Green is a Chile Pepper

February 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 2-This fun, rhyming concept book introduces young listeners to color, both recognizing different colors and their names in English and Spanish. Cuervo's reading is engaging and clear. Listeners are given enough time to listen to and repeat the names of the colors in both English and Spanish. However, because young children need visual cues to learn to identify colors, this audiobook should be listened to while simultaneously viewing the print book. For older readers/listeners (grades 1-2), this offering is more than just another delightful concept book about colors. It is packed with mentions of interesting cultural objects-red (rojo) ristras (bundles of red chiles), faroles (lanterns made of colorful paper with a lit candle inside), and palomitas (meaning 'little doves, ' it is also the word for popcorn), for example. Use this audiobook along with the print copy to fully engage, excite, and educate young listeners about colors everywhere, and color as it relates to Hispanic culture and tradition. The detailed glossary at the end is essential. This audiobook contains two tracks, with track two having page-turn signals. VERDICT Very highly recommended, but only if used together with the print copy.-Mary Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

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