Don't Say a Word, Mama / No Digas Nada, Mama

October 1, 2013

Gr 2-4-Rosa and Blanca are loving sisters who grow up and live separately-one by herself and the other with a family-in close proximity to their mother's home. Both have bountiful gardens and decide to share their harvests, in secret, with one another. While Rosa, worried that her sister has so many mouths to feed, sneaks half of her tomatoes into Blanca's kitchen, Blanca, concerned that her sister has no one to help support her, is adding half of her crop to Rosa's stash, and both are amazed to discover that they have a surplus. Only Mama knows of her daughters' generosity, and she is the recipient of the extra tomatoes and corn. The chile peppers are the last straw, and, finally, Mama spills the beans about what has been going on. Children will enjoy the back and forth and will laugh at Mama's predicament. The writing is good and the Spanish text is fluid and accessible. The colorful paintings are realistic for the most part, with a little magic when depicting the personified veggies. The text is placed nicely alongside the paintings. Culturally relevant in its depiction of Latina characters, the book makes an excellent read-aloud to a broad audience. Hayes's many fans will enjoy this story as will those looking for tales about families and goodwill among siblings.-Maricela Leon-Barrera, San Francisco Public Library

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