The Secret of the Plátano

PreS-Gr 1--A young boy and his abuela enjoy a beautiful evening under plátano leaves in the Dominican Republic, dancing and sharing the love they have for each other and for nature all around them. As he watches and follows his abuela in dance, he strains to listen to the music she is following. His grandmother guides him as he hears his heartbeat and the sounds of nature and she shares with him the secret of the love that helps things grow--the same love that will one day make him grow tall as well. The vivid nighttime illustrations are bursting with fresh breezes that sway the plátano leaves, radiating stars, and lush green vegetation, cool and bright in the night. The luminous conversation emphasizes certain words in larger, curvier lettering. Swirling music notes dance around them as the young boy enjoys this happy moment with his beloved grandmother. VERDICT A good choice for most picture book collections.--Selenia Paz