Multicultural Book: Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué rico!

Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué rico!: Brotes de las Américas

by Pat Mora
illustrated by Rafael López

Celebrated Country: Various (North, Central & South America)

In honor of National Poetry Month, as well as our celebration of diversity and El día de los niños, we are happy to share with you a title that embodies all of these and more.

Mora's first book of haiku poetry introduces 14 types of food native to the Americas. From vanilla to arándano rojo to chocolate, readers will relish Mora's simple verse and López's rich illustrations. Together they create a beautiful work of literary art. REFORMA Newsletter's describes Lopez's work as a "visual feast" and indeed his use of color and and patterns add dimension and vitality to the book.

This book is available in English or Spanish. My favorite haiku? The papaya...

Pruebo perfume,

verde selva frondosa

¡Jugoso trópico!

In addition to the haikus, a brief history accompanies each food, which lends an additional educational element to the book. 

Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué rico! has won several awards including the Amérias Award for Children’s Literature, the Texas Bluebonnet Award and is an ALA Notable.

Parents and educators can click here for additional Yum! activities to supplement your curriculum.

If you would like to buy your own copy of Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué rico!, 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.