As the weather turns cold and people prepare for Christmas, Mimí begins to dream and plan for her family’s annual trip to Puerto Rico. Even though she cannot fully explain the Puerto Rican traditions in English, her friends in her multicultural classroom can see her excitement. But that anticipation turns to sadness when she learns that, with a new baby in the house, her family will not travel this Christmas. As Mimí mopes her way toward the holidays, her friends plan a surprise. Mimí’s ups and downs are believable and sympathetic, as are her friends’ gales of laughter when Mimí tries to describe objects unfamiliar to them, such as maracas—are they really full of rice and beans? Sosa’s illustrations are warm, realistic and so detailed that readers can read the classroom rules on the wall behind Mimí’s head. And yes, they will learn what a parranda is. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: April 30, 2007
ISBN: 1-55885-477-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Piñata Books/Arte Público
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2007
Three Wise Women (32 pp.; $16.99; Oct.; 0-8037-2466-7) This uninspired retelling of the gifts of the magi adds little to the original version. Three women from very different cultures share a journey to the birthplace of Jesus. Arriving at the manger, each woman offers a gift from her heart that represents something unique to her and that will become meaningful in the life of the child as he grows to manhood. Deep blues, glowing reds, and rich purples spill over the spreads, lending visual depth to an otherwise disappointingly shallow story. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-8037-2466-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1999
Wendell, Floyd, Alice, and Mona discover that “anything can happen on Halloween” when their annual holiday outing turns into an unexpected adventure. Getting tricks instead of treats, receiving Broccoli Chews and Eggplant Fizzlers instead of ordinary candy, and being chased by Leona Fleebish and her gang of witchy bullies turn the evening from fun to fright. But Floyd’s pirate costume has some unexpected swashbuckling in it, Wendell’s mad scientist outfit offers some surprises, and Mona’s wand from her fairy princess garb is no fake. Quick-thinking, poetry, and magic wand save the fearless foursome from the clutches of Leona. Small ghosts and goblins will enjoy this fantastical tale of Halloween night. (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-590-84625-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
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