobedient girls and boys.”
The tale gives young readers a bittersweet experience as the two girls are carried by El Cucuy towards the mountain. The two sisters are afraid and sorry for their behavior with their father and younger sister. One day, a boy losses one of his goats. The goat starts to bleat louder and louder right above El Cucuy’s cave. The girls plea the boy for help. He takes his jacket and uses it as a rope to rescue the girls. The girls climb up. Once free and safe the three children walk to the valley. At last, the girls reunite with their father and sister. Since that day, the two sisters are the most helpful and polite girls in town. The good news is that El Cucuy never appears again.
Joe Hayes adds at the end of the book a special note to readers and storytellers about ¡El Cucuy! Visit your local library for more amazing stories. Reading gives you wings. Hasta Pronto
Joe Hayes Narrates El Cucuy! - YouTube
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Tacos are consider the most emblematic Mexican dish around the world. Tacos also contribute to the creation of the Mexican identity in every single bite.
La Tacopedia. Enciclopedia del Taco is the result of an exhausted research by Alejandro Escalante and Editors Déborah Holtz and Juan Carlos Mena. This book gives the readers an amazing journey through history and one-of-a-kind taquerias in Mexico City. Taquerias serve a variety of options giving the customer a rainbow of succulent alternatives to enjoy. La Tacopedia. Enciclopedia del Taco is written only in Spanish and has already printed their second edition. So if you want to practice your Spanish this summer here is a great opportunity while preparing some tacos, molotes, quesadillas, and tlayudas. Mmmmmmmmm
The book contains mouthwatering recipes and stunning photographs that will make your senses go wild. Run to the local library and check out La Tacopedia. Enciclopedia del Taco for more interesting facts. Reading gives you wings ¡Qué ricos son los tacos!
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
I remember with great pleasure both of my grandmothers, Licha and Carmela. They used medicinal plants to treat illnesses. My abuelitas were amazing curanderas and storytellers. They sure knew how to heal the body and the soul.
The book My Nana’s Remedies written by Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford and tenderly illustrated by Edna San Miguel is a warm bilingual story that shows the immense knowledge of Nana when preparing a series of herbal remedies to treat her sick granddaughter. Nana uses native medicine plants to cure from insomnia to a stomach ache. By doing this, Nana passes down to her granddaughter the vast richness of traditions, love, and skills in every remedy she gently prepares. Nana’s remedies bring two generations together to celebrate the beauty of family relationships. Nana’s wisdom is a legacy that will last in her granddaughter’s memory for ever just like the way I treasure my lovely abuelitas in my heart and memory.
At the end of the book, there is a useful medicinal plant glossary by Ana Lilia Reina that provides the readers a precise description of some of the most popular plants used around the world. My Nana’s Remedies is an excellent option to read during the summer. Special thanks to Restaurant Casa Oaxaca for making possible this pretty picture. Visit your local library for more stunning stories. Reading gives you wings. ¡Hasta Pronto!
Author Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford shares her books
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
All eyes will be on Sao Paulo, Brazil this Thursday June 12th when the FIFA World CupTM 2014 begins. The international soccer competition gathers the 32 best soccer teams from around the world to celebrate the passion for fútbol and brotherhood. The winner of this tournament will take home the prestigious FIFA World Cup gold trophy. For all soccer players, participating in the World Cup is an important achievement, and it is also a life learning experience. Fans from all over the five continents are anxious and excited to witness the magic of soccer in every kick of the ball.
For The Love of Soccer! is written by three-time World Cup champion Pelé and beautifully illustrated by Frank Morrison. Edison Arantes do Nascimento “Pelé” was born on October 23, 1940 in Três Corações, Brazil. The soccer legend’s first book for children portrays the amazing journey from his childhood until becoming an icon worldwide. Pelé’s strong message to children is to enjoy life to the fullest and the importance of team work. Pelé uses vivid words to motivated young readers to follow their dreams at the same time he encourages children to do it with love.
