OPUESTOS

This second work by one of the authors of ABeCedarios (2007) follows its predecessor’s highly praised concept and design. Pages on the left side introduce children to a word in English and Spanish, as pages on the right side present its opposite: Asleep/Dormido (a spotted dog snoozes) / Awake/Despierto (the same dog, eyes wide open and tail sticking up). Concepts are illustrated with photographs of unique hand-painted animal carvings created individually by Oaxacan artists Quirino and Martin Santiago. The contrast between the text colors and the bright background combines with the imaginary dialogue that children can establish with the vivacious folk-art figures to make this bilingual edition another outstanding entry in the First Concepts with Mexican Folk Art series. On some pages an external element—a sun or a moon, for instance—expands on such concepts as Day/Día and Night/Noche. A great selection for bilingual storytimes at preschools, elementary schools and public libraries. As a work of art, its display will enhance art exhibits and cultural programs as part of Hispanic Heritage Month or Children’s Day/Book Day celebrations. (Picture book. 3-7)