Esmeralda and the Pet Parade

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Linoleum block prints featuring the rich southwestern colors of burnt orange, turquoise and pale gold illustrate this story of Esmeralda, a goat with a nose for trouble. Juan has received the feisty pet as a gift from his grandfather, who vows that ``someday she will be famous!'' Sure enough, Esmeralda fulfills his prophesy at the annual Fiesta, when children dress their pets in costumes and parade through the streets of Santa Fe. Juan's friends are afraid that Esmeralda will misbehave during this important event, and their fears are well founded. Resentful of the leash Juan attaches to her collar, the mischievous goat breaks away and embarks on a wild romp through town that horrifies Juan and his friends--but makes Esmeralda a star for the day. The escapades of Juan's spunky pet move the story along speedily, as Schoberle's sparkling, expressive illustrations--using many regional designs--masterfully capture Esmeralda's every antic. Ages 5-9. (May)

School Library Journal

Set in contemporary Santa Fe and illustrated with linoleum-block prints in bold southwestern colors, this is the story of young Juan and his mischievous pet goat, Esmeralda. The children of Garcia Street joyously anticipate Fiesta, when they march their pets through town dressed in wonderful, colorful costumes. Concerned that a complicated costume will inspire Esmeralda to act up, Juan decides on a simple blue scarf around her neck. On the long awaited day, a backfiring car causes the goat to jump with fright, snapping her leash, and sending her on a wild run through town. All ends well, however, when Esmeralda, who has gathered everything in her path, comes to a halt in front of the judges stand and is awarded a blue ribbon for the Most Unusual Costume. The Hispanic southwest is nicely portrayed here, both in text and illustration, and the facial expressions of both people and animals are a delight. Good art and a good story.-- Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY