The Dog Who Loved Tortillas / La Perrita Que Le Encantaban Las Tortillas (Little Diego Book)

Diego Domínguez from "A Gift from Papá Diego" (1998) returns in this bilingual sequel that sees the boys family gaining a new membera puppy from the Humane Society named Sofie. Diego and his older sister, Gabriela, both want a dog of their own, but agree to share ("But it will be more mine", Diego thought. "But it will be more mine", Gabriela thought. Diego smiled at his sister. She smiled back at him). Though the siblings initially find Sofie difficult to train, they learn that the puppy (like the rest of the family) is a big fan of Mrs. Domínguezs homemade tortillas, which they use to help her learn tricks. The length of Sáenzs text almost makes the book read like a short storyone that ably portrays mischievous sibling dynamics, a love of animals and the ways families come together during difficult times (Sofie falls ill at one point). Set against colorful solid backdrops, Garcias clay artwork has an appropriately homey quality that keeps the focus on the siblings and their beloved pet. Ages 510. "(Aug.)" Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

K-Gr 3A captivating bilingual book with close family relationships and unconditional love at its core. When Gabriela and Diego ask for a dog, their parents tell them that they will have to share, which the siblings reluctantly accept. The family goes to the Humane Society, where Gabriela chooses the perfect puppy and Diego chooses the perfect name: Sofie. They bathe her, battle for the right to sleep with her, help in her training, and both claim to love her more than the other. While teaching her a trick, the children discover the pup loves tortillas; soon she is known to the entire neighborhood for her gentleness, sweetness, and as the dog who loves tortillas. When Sofie gets sick, the children finally learn to share her. Full-page innovative and colorful clay illustrations will hold the attention of young readers. The Spanish corresponds to the vernacular used by some Hispanic-American communities in the Southwest of the U.S. One of its characteristics is the elimination of conjunctions and articles used in standard Spanish. Both versions have a few typos."Narda McCarthy, Para Los Niños, Broward County, FL" Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Garcia's signature folk-inspired, sculpted clay illustrations depict a lovably goofy little mutt. Rounded shaped-heads, dog bed, tortillas and more combine with a warm palette to create a cozy, comforting atmosphere that reflects the traditions of Mexican-American family life described in the dual English/Spanish narrative. A universal message with a Latino flavor." Kirkus Reviews
"Saenz s text almost makes the book read like a short storyone that ably portrays mischievous sibling dynamics, a love of animals and the ways families come together during difficult times (Sofie falls ill at one point)." Publisher's Weekly
"A captivating bilingual book with close family relationships and unconditional love at its core." Library Journal
"Drawing on characters introduced in A Gift from Papa Diego, Diego, his big sister, Gabriela, and their parents return in this delightful story of two kids and their dog, Sophie, who is almost impossible to train until they discover her love for tortillas. This delightful bilingual tale is about sharing, family connections, and a cherished pet." Tucson Citizen
"The clay-art figure illustrations are cheerful and add a high degree of interest. Elementary teachers will find the content appropriate for enrichment or in a unit about family relationships, although this dialogue-heavy book will require more than one class period for reading. Second and third year high school Spanish classes can use the text for work with the preterit and imperfect tenses." Library Media Connection
"The vocabulary used in the story is advanced but not too challenging. The message is important because many kids today want pets but do not realize the responsibilities that come along with them, or how to provide them with proper care." Oneota Reading Journal
"Benjamin Alire Saenzs The Dog Who Loved Tortillas, with vibrant clay illustrations by Geronimo Garcia, will be a hit with any kid who has ever begged his parents for a dog." New West
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