Abuelos
Will be published approx. on 21. April 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
32 pages
978-1-55498-101-4 (ISBN)
Description
International Latino Book Award for Best English Picture Book
In this delightful story two young children, Ray and Amelia, discover the old New Mexican tradition of los abuelos for the first time. Long ago, in the cold midwinter of northern New Mexico, village men would go up into the mountains, disguise themselves as scary old men and then go down to the village to see who had been good and who had been bad. The abuelos -- wearing masks and covered with soot -- would tease the children and then have them sing or dance around the fire.
This midwinter masquerade, which contains elements of Spanish and indigenous Pueblo culture, as well as sharing features common to solstice celebrations in other parts of the world, died out in New Mexico for a time, but has been occasionally revived in recent years.
In this delightful story two young children, Ray and Amelia, discover the old New Mexican tradition of los abuelos for the first time. Long ago, in the cold midwinter of northern New Mexico, village men would go up into the mountains, disguise themselves as scary old men and then go down to the village to see who had been good and who had been bad. The abuelos -- wearing masks and covered with soot -- would tease the children and then have them sing or dance around the fire.
This midwinter masquerade, which contains elements of Spanish and indigenous Pueblo culture, as well as sharing features common to solstice celebrations in other parts of the world, died out in New Mexico for a time, but has been occasionally revived in recent years.
Reviews / Votes
[A] master storyteller. In her hands the framing story of Amelia's family and the retelling of the folktale blend seamlessly...This story will be welcomed in libraries across the southwest. Abuelos will be fun to add to traditional winter stories. * School Library Journal * Scary shivery fun...cultural details...framed by warm family images...[Abuelos is] a great choice for Halloween sharing. -- Hazel Rochman * Booklist * An amusing cautionary tale, rich with Pueblo and Hispanic traditions and a feeling of strong community ties. * Library Media Connection * Mora introduces the intriguing midwinter New Mexican festival of los abuelos in this playful tale...watercolor and pastel illustrations impart Amelia's apprehension as well as family togetherness. * Publishers Weekly * Vibrant illustrations celebrate the traditional elements of the story...Recommended for all Spanish-language collections. * Criticas Magazine * Lovely watercolors contribute to the charm of this story about a wintertime tradition in northern New Mexico...Perfect for those who want a gently scary story embedded in a fascinating and little-know 'bogeyman' tradition from Hispanic New Mexico. The author's note provides additional information, and places the story in the context of universal cautionary tales. * Kirkus Reviews *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ontario
Canada
Target group
Interest Age: From 4 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Color illustrations throughout
Dimensions
Height: 269 mm
Width: 211 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight
113 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-55498-101-4 (9781554981014)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
PAT MORA is an award-winning author, the founder of Dia (El dia de los ninos, El dia de los libros / Children's Day, Book Day), and an honorary member of the American Library Association. Her book Abuelos, illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling, won the International Latino Book Award for Best English Picture Book, a Library Media Connection Editor's Choice Award, and it was named a Criticas Magazine Best Children's Book. Pat is also the author of The Race of Toad and Deer (La carrera del sapo y el venado) and The Night the Moon Fell (La noche que se cayo la luna), both illustrated by Domi. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
AMELIA LAU CARLING was born and brought up in Guatemala. Her parents' store sold the thread used by many Maya weavers in their extraordinary work. She was, therefore, in constant contact with Maya culture and creators from an early age. She is the author-illustrator of the celebrated books Alfombras de Aserrin(Sawdust Carpets) and La tienda de Mama y Papa (Mama and Papa Have a Store) - winner of the Americas Award and the Pura Belpre Award for Illustration- and the illustrator of numerous other books. Though she now lives in the United States, she returns to Guatemala frequently.
AMELIA LAU CARLING was born and brought up in Guatemala. Her parents' store sold the thread used by many Maya weavers in their extraordinary work. She was, therefore, in constant contact with Maya culture and creators from an early age. She is the author-illustrator of the celebrated books Alfombras de Aserrin(Sawdust Carpets) and La tienda de Mama y Papa (Mama and Papa Have a Store) - winner of the Americas Award and the Pura Belpre Award for Illustration- and the illustrator of numerous other books. Though she now lives in the United States, she returns to Guatemala frequently.