The Last Slice: A Three Kings Day Treat by Melissa Seron Richardson and Monica Arnaldo - ESSENTIAL

The Last Slice: A Three Kings Day Treat by Melissa Seron Richardson, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo. PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2023. $19. 9780316436298

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young girl named Marta always looked forward to Three Kings Day. She loved the dessert, La Rosca de Reyes, because of the fun tradition that came with it. There was a small figurine baked inside of the dessert and whoever found it in their slice, would bring tamales to dinner. She had always been too young to participate in this tradition, however, this year her abuela told her she was old enough. Who will find the "teeny tiny little baby Jesus"?

I liked this book because it taught me about this Mexican tradition. I was able to learn a lot about the culture and enjoy a fun story at the same time. At the end of the book there is a fact page that goes into more detail about this tradition, as well as similar ones from other cultures.

The author grew up a Chicana in Southern California. The illustrator is a Canadian daughter of Mexican immigrants. Marta, the protagonist, is most likely Hispanic.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

A Land of Books by Duncan Tonatiuh - ADVISABLE

A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters by Duncan Tonatiuh. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Abrams/Amulet. 2022. $20. 9781419749421 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

For centuries, Mesoamerican and Aztec "word painters" created beautiful books recording the stories of their people. They were laid out flat for reading but were folded up for storage. The paper and paints were made by hand. These writers were highly educated, as they needed to understand religion, astronomy, war, and history and be able to express themselves through their drawings and paintings. The skills were passed from parents to children, and the books were often read at festivals. 

Duncan Tonatiuh includes words from Nahuatl, an ancient language which still exists today. They are set in a context, so the reader knows what they mean, however, a glossary with a pronunciation guide is included. There is also an extensive author's note and some excellent websites and sources. Tonatiuh's illustrations are beautiful, and reminiscent of the ancient carvings in Mexico. 

 Lisa Librarian

Something About Grandma by Tania de Regil - ADVISABLE

Something About Grandma by Tania de Regil. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2022. $25. 9781536201949

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Julia is an elementary aged girl who is going to visit her grandmother's house in Mexico for the first time. Julia is Hispanic. She gets to know her grandmother during this time. Julia is also able to learn about her Hispanic culture. When Julia's parents come to take her home, they have a wonderful surprise for her! 

De Regil has written a simple but touching book. Anyone who reads it can relate because they will remember pleasant memories of their own grandmothers. Tania de Regil is the author and illustrator for this book. It was especially meaningful because she used her grandfather's poems written in her grandmother's hand for the background of some of the illustrations.

 Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Child of the Flower-Song People by Gloria Amescua and Duncan Tonatiuh - ESSENTIAL

Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jimenez, Daughter of the Nahua by Gloria Amescua, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh. PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY. Abrams Books for Young Readers (Abrams), 2021. $19. 9781419740206 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE, EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Luz Jiminez was an indigenous Nahua in the early 1900s in Mexico. She spoke her people's language, and knew their culture and their ways. She could grind corn on a metate, weave on a loom and even spin yard with her toes. But when her family was forced from their lands and had to resettle in Mexico City, Luz learned the Spanish at the city schools. However, always a champion of the Nahua, she worked to preserve their ways and culture, inspiring artists and scholars alike. 

Duncan Tonatiuh's illustrations highlight this beautiful story of perseverance and grit. What an amazing short biography, and a must read for classes studying Mexican history. Includes an author's note, a photograph(!) timeline, a glossary and bibliography.

Lisa Librarian
 

Shaped by Her Hands by Anna Harber Freeman, Barbara Gonzalez, and Aphelandra - ADVISABLE

Shaped by Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez by Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzalez, illustrated by Aphelandra. PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Albert Whitman, APRIL 2021. $17. 9780807575994 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Maria was born in the late 1880’s and already her people. The Tewa of New Mexico, were losing their pottery-making skills because they were buying factory-made tinware. But the young girl tracked down a teacher and was able to learn to make the pots and dishes her family and village needed. When an archaeologist came asking her about recreating a black-fired pot, Maria experimented and was able to recreate the black on black pottery, which also revived interest in pottery making. 

We have several ceramics classes at my school, so I am very excited to share this book with those teachers! It is a simple book, but a great jumping off point to talk about crafting as a way to keep historic skills, as a connection to culture. One of the authors and the illustrator are both connected to Native American tribes. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Nacho's Nachos : The Story Behind the World's Favorite Snack by Sandra Nickel and Oliver Dominguez - ESSENTIAL

Nacho's Nachos : The Story Behind the World's Favorite Snack by Sandra Nickel, illustrations by Oliver Dominguez PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY Lee and Low, 2020 $19. 9781620143698 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ignacio Anaya was born in Mexico at the turn of the 20th century. Because there were a lot of Ignacios, he went by Nacho. One of his favorite foods was quesadillas - his foster mom made them best! He learned how to cook from her and eventually got a job working at a restaurant called The Victory Club in Texas. One day, a special customer came in with friends and asked Nacho to make something new and different - with limited ingredients in the kitchen, he grabbed some tortillas, sprinkled on cheese and a strip of jalapeño - melted it all together and "Nacho's Special" was born. 

No spoilers here, there's more to the story - celebrities, a recipe for making the "original" and an extended author's note with sources make this picture book biography a fun celebration of the 80th anniversary of nachos. Dominguez's illustrations are full color and realistic. A great way to introduce a cooking activity or talk about someone behind an everyday thing - yes, someone invented nachos!

Lisa Librarian

Soldier for Equality : José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh - ADVISABLE

Soldier for Equality : José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh PICTURE BOOK Abrams/Amulet, 2019, $19 9781419736827

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Luz (José) was born in Texas but because his family was from Mexico, he experienced prejudice. He became a teacher and saw how inequitable and unfair the school system in Texas was for children of color. The schools for the white children were very different from the shacks the Mexican children attended. Restaurants and stores had signs declaring that Mexicans were not welcome. He enlisted in World War I hoping that his demonstration of patriotism and sacrifice would show America that the Mexican-Americans loved their country. He faced discrimination there, too. After his return, Luz and other formed the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a Latino civil rights group. 

I do love Duncan Tonatiuh's historical fiction picture books. His illustrations are unique, and he is a great storyteller. I appreciate the author's note as well as the timeline, bibliography and glossary as well as a photograph of Luz. Another great book for my civil rights section.

Lisa Librarian

The Day of the Dead / El Dia De Los Muertos by Bob Barner, Teresa Mlawer (Translator)- OPTIONAL

The Day of the Dead / El Dia De Los Muertos by Bob Barner, translated by Teresa Mlawer. BOARD BOOK.  Holiday House, 2011. $8.  9780823423811

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere.  In this sweet board book, Bob Barner uses rhyme to explain the details of this celebration.  Teresa Mlawer translated each page into Spanish.  From “making tacos, empanadas, mole and treats” to the smelling of “incense that burns smoky and sweet we learn about each individual part of this yearly event.  

The Day of the Dead certainly has a place in  in bilingual homes.  The illustrations are fun.  The colors represent the feel of each event.  Focusing on a cultural celebration helps keep the reader excited and interested. 

Reviewer: SL