Overview
From adornos (decorations) going up all over the house, biscochitos (cupcakes) baking in the oven, and a special treat of churros (doughnut sticks) for breakfast, this can only be the beginning of a fabulous cumpleaños (birthday)! As the alphabet continues, the story highlights fun elements of a boy’s never-ending birthday celebration, including entries for ch, ll, ñ, and rr that make this a truly Latino ABC fiesta.
Clever verse and exuberant illustrations make the meaning of each Spanish word clear, and an author’s note explains the difference between the English and Spanish alphabets.
A rhyming book that outlines the preparations for and celebration of a young boy's birthday, with Spanish words for each letter of the alphabet translated in a glossary.
Synopsis
From adornos (decorations) going up all over the house, biscochitos (cupcakes)baking in the oven, and a special treat of churros (doughnut sticks) for breakfast, this can only be the beginning of a fabulous cumpleaños (birthday)! As the alphabet continues, the story highlights fun elements of a boy s never-ending birthday celebration, including entries for ch, ll, ñ, and rr that make this a truly Latino ABC fiesta.
Clever verse and exuberant illustrations make the meaning of each Spanish word clear, and an author s note explains the difference between the English and Spanish alphabets.
Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz - Children's Literature
Elya may have tried to do a bit too much in this small volume. She has written an alphabet book in rhymed couplets with a Spanish word relating to a birthday party for each letter, as she tells the story of the party. Some of the Spanish letters don't begin the words; sometimes it's a stretch to fit the words into the story. The party is a jolly one, however, and a good way to introduce many Spanish words. The glossary, with pronunciations and definitions; the Spanish alphabet; and a note on the language introduce the story. For the participants, Karas provides cartoon characters, which are simply drawn and natural in color; they reinforce both the action and the educational component of the book. The appealing visual action of objects and characters set clearly against different colored backgrounds makes for a merry, upbeat cross-cultural celebration. 2006, G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin, Ages 3 to 6.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Elya may have tried to do a bit too much in this small volume. She has written an alphabet book in rhymed couplets with a Spanish word relating to a birthday party for each letter, as she tells the story of the party. Some of the Spanish letters don't begin the words; sometimes it's a stretch to fit the words into the story. The party is a jolly one, however, and a good way to introduce many Spanish words. The glossary, with pronunciations and definitions; the Spanish alphabet; and a note on the language introduce the story. For the participants, Karas provides cartoon characters, which are simply drawn and natural in color; they reinforce both the action and the educational component of the book. The appealing visual action of objects and characters set clearly against different colored backgrounds makes for a merry, upbeat cross-cultural celebration. 2006, G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin, Ages 3 to 6.—Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz