Our Celebración!

PreS-Gr 1--A celebration that includes a parade and fireworks is taking place in town. The joyous occasion is described in rhyming couplets in Elya's trademark use of English punctuated with Spanish words: "Yes, today's a party día./Take a bite of pink sandía, /tacos, hot dogs, hamburguesas--/lots of laughter, fun sorpresas." One couplet misfires though, while "rincón" rhymes with "balcón," it is the wrong word for corner. The correct term in this case is "esquina." A light rain falls on the parade but does not dampen spirits and the festivities continue until the night sky sparkles with a fireworks display. Curious readers might wonder where, when, but more especially, why this celebration is happening. Aranda's watercolor, gouache, and ink-on-watercolor paper illustrations are lively and whimsical. The people in the town represent many ethnicities, ages, and family types, realistically portraying any town in the U.S. Observant readers may notice that the people introduced on the first spread continue to show up throughout. Lots of Mexican details--papel picado, dancers in the traditional Jalisco dress, musicians that appear to be dressed as mariachis, a marimba player, and a piñata--potentially indicate a Mexican holiday. But this is not necessarily so; and if so, which one? VERDICT A lack of specificity and forced rhymes mar this celebración. Consider for collections where Elya's other books are popular.--Lucia Acosta, Children's Literature Specialist, Princeton, NJ

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Starred Review; Starred Review; Notable Poetry List

* Rhyming couplets in English and Spanish offer a language lesson to readers who join multicultural friends at a vibrant neighborhood celebration with music, fireworks, and a fabulous parade. The day begins with sunshine as the text invites readers to follow a happy, interracial group that includes children and adults of varying skin tones to a celebration of Latinx culture on the town plaza. Watch the festivalgoers hold hands as they wander amid balloons and banderas. Enjoy the crowd as they eat hot dogs and hamburguesas while enjoying a parade that includes a big red fire engine, a line of fast blue motocicletas, gymnasts, flamenco dancers, musicians, antique cars, and floats. See young children celebrate with parents, caregivers, and grandparents in vibrant double-page spreads that feature approximately 50 diverse characters who reappear. Young readers will enjoy studying the illustrations to find the familiar faces with whom they started the day. Even as the party is briefly interrupted by a storm, the joy isn't dampened—only improved by a rainbow with its colors labeled in Spanish. The book is a triumph for Elya and Aranda, whose rollicking rhymes and engaging pictures, respectively, portray different cultures sharing fun activities. Cognates are used in the Spanish text, making the language lesson easy for English-only readers. There is a glossary at the back of the book to clarify if needed. A splendor for the senses even as it promotes togetherness and teaches a second language. A great addition to any library! — Kirkus Reviews, starred review