Hooray, A Piñata

Books are a constant yet rotating item in our house. The favorites change on a weekly basis, but any book need not wait too long to come back into favor. I was therefore having a difficult time deciding which would be my first review until yesterday when I heard my son say "Hooray pinana!" repeatedly and found him on the kitchen floor paging through the book on his own.

While Hooray, a Piñata may be listed for ages 4 - 8, Elisa Kleven's story of the little girl named Clara who falls in love with her dog pinata is one that is easy to follow, even for younger children. The collage illustrations bring Clara's world to life because of Kleven's attention to detail and warm colors. From the juguete store where they buy the piñata to their drive over the bridge into the big city, each scene overflows with topics of conversation for you and your child.

The theme of the book - friendship - is also a very important one. Each time I read it, I am always touched by Samson's gift to Clara of a new piñata for her party so that she won't have to break her beloved dog piñata. To an adult, it seems such a simple gesture, but this lesson in compassion and generosity will not be lost on a child.

Who knew that a quick trip to the used bookstore would result in such a fun book? The book also has a Spanish version which I look forward to reading as well.