April's Libro del Mes: Book Fiesta!

Book Fiesta!

By Pat Mora

Illustrated by Rafael López

The LBBC’s recommendation for April’s Libro del Mes, is Pat Mora’s Book Fiesta!

Since we are celebrating Día all this month, it is fitting that our Libro del Mes be Book Fiesta! a book written in honor of the holiday. It is an artistic and literary celebration of both children and books. Pat Mora’s poetic format is simple and engaging, and provides an excellent balance for López’s colorful illustrations. The book reflects the beauty of diversity, of culture, of literacy, and of children.

This month, as we celebrate Día, the goal of the LBBC is to focus on literacy and diversity within the Latino culture. With the Latino literacy rate at a dismal low, we believe that it is important to emphasize how our role as parents is crucial to our child’s literacy success. A child raised in a home with books and reading is far more likely to be a successful student with a positive outlook towards learning. Children with poor literacy skills, however, are more likely to become high school dropouts and live below the poverty level.

A love of books and reading develops a child’s imagination and improves their performance in school. It also expands their knowledge and understanding of other cultures. This breaks down discrimination and fear, which is why it is so very important for parents to supply their children with a variety of books that reflect not only their own heritage, but that of other children as well.

Unfortunately, in this country Latino children’s literature only makes up around 1% of the number of children’s books on the market. We should all, therefore, strive to support the field and purchase these books for our children so that they might find a voice that reflects their own identity in a positive and uplifting way. Our children need to see themselves as the protagonists of their own stories. They need this encouragement and inspiration to succeed and flourish.

Book Fiesta! is the recipient of the 2010 Belpré Illustrator Medal Book, the 2010 ALA Notable Book, 2010 CCBC Choices, and the 2010 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts Award. All of which are well deserved. Both the language and the illustrations are bright and joyous, engaging the reader and making him or her smile with each page. Mora's lyrical style is easy and attractive to young ears and minds.
This book comes with full text in both Spanish and English. It is primarily a picture book, and is geared for children ages 4 to 8. The author also includes a page in the back with ideas for celebrating El día de los niños, El día de los libros.

If you would like to buy your own copy of Book Fiesta!, please click here. Or you can follow the link in our sidebar to the LBBC’s on-line store. We have both new and gently used copies available.