Orozco (Diez Deditos, 1997, etc.) once again combines his talents as a musician, a songwriter, and an educator to create this collection of songs set into the framework of the year’s festivities, with an emphasis on holidays of Latin American (particularly Mexican) origin. He has chosen songs from various countries throughout the hemisphere, but in some cases he has used well-known melodies and written his own words to suit a particular holiday or commemoration, such as in the song for Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday that is also celebrated by Mexican-American communities in the US. His call-and-response chant honoring Cesar Chavez is another original composition, while a singing game like “Arroz con leche” is from the folk tradition. Each is preceded by a short paragraph offering background on the holiday and the song. Texts are given in Spanish and English, although the English translations are meant for singing and may not be literal translations. There are songs for every month including two religious ones for December. Kleven’s (The Dancing Deer and the Foolish Hunter, p. 48, etc.) paintings with their jewel-like colors and merrily dancing children, adults, and animals mix elements of realism and fantasy. The strongest images come from Mexico, such as the Mexican skeleton musicians for the Day of the Dead, and the posadas procession with its piñatas and paper-cut banners lining the streets. The subject index leads the reader to songs used for clapping, dancing, and group play, as well as those that can be used to bolster self-esteem, or think about friendship. Orozco’s community activism and social beliefs are demonstrated throughout the collection and schools with Latino populations will be very interested in this attractive songbook. All of the songs are available on Orozco’s CDs and tapes from Arcoiris Records, Inc. This will also be useful for teaching young children Spanish and for introducing some of the Latin American holiday traditions. (Nonfiction. 5-10)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-525-45937-5
Page Count: 56
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2002
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
One of the watershed moments in African-American history—the defeat of James Braddock at the hands of Joe Louis—is here given an earnest picture-book treatment. Despite his lack of athletic ability, Sammy wants desperately to be a great boxer, like his hero, getting boxing lessons from his friend Ernie in exchange for help with schoolwork. However hard he tries, though, Sammy just can’t box, and his father comforts him, reminding him that he doesn’t need to box: Joe Louis has shown him that he “can be the champion at anything [he] want[s].” The high point of this offering is the big fight itself, everyone crowded around the radio in Mister Jake’s general store, the imagined fight scenes played out in soft-edged sepia frames. The main story, however, is so bent on providing Sammy and the reader with object lessons that all subtlety is lost, as Mister Jake, Sammy’s father, and even Ernie hammer home the message. Both text and oil-on-canvas-paper illustrations go for the obvious angle, making the effort as a whole worthy, but just a little too heavy-handed. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: May 1, 2004
ISBN: 1-58430-161-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
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