Pelé is a positive role model for the new generations around the globe. His tenacity and skills allowed him to play professional soccer for Brazilian Team Santos from 1956 until 1974. He also played on Brazil’s National Team giving him the opportunity to win three World Cups. After he retired from Santos in 1974, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos. In 1975, soccer was not a popular sport in the United States. However, Pelé’s energetic and charismatic spirit made soccer be appreciated by the American society. Nowadays, soccer is considered a massive fever that has spread making this popular sport part of one’s life. GOOOOOAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
Check out the following link for additional information regarding the latest news of FIFA World CupTM , Brazil 2014:
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca is the home of poet Natalia Toledo and painter Francisco Toledo. Daughter and father bring the beauty of ancient oral Zapotec tales alive. Cuento del conejo y el Coyote/Didxaguc’ sti’ Lexu ne Gueu’ is written in Spanish and Didxazá, the language of the Zapotec people. Zapotecs located in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec pass to the young generations many traditions orally. Natalia Toledo grew up listening extraordinary stories from her relatives. Natalia Toledo’s poetic words portray the beauty of a community that fights to preserve its dynamic and colorful heritage. Francisco Toledo’s sublime artwork complements the tale of Rabbit and Coyote. Each page is an open invitation to discover the region of Tehuantepec.
The tale of Rabbit and Coyote shows that “brains over brawn” is the key to remain safe when danger knocks on the door. Conejo steals chiles from the farmer’s orchard. The farmer decides to place a trap to catch Conejo for a succulent meal. The farmer’s plan succeeds! Rabbit is inside the cage ready to be cooked. Meanwhile, the farmer is preparing the ingredients for a delicious dish; Coyote passes by the helpless Conejo. At that moment, Conejo convinces Coyote to take his place arguing his immaturity to marry the farmer’s daughter. Conejo fools Coyote for the first time. As the tale continues, Conejo tricks Coyote for several occasions until Conejo finds a safe place in the moon. This explains why coyotes howl at the moon at night. Natalia and his father Francisco are fervent promoters of the Zapotec culture around the world. For more information about their work visit the following links:
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Nursery rhymes are considered an important source of cultural heritage. Through music, individuals can experience joy, hope, honesty, and friendship. Señor Pancho Had a Rancho is written by Salvadorean award-winning author René Colato Laínez and humorously illustrated by Elwood Smith. Colato Laínez takes young readers through an incredible bilingual music journey to the farm along with Old McDonald and Señor Pancho. Old McDonald speaks English and his animal, too. Old McDonald’s animals make enthusiastic voices in the farm. The cow moos, the rooster crows cock-a-doodle-doos, the dog woofs, the sheep baas, the horse neighs, and the chick peeps. On the other hand, Señor Pancho speaks Spanish and his animals, too. They greet Señor Pancho like this: la vaca says muu, el gallo sings quiquiriquí, el perro says guau guau, la oveja pronounces a high bee bee, el caballo says a noisy jii jii, and el pollito a soft pío pío here and there. Both farmers and their animals have a great time together, but at the end of the day, Old McDonald and Señor Pancho realize they are not as distinct as they seem when they first meet. Instead, they discover more things in common that allow them to spend the rest of the evening dancing and singing E-I-E-I-O and cha-cha-cha- cha-cha. The moral of Señor Pancho Had a Rancho is that in order to have fun and be friends, one needs to learn how to embrace each other’s differences. Visit your local library to read more amazing stories. ¡Adiós!
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
The southern Mexican state of Oaxaca celebrates the Guelaguetza every July. Guelaguetza means sharing. This festivity brings together the splendor of the eight regions of Oaxaca through dances, music, food, and art.
Count me in! is written by Cynthia Weill and complemented by the talented Aguilar Sisters. Count me in! is a colorful and artistic counting book with the unique and finest ceramic figurines made by the gifted Aguilar sisters.Count me in! offers an unforgettable bilingual experience while learning numbers one through ten along the músicos, pretty danzantes and joyful niñas y niños as each page shows the traditional calenda before the Guelaguetza begins. Una marmota, an enormous white balloon held by a wooden stick, leads the parade with la banda de musica playing. Dos cueteros come along to throw firecrackers into the air. Tres músicos follow the cueteros. Cuatro monos or giants puppets bring happiness to the parade. The world-known art by Guillermina, Josefina, Irene and Concepción Aguilar will show Oaxaca’s beauty as you count from one to ten. Visit the nearest library to read this amazing book. Reading gives you wings!
The Aguilar sisters are Mexico’s most beloved artisans. They learned how to make clay figurines from their mother Isaura Álcantara Diaz. These lively independent women are considered great masters of Mexican folk art and have been presented to Queen Elizabeth, Queen Sofia of Spain, various Mexican presidents and Nelson Rockefeller. Their humorous ceramics of the people of their town and state are in museum collections worldwide.
The collection of parade figures from Count Me In was acquired by the Field Museum in Chicago for its permanent collection.
