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
Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses.
An elusive new quarry leads the How To Catch… kids on a merry chase through a natural history museum.
Taking at least a step away from the “hunters versus prey” vibe of previous entries in the popular series, the racially diverse group of young visitors dashes through various museum halls in pursuit of the eponymous dino—whose quest to “spread kindness and joy ’round the world” takes the form of a mildly tumultuous museum tour. In most of Elkerton’s overly sweet, color-saturated scenes, only portions of the Loveosaurus, who is purple and covered with pink hearts, are visible behind exhibits or lumbering off the page. But the children find small enticements left behind, from craft supplies to make cards for endangered species to pictures of smiley faces, candy heart–style personal notes (“You Rock!” “Give Hugs”), and, in the hall of medieval arms and armor, a sign urging them to “Be Honest Be Kind.” The somewhat heavy-handed lesson comes through loud and clear. “There’s a message, he wants us to think,” hints Walstead to clue in more obtuse readers…and concluding scenes of smiling people young and otherwise exchanging hugs and knuckle bumps, holding doors for a wheelchair rider, and dancing through clouds of sparkles indicate that they, at least, have gotten it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 9781728268781
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Jan. 17, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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