Jorge Argueta has crafted a loving bilingual tale, which all young school-goers recognize as their own. Artist Elizabeth Gómez too understands the secret hearts of children, and her luminous, humorous illustrations of Luna and her friends keep children lo
Released: April 9, 2013
"Even for novice chefs (and readers) the "Ummmm"s are easily attainable. (Picture book. 4-8)"
The latest of Argueta's free-verse recipes is a savory tribute to corn—as ancient a foodstuff as it is delicious.
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Released: April 1, 2012
"A bilingual treat. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Argueta follows
Arroz con leche/Rice Pudding (illustrated by Fernando Vilela, 2010) with another simple, lyrical bilingual recipe for children.
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POETRY
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"A nice introduction to the joys of cooking, as well as a strong bilingual addition to any collection. (Picture book. 4-8)"
A lyrical recipe presented in the form of a free-verse poem, this bilingual (Spanish/English) selection combines the fun of cooking with the tenderness of a mother-son relationship.
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POETRY
Released: April 1, 2009
"Starred cues appropriately indicate adult help where needed in this eloquent rendering of a nutritious and delicious meal. (Picture book. 5-8)"
FAMILY AND GROWING UP
Released: June 1, 2006
"Argueta's vision is one of a world in balance, one in which the only deep conflict is between the boy's two heritages, which he must harmonize. (Poetry/bilingual. 7-12)"
Both his connection to the earth and, to a lesser extent, his estrangement from the "European" world have a part in these poems written in the voice of a Central American boy.
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FICTION
Released: March 10, 2005
"This timeworn theme is made fresh with a lively, bilingual text full of familial love and Gómez's brilliant acrylic illustrations, featuring a little crayoned monster on several pages and Luna's long, thin parents in contrast to Luna's tiny body and oversized head. (Picture book. 4-6)"
Even though she is "grande como la luna llena" (big as the full moon), Luna isn't sure that she wants to begin kindergarten.
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FICTION
Released: Oct. 1, 2003
"Readers sensitive to the sexual nuances here may prefer Julia Alvarez's The Secret Footprints (2000), which features backwards-footed creatures in a more innocently amusing situation. (Picture book/folktale. 7-9)"
Argueta offers a bit of folklore from Central America that isn't going to go over too well in this culture.
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FICTION
Released: Aug. 1, 2003
"Full of love for family and community, this bilingual story embodies the belief that positive action can overcome the negatives of circumstance. (Picture book. 6-9)"
Angel's expressive and teeming illustrations warmly complement the sweet temper of Argueta's tale of an El Salvadoran family—daughter, mother, and father—living in San Francisco.
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