*For more about Aguilar Sisters of Oaxaca, check the following links:
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Guacamole is a delicious dish that many people appreciate around the world. You can enjoy guacamole with: tortilla chips, tortas, tacos, burritos, sandwiches, carne asada, and the list goes on and on. Guacamole was made for the first time around the 16th century by the Aztecs. The ancient civilization gave the name of āhuacamolli to the “avocado sauce”. Generations have adored the unique taste of a green succulent bowl of guacamole in every meal making this dish a gem from the gods.
Young children can learn how to prepare a tasty avocado sauce by reading Guacamole written by Salvadorean award-winning author Jorge Argueta and gracefully illustrated by Mexican artist Margarita Sada. Preparing guacamole is a life learning experience that brings the Latino culture alive while savoring the delicious food. Children discover the benefits behind this mouthwatering dish as they cut and chop the green avocados. They enjoy the smell of the fresh cilantro, the scent of the lemon, and have fun when adding a few white sparkles of salt crystals.
The last stage of this process is to plant seeds. By planting them, Mother Earth will give more fruits and vegetables to be enjoyed by families and friends. Reading is a definitely a delicious adventure! Visit the nearest library for more healthy recipes. ¡Provecho!
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Most people have at least one dream in their lives. Dreams are important because they allow individuals to explore different avenues towards success. Making dreams come true is the final goal at the end of a person’s journey. Santiago the Dreamer in Land Among the Stars is written by international pop star Ricky Martin and gorgeously illustrated by Patricia Castelao.
Santiago’s dream is to perform on stage. The school opens auditions for the lead part in the annual play. Santiago learns all his lines, but he is so nervous that his voice cracks. The children watching the audition laugh, and Santiago leaves the stage quite sad. Santiago shares the unfortunate experience about his audition with his father. His father with a tender voice and a big smile said, ˈNever give up. You can do anything you dream of, as long as you do it with love. And, no matter what you choose, always reach for the moon!ˈ Santiago realizes that the most important thing to do in order to reach any dream is not to quit and believe in one’s self. Santiago also dreams about becoming: a teacher, a pilot, a doctor, an astronaut, a paleontologist, and a baseball player. But Santiago’s biggest dream is to perform in a famous theater, so he practices daily to improve his voice, dancing, acting, and singing skills to become a star.
After practicing for weeks, the lead actor of the annual play lost his voice. Santiago knows that this is a one-of-a kind opportunity, so without thinking it twice, he approached the director to take the leading role. This time Santiago is ready, he puts all his effort and love to offer a great show to the entire audience in the school auditorium. Santiago’s father is amazed for his son’s extraordinary performance. Santiago tells his father that his encouraging words motivated him to pursue his dream until he was able to reach the moon and be among the stars.
Reading helps achieve dreams. Never give up, keep trying and trying until you reach the moon and the stars. Visit the nearest library to continue exploring new adventures. ¡Hasta pronto!
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Celebrate El día de los niños / El día de los libros
with 8 diverse live author + illustrator readings
April 30th Lineup
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BOOK FIESTA
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
¡Estas son las mañanitas
Que cantaba el Rey David
a todas las niñas y niños
Aquí en La Bloga te
Celebramos a ti!
In Many Latin American countries, but specifically Mexico, people celebrate El Día del Niño on April 30th (The day of the Child). Fun activities are held to honor the youngest members of the Mexican society since early morning until the moon appears with her bright light over the starry sky.
Children around the world deserve the very best education, opportunities, and services in order to develop their full potential. By linking books to El Día del Niño celebration, the children of México and other parts of the world are engaged with literacy while having fun.
Book Fiesta! is a bilingual picture book written by award-winning author Pat Mora and majestically illustrated by Rafael López. Pat Mora’s exquisite text invites families to read books and enjoy its benefits while riding aboard a train, floating in a hot-air balloon or sailing with a whale. Reading is a magical journey towards success! Mora is the founder of the family literacy initiative El día de los niños/ El día de los libros; Children’s Day/ Book Day, now housed by the American Library Association (ALA).
Book Fiesta! brings families together to embrace friendship, culture and literature. Reading one book at a time creates a strong community of readers.
¡Felicidades Niñas y Niños!
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
While waiting for the train at 7th Street/Metro Center station in Downtown Los Angeles, a young lady approached me for help. She was confused and worried at the same time; she needed to catch the train toward Long Beach. She was visiting Los Angeles for the first time to meet her nephew. Her words were filled with great expectation and excitement, but her spirit seemed intimidated by the speedy trains that passed by. Finally, we looked at the screen showing the Metro Blue Line schedule. The next departing train to Long Beach opened its doors welcoming all passengers aboard. When she got inside the train, it took only a few minutes before the train began moving. The young lady waved at me as the train vanished into the dark tunnel. I sat down for a moment in the waiting area for my train to arrive thinking about this experience. I put myself in this lady’s shoes and realized that life is a unique adventure full of amazing trips.
