WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

CJ and his nana have a long trip back from church and, unlike his friend Colby, whose family has a car, they have to take the bus to get there. As they make their way back to their neighborhood, CJ and his nana experience all the sights, sounds, and feelings their vibrant and diverse city has to offer. Nana teaches CJ to see the beauty all around him, even in unexpected and gritty places, and when they arrive at their destination--a soup kitchen--both CJ and the reader come to appreciate the importance of spiritual richness over material wealth. 


Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña is a moving and joyous celebration of the little things in life, and Christian Robinson's vibrantly heartwarming illustrations are reminiscent of classic Ezra Jack Keats. This multi-layered picture book is much more than a lively tour of a diverse city neighborhood--it's also a tribute to intergenerational relationships, empathy, compassion, and, above all, the joy of human connection.


A wonderful book to share with children ages 4 and up. 

ONCE UPON A TIME: TRADITIONAL LATIN AMERICAN TALES: HABIA UNA VEZ: CUENTOS TRADICIONALES LATINOAMERICANOS

This collection of seven Latin American folktales features is retold in English and Spanish and includes descriptions of the origins and meaning of each tale. Characters such as El Gallo de Bodas – The Wedding Rooster, La Madremonte – The Madremonte or the Mother of Forest, La Cucarachita Martina y el Raton Perez – Martina, the cockroach, and Perez the mouse, are among the classic folktales presented in enjoyable bilingual versions in this book. Tales are funny and cute and will entertain adults and children alike. Beautiful watercolor illustrations by Raul Colon appear throughout this book which was written by Rueben Martinez. An excellent resource for a Spanish storytelling session. For ages 5 and older.

MY SHOES AND I

Mario is informed by his father that they are leaving their home in El Salvador and moving to the United States to meet his mother. His mother has sent Mario for Christmas a new pair of shoes , and he is thrilled. He will need good shoes because the trip will be long and hard. He and his father will cross the borders of three countries. They will have to walk miles, ride buses, climb mountains and cross a river. Mario has faith in his shoes because he believes they will take him everywhere. He wants to go the United States where his family will be reunited. An immigrant story for kids, new culture, new language and new friends. Ages 6-7. Written by Rene Colato Lainez, illustrated by Tom Lintern.

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.