Confetti

November 1, 1996
Gr 1-3-Narrative poems in free verse capture the rhythms and uniqueness of the Southwest and its culture as seen through the eyes of a Mexican-American girl. Many Spanish words are interwoven into the verses and translated in a glossary at the book's end. The beauty of the natural world is captured in Sanchez's acrylic illustrations. Done in hot colors reflecting the sun, their swirling, dreamlike patterns suggest the openness and vastness of the land and the freedom of its inhabitants. A welcome addition.-Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

November 15, 1996
Gr. 1^-4, younger for reading aloud. Using Spanish and English, this collection of poems is as much fun to look at as it is to read. In "Colors Crackle, Colors Roar," Mora writes, "Gris whis-whis-whispers its kitten whispers" and "azul coo-coo-coo like pajaritos do." In "Purple Snake," a wood-carver with rough and wrinkled hands tells a young onlooker that animals are "asleep in a piece of wood" --until he releases them by carving them out. Featuring an assortment of subjects, these short poems incorporate varying amounts of Spanish into the English text. Sanchez's illustrations, with castanets, a giant saguaro cactus, Tarahumara drums, pinatas, "egg-bursts of bright confetti," and more, are full of color and provide youngsters with strong links to the subjects and activities in the poems. A good choice for choral reading or for reading aloud. A glossary with pronunciation guides is included. ((Reviewed November 15, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)