Me And My Cat? written and illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura is a story that narrates the abruptly transformation of Nicholas and his cat Leonardo. Late one night, an old lady in a pointed hat climbs through the window into Nicholas’s bedroom. She brandishes her broom, fires out some weird words, and leaves. The following morning Nicholas is living “inside” his cat Leonardo and Leonardo is living “inside” Nicholas. Nicholas is shocked to look at himself in the mirror with long whiskers, sharp claws, and purring like a sweet little kitten, MEOW! Outside the house, Nicholas, who is inside Leonardo’s body, realizes that life is tough and complicated for a cat when he is chased by three mean cats and Mr. Stone’s furious dog. Hours later, Nicholas sees himself coming back from school and acting like Leonardo, the cat. This behavior makes his mother very upset, so she decides to call the doctor. The doctor recommends sending Nicholas to bed early. That night, the old lady in the pointed hat pays Nicholas a second visit. She apologizes for throwing a spell at the wrong person. The old lady brandishes her broom and blurts out some mysterious words disappearing as quickly as a thunder. The next day everything is back to normal, Nicholas is ready for school and Leonardo is actively climbing over the shelf. At school Mr. Gough, Nicholas’ teacher sits on the table, scratches his back, licks his cheeks, and falls asleep.
Can you guess who the old lady in the pointed hat visited last night? Be careful, you might be next!
The story Me and my Cat? stimulates deep perceptions to the young readers. Thinking about others’ needs creates mature and responsible children. Teaching values like respect, tolerance, and acceptance are some ways to show sympathy to new generations for a better community and for a better world. Visit the local library today. Reading gives you wings! Purr
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Being a mother is a fascinating role full of amazing experiences. On Monday, I took my son to his regular dental appointment. Can you guess what happen? The X-rays showed that his baby teeth were preventing the new one from coming out. As a result, his gums were a bit swollen. The dentist suggested that it was necessary to remove a couple of his baby teeth to avoid pain or infections. My son was quite nervous, but as soon as his teeth were out everything was back to normal. On our way back home, my son wondered if animals also go through this painful process. In order to find an answer, we headed straight to the library. We got the best books on the topic. We learned that animals loose more teeth than humans sometimes. One thing is for sure, we all need our teeth in order to enjoy a delicious snack. Munch!
The book that we enjoyed reading the most is What If You Had Animal Teeth!? written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Howard McWilliam. It is appealing, brilliant, and educational. The book provides the young readers cool facts about the animal kingdom while it lets their imagination run wild thinking what it would be like to have beaver, camel or giraffe’s front teeth. The stunning artwork creates the perfect complement to understand the great and unique characteristics of each animal. The creatures that appear in the publication are: Great White Shark, Elephant, Rattlesnake, Naked Mole Rat, and Vampire Bat, among others.
Taking care of your teeth hasn’t been so much fun. Brushing twice a day and using floss regularly can help your smile last a lifetime. Big smiles make the world a happy place to live.
By reading this book, you are killing two birds with one stone because it brightens your mind with good oral care tips while learning about nature. Reading gives you wings. Smile as much as you can!
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Feel the rhythm
Feel the beat
Music is energy
Music is heat.
I love music! Music creates harmony between my body and my soul. I personally enjoy the rhythm of the beats as the music flows. In the book When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of the Hip Hop written by Laban Carrick Hill and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III shows that music can transform communities.
Clive Campbell lived in Kingston, Jamaica. When he was thirteen years old he moved to New York City. Music and basketball are Clive’s passion. Clive calls himself “cool as Clyde” after his favorite basketball player Walt “Clyde” Frazier. Since Clive’s height is six feet and five inches, his friends call him Hercules. Clive decides to call himself Kool Herc.
DJ Kool Herc transforms a neighborhood using music, which gives the the young community of the Bronx a fresh perspective. DJ Kool Herc does not like fighting; instead he opts for a turntable and some speakers. His ability to mix music is amazing, everyone loves hearing his music. The break-dancers love to dance the breaks. They can make incredible jumps like gymnastics. Some of the most popular moves are: the turtle, windmill, toprock, downrock, and one handed handstand freeze. DJ Kool Herc legacy is a form of expression, which brings together a community to share their talents as one big family. Visit your local library to read this book that will make you dance. Remember that music and reading gives you wings. Hip, hop, hippity hop!
