From the Publisher
"Bunting perfectly captures the intergenerational love and respect shared by these two characters and the man's strong sense of honesty and integrity. Himler's softly colored illustrations reflect the feelings of the characters and setting." School Library Journal
"Bunting perfectly captures the intergenerational love and respect shared by these two characters and the man's strong sense of honesty and integrity. Himler's softly colored illustrations reflect the feelings of the characters and setting." SLJ Best Books of the Year
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
A boy lies to secure work for his grandfather, newly arrived from Mexico; Himler's "expressive, gestural watercolors... strongly invoke both the harsh and tender landscapes of [the story]," said PW. Ages 5-8. (Apr.)
Children's Literature
What begins as a search for day-work ends with discovering one of life's valuable lessons. Grandpa speaks no English, so Francisco accompanies him to help him find day work. Even without the benefit of an English vocabulary, however, Grandpa makes himself understood in a meaningful way that benefits them both. Himler's sensitive illustrations meld with Bunting's insightful account, conveying emotions so convincing that the reader is swept inside the pages.
Children's Literature
Abuelo speaks no English so young Francisco accompanies his grandfather as the old one seeks day work. Grandfather's integrity offers Francisco a cogent lesson of honor.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-Joe Fox wonderfully narrates Eve Bunting's (Clarion Books, 1994) tender story of Francisco and his abuelo, grandfather, looking for work as day laborers. Abuelo doesn't speak English, so Francisco joins him as translator. However, Francisco's desire for work leads to a lie, which causes trouble for him and his grandfather. In the end, Francisco and listeners learn a powerful lesson. Youngsters will also get a glimpse into the world of modern immigration and labor. The narration complrments the story with a gentle tone and change of voice for each character. Page-turn signals and musical interludes that express the characters' Mexican heritage are included on one side of the cassette. The book and tape may have to be repackaged since the carry along bag may not be sturdy enough for library circulation.-April R. Mazza, Wayland Free Public Library, MA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-A charming story about an elderly man who has just come from Mexico to live with his daughter and grandson Francisco in California. The boy convinces a man to hire him and his Abuelo by saying that ``...my grandfather is a fine gardener, though he doesn't know English yet,'' in spite of the fact that he has always lived in the city and worked as a carpenter. After their new employer drives off in his van, the two set to work-but they pull up all of the plants and leave the weeds. ``We do not lie for work,'' Abuelo tells Francisco when he learns what they have done, and they return the next day to rectify their mistake for no extra pay. Bunting perfectly captures the intergenerational love and respect shared by these two characters and the man's strong sense of honesty and integrity. Himler's softly colored illustrations reflect the feelings of the characters and the setting.-Jessie Meudell, California Polytechnic University at Pomona
