Suzanne Santillan

This was a very sweet book and I liked it for many reasons. First I loved how the author incorporated Spanish words into the story. She began by introducing the word in English and then used the Spanish translation for it throughout the story. For example the boy says “Grandpa, I need your help!” and then says “Abuelo, the ball is stuck in the pear tree.” The author first used the English word I am familiar with and then introduced the Spanish word. For some of the words like “El zapato” they were repeated many times and therefore by the end of the story I knew that in English that mean shoe. Secondly, I liked the author’s use of repetition in the story. I think it added to not only reiterating how many things were getting stuck but also helped the story flow along. For example as more and more items got stuck in the pear tree she listed each of the items again. In addition, after an item got stuck in the tree the boy says “Oh no! Ay caramba!” Finally I liked the illustrations they really added to the story. The pear tree was often brighter than the other aspects of the picture and the yellow fruits contrasted against the navy blue sky. I think this highlighted the importance of the tree. The big idea/message of this story is the importance of family and how working together can be the best way to solve a problem.… (altro)

This book caught my eye for various reasons. One being a bilingual book. I enjoyed this book for two other reasons. First, the writing. The use of Spanish throughout the book after presenting the word in English informs the reader what each word means. For example, "Abuelo, the ball is stuck in the pear tree. I was playing a game. When I bounced la pelota too hard, it flew up in the tree." Using context clues the reader can then gather that la pelota means ball. Throughout the book, all other Spanish words are presented this way allowing the reader to be informed about the Spanish language and broadens their horizon of Spanish language and heritage. The illustration worked hand in hand with the writing. The object that was the main focus of that page was enlarged and much bigger than the objects around it emphasizing what Spanish word they are talking about. It helps the reader visually understand the object being presented in Spanish throughout the book giving the reader multiple ways to learn these words and what they can use to remember. The little boy continued to get things stuck up in his grandmas tree during the story but he promised her that he would stay away from his tree. At first, he asked all other family members to help him get down the objects stuck in the tree, but everyone was too busy to help, so he finally confessed to grandma what happened, she was not mad and helped him out. Other than learning Spanish vocabulary while reading this book, the reader can also walk away understanding it is ok to make mistakes and to tell the truth is better than trying to sneak around the issue risking possibly getting caught and face consequences later on.… (altro)

Jessie has promised to stay away from Abuela's pear tree. When his ball gets stuck in the tree, he consults Abuelo, who advises him to throw his shoe at it. When "el zapato" becomes stuck, Tío suggests a broom ... a humorous and cumulative tale that contextually introduces Spanish words for family and common items. Painted illustrations help readers and listeners to make the English/Spanish connection without unnecessary explanation. A surprise ending will keep listeners laughing. Any book that has a room full of preschoolers yelling out the refrain, "¡Ay, caramba!" is a winner in my book!
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