My bilingual book From North to South/ Del norte al sur, illustrated by Joe Cepeda, is back in print & now available in paperback edition. The book is available at http://www.leeandlow.com/
Thanks to all readers who had emailed me asking for the book. It is great to know that it has touched many lives.
Here are some emails.
"Like you, I am an elementary school teacher. Most of the students in my class are Latino and, of course, immigration and deportations are huge issues. I've been trying to purchase your book From North to South but have been unable to do so. It seems like it's not selling anywhere! Do you know how I can get 6 copies of that book?"
"From North to South is truly a deeply moving book and so important in our community. One of my grad students used it with families and their response was very heartfelt as one of the grandmothers was living the situation with her son who was deported. The grandmother is caring for her grandchild left behind."
"Thank you so much for writing From North to South. It's so important for children to understand why they are separated from their parents. The numbers are only increasing, unfortunately.
My fiance was recently removed to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. I bought your book and took it to him last time I was there. He wrote inside the book, and I mailed it to his children for their Christmas present. Recently, I was at an immigration conference (I work in the advocacy field) and spoke to an attorney who is working with several mothers who have been removed. I recommended the book and she bought a few and mailed them to Guatemala for the parents to write in for their children. Anyhow I thought you'd enjoy knowing that the book is making an impact in the lives of children."
BOOK TRAILER
BOOK REVIEW
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
From North to South is written by René Colato Laínez and tenderly illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Colato Laínez’s story portrays the struggle of hundreds of immigrant families who suffer because of their legal status in the United States. From North to South shows the challenges and effects of family separation while dreams and hopes are abruptly stopped by the border fence. José and his parents live in San Diego, California. One day, José’s mom is arrested and deported to Tijuana, Mexico during a raid in the factory where she works. After weeks of being away from his mother, José and his father finally had the opportunity to go to Tijuana, Mexico to visit her mother at a shelter called Centro Madre Assunta.*
As soon as José sees his mother, he desperately runs into her mother’s arms. This event brings relief to the whole family and their broken hearts. José and his parents spend a very special weekend at Centro Madre Assunta. As a one big family, José and his mother spend some time with other children and women that are waiting to reunite with their loved ones on the other side of the border. They play games, plant seeds, eat, and rejoice for being part of this big family at Centro Madre Assunta. José’s dad is a legal permanent resident, so this means that José’s mom will soon be getting her legal status.
When it was time to say farewell to his mother, the sun also began to hide behind the mountain. As his mother read a story, José fell asleep on his mother lap. This very painful separation marks José’s family forever. Like a giant magnet, “the north” pulls José and his father back to San Diego while “the south” holds his mother back in Tijuana. Time and hope are her best allies to calm her broken heart.
Remember reading gives you wings!!!
*Centro Madre Assunta is a shelter located in Tijuana, Mexico. Centro Madre Assunta provides a refuge for women and children who have been deported or are trying to cross the border to meet again with their relatives in the United States. For more information about the shelter visit the following links:
Review by Ariadna Sánchez
Ms. Matos and the children move their skeletons muy sabroso when they hear the song La Vida es un Carnaval. I think you know who the singer is, right?
Of course you know! Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso is the interpreter of the song, and she is better known as Celia Cruz.
Women’s International Day is around the corner, and the best way to commemorate this day is by reading the book ¡Azúcar! written and illustrated by Ivar Da Coll. This stupendous book is the biography of the incomparable Guarachera de Cuba. With amazing illustrations, the written text becomes alive. During her successful musical career, Celia Cruz received more than 100 awards. Among the most important ones are a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, five Grammy Awards, and three Honoris Causa degrees by three different universities in the United States. She was a successful woman in all scopes of life, a warrior and a worthy ambassador of her country’s and Latin America’s culture. Celia’s artistic legacy invites us to face life’s challenges with optimism while dancing to her contagious tune.
Celia’s motto was ‘Mi bandera es la alegría, mi causa cantar’. Although, she is no longer with us, her voice and her charisma will remain in our hearts forever. She died on July 16, 2003 at the age of 78 in New Jersey due to brain stem cancer. Celia Cruz was definitely a clear example of perseverance, tenacity, and humility for the newer generations.
Congratulations to all women around the world for your dedication and commitment. Remember that reading gives you wings. ¡Azúcaaar!
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