Books by Jorge Argueta

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

AGUA, AGÜITA / WATER, LITTLE WATER by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Felipe Ugalde Alcántara, translated by Gabriela Baeza Ventura
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 31, 2017
"Hopefully this poem will spark conversations not only about water, its cycle, and life-giving importance, but also about the different cultures in our hemisphere. (Poetry. 5-10)"
In this bilingual (Spanish/English) book the poet reminds readers that water is life. Read full book review >
SOMOS COMO LAS NUBES / WE ARE LIKE THE CLOUDS by Jorge Argueta
Kirkus Star
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Alfonso Ruano, translated by Elisa Amado
FICTION & LITERATURE
Released: Oct. 11, 2016
"Poignant, heartbreaking, and, sadly, timely. (author's note) (Bilingual picture book/poetry. 8 & up)"
With tenderness and humanity, this bilingual book describes the hopes, fears, and uncertainties of the thousands of displaced children that arrive every year at the southern border of the United States. Read full book review >
SALSA by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh, translated by Elisa Amado
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 17, 2015
"Ummm, a delicious companion to Argueta's Tamalitos (2013, illustrated by Domi), Guacamole (2012, illustrated by Margarita Sada) and his other poemas para cocinar. (Picture book. 5-8)"
Music, dancing and food unite in this giddy bilingual whirl. Read full book review >
TAMALITOS by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Domi
CHILDREN'S
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. Read full book review >
GUACAMOLE by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Margarita Sada, translated by Elisa Amado
CHILDREN'S
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. Read full book review >
ARROZ CON LECHE / RICE PUDDING by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Fernando Vilela
CHILDREN'S
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. Read full book review >
SOPA DE FRIJOLES/BEAN SOUP by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng
CHILDREN'S
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)"
This free-verse cooking poem is more than a simple recipe for bean soup. Read full book review >
TALKING WITH MOTHER EARTH/HABLANDO CON MADRE TIERRA by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Lucia Angela Perez
CHILDREN'S
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. Read full book review >
MOONY LUNA by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Elizabeth Gomez
CHILDREN'S
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. Read full book review >
ZIPITIO by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, edited by Gloria Calderón
CHILDREN'S
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. Read full book review >
XOCHITL AND THE FLOWERS/XÓCHITL, LA NIÑA DE LAS FLORES by Jorge Argueta
by Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Carl Angel
CHILDREN'S
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. Read full book review >