Some other Pura Belpre Award Winners:
1. Maria had a Little Llama: Maria Ternia Una Llamita by Angela Dominguez
This book is in the same pentameter as Mary Had a Little Lamb, but instead it's a book about Maria and her Llama. This book is unique in that it has the lyrics in both English and Spanish. It is an easy tune for the students to remember, making it a good "predictable book" but they are not only learning the story, but that story in Spanish. The illustrations are adorable, and they match the story perfectly. Wherever Maria goes, her llama is sure to follow!
2. Frida by Yuyi Morales
Based off of the story and life of Frida Kahlo, this book is filled with wonderful illustrations accompanied by complimentary text. This book is a little hard to follow and sometimes it makes no sense, but with further investigation, the reader would find that all of the phrases are chosen carefully. Putting this book into context before reading it to your students can alleviate that confusion.
3. Chato and the Party Animals by Gary Soto and Susan Guevara
Chato, the cat, is a cool cat. His buddy isn't such a cool cat. Chato loves to party, his buddy, Novio Boy, doesn't. Novio Boy is from the pound and is feeling lost and confused about his life. Chato in an attempt to cheer him up, decides to throw him a surprise party. He invites everybody and cooks up lots of great food. He forgets the most important thing for this party, to invite Novio Boy. And oh boy, is Novio Boy in for a wonderful surprise!
1. Maria had a Little Llama: Maria Ternia Una Llamita by Angela Dominguez
This book is in the same pentameter as Mary Had a Little Lamb, but instead it's a book about Maria and her Llama. This book is unique in that it has the lyrics in both English and Spanish. It is an easy tune for the students to remember, making it a good "predictable book" but they are not only learning the story, but that story in Spanish. The illustrations are adorable, and they match the story perfectly. Wherever Maria goes, her llama is sure to follow!
2. Frida by Yuyi Morales
Based off of the story and life of Frida Kahlo, this book is filled with wonderful illustrations accompanied by complimentary text. This book is a little hard to follow and sometimes it makes no sense, but with further investigation, the reader would find that all of the phrases are chosen carefully. Putting this book into context before reading it to your students can alleviate that confusion.
3. Chato and the Party Animals by Gary Soto and Susan Guevara
Chato, the cat, is a cool cat. His buddy isn't such a cool cat. Chato loves to party, his buddy, Novio Boy, doesn't. Novio Boy is from the pound and is feeling lost and confused about his life. Chato in an attempt to cheer him up, decides to throw him a surprise party. He invites everybody and cooks up lots of great food. He forgets the most important thing for this party, to invite Novio Boy. And oh boy, is Novio Boy in for a wonderful surprise!