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In an attractive collection, subtitled Four Folktales from Puerto Rico, a Puerto Rican-born author and illustrator present their island's popular comic simpleton. Juan Bobo tries to carry water in a basket; he dresses the family pig in Mama's Sunday best; his attempts to be mannerly at table result in his getting nary a bite of a fine meal; and, though he fails to sell Mama's syrup as instructed, he does come home with payment and a full stomach besides. Though simplified, these versions are lively and retain much of the stories' humor; Nieves's bold designs, tropical colors, and stylized forms make an appropriate complement. Spanish versions are given in smaller type at the end. (Folklore/Easy reader. 5-9)
