THE THREE LITTLE TAMALES

This is a variation of the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs. Tio Jose and Tia Lupe own a taqueria in Texas. Three little tamales, two sisters and a brother want to run away from the taqueria before they can be eaten. They ran off into the desert. Each tamale built a little casita to live in. The first one build a house of sagebrush. The second build his casita of cornstalks, and the third builds hers out of cactus. Eventually Señor Lobo, the Big Bad Wolf, comes around looking for some lunch and with plans to blow their houses down.

Tamales are adorable, especially the smart one with her big glasses, and the brother with his dramatic eyebrows and mustache. Some Spanish words are scattered. There is a glossary at the front if you need help with the pronunciation. Pictures are wonderfully done. Written by Eric A. Kimmel. Illustrated by Valeria Docampo. For readers 4-8. Grades 1-2.

THE BEST MARIACHI IN THE WORLD

THE BEST MARIACHI IN THE WORLD/El mejor mariachi del mundo.

Gustavo is a boy who wants to be part of a Mariachi Band. Everyone in his family is in the band except for Gustavo. He becomes very sad. He goes out to the desert at nights and sing. Each night he stays longer until one night his family and all the town people hear him sing. Everyone is very much impressed how good he is until he finally joins the Mariachi band as a singer. Now he is the best mariachi in the world!
The story has an inspiring message about self confidence and determination.
Bilingual English-Spanish written by J.D. Smith, illustrated by Dani Jones. Ages 4-8.