Fiction - Island Peoples, Places & Cultures, Fiction - Emotions & Behaviors, Fiction - Family Life, Fiction - U. S. People, Places & Cultures

La Isla

Name: La Isla
Author: Arthur Dorros
ISBN: 9780140565416

by Arthur Dorros, Elisa Kleven

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Overview

Rosalba is going on an imaginary journey to the Caribbean island where her grandmother grew up. Through her abuela's eyes, Rosalba visits with relatives who still live on la isla and sees the beautiful terrain of the island— from the lush, tropical rain forest to the bustling old city. Along the way Rosalba and her grandmother visit a busy fruit market, then cool off with a swim in the turquoise sea filled with colorful fish. Their magical trip is brought to life by Elisa Kleven's shimmering collage artwork. "Dorros's language is rich and magical— readers fly to la isla, too. Kleven's art is whimsical and quiltlike, crowded with sweet things and surprises."— School Library Journal

A young girl and her grandmother take an imaginary journey to the Caribbean island where her mother grew up and where some of her family still lives.

Synopsis

Publishers Weekly

In Dorros and Kleven's (Abuela) latest collaboration, young Rosalba's imagination soars on the wing of her grandmother's colorful stories of the tropical island where she grew up. Rosalba and Abuela fly through sunny skies until they smell ``aire tropical'' and see the island that Abuela calls ``mi esmeralda'' sparkling in the ocean below. Rosalba visits with her relatives, travels to the rain forest and samples the local plantains, papayas and pineapples before it's time to head back to New York City. Dorros's economical yet highly descriptive text conveys Rosalba's sense of wonder at new places and her keen interest in favorite family stories. The relationship between Abuela and her granddaughter, more friendly than maternal, sets the perfect lighthearted tone for adventure and exploration, and young readers of any heritage will quickly take to the several Spanish terms smoothly integrated into the plot. Kleven's mixed-media paintings are a kaleidoscope of color and texture, and her lofty perspectives allow for scenes that teem with detail-in-miniature-whether it be a skyline of city buildings dotted with tiny cars and pedestrians, or a crowded island marketplace brimming with bright fruits, vegetables and vendors. A fanciful flight. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Once again, Rosalba and her grandmother are traveling as they did in Abuela, and this time it's to the island where grandmother grew up. In this imaginary journey, they visit her former home where a new generation of the family lives. The fountain built with stones from the rain forest is still in the yard, the old market in the countryside still hums with activity, and the beach is still the best place to go to cool off. Spanish words are interspersed in the text and a glossary provides a guide to pronunciation and meaning.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-``When Abuela, my grandma, tells me stories, we can fly anywhere.'' And so, in this sequel to Abuela (Dutton, 1991), Rosalba takes a trip to the Caribbean island where her grandmother, mother, and uncle grew up. They visit Abuela's house and yard, the rain forest, an old city, a country marketplace, and the beach. In everything they do, Rosalba and her Abuela are like ``...big birds playing.'' After an evening meal with to Fernando, ta Isabel, and cousin Elena, they return to New York City, glowing with happy memories of the experiences they've shared. Dorros's language is rich and magical-readers fly to la isla, too. Kleven's art is whimsical and quiltlike, crowded with sweet things and surprises. There is so much to look at in each picture-fruits and fish and animals and warm people, all rendered in candy colors. Lines of text are placed like poetry on white pages and accented with decorative drawings, or placed below double-page illustrations. Spanish words and phrases are peppered liberally throughout; a good glossary with pronunciations is included at the book's end. An enchanting journey through the imagination that is delightful for sharing again and again.-Vanessa Elder, School Library Journal