Senorita Gordita

January 9, 2012
“Gordita,” a word that is both a Mexican endearment (it’s the equivalent of calling someone a “little dumpling”) and the name of tortilla-based street food, inspires this Spanish language–seasoned variation on “The Gingerbread Man” from the duo behind The Three Little Gators and Armadilly Chili. Ketteman’s text skitters along thanks to the feisty, catchphrase-laden declarations of the taunting, deep-fried antiheroine. “I am rather fine-looking, aren’t I?” Gordita tells one potential nemesis. “But I airstreamed Araña, gassed past Lagarto, and cruised past Crótolo. So put down your zinger of a stinger, Escorpión. You’ll never catch me!” Terry’s illustrations are sometimes undermined by an odd and at times frustrating haziness, but for the most part they have the vivacity of graffiti and Mexican street art, rendered with exaggerated dimensionality and spray-paint colors. As for his long-lashed, sassy Gordita (who is stylish to boot in her cowboy hat with pink ribbon trim), she exudes just enough snark that children won’t mind her gustatory comeuppance. A recipe for gorditas and a glossary of Spanish terms are included. Ages 4–7.

March 1, 2012

K-Gr 2-Ketteman continues her run of appealing fractured folktales. When the story begins, it's quickly apparent that this is a retelling of "The Gingerbread Man" set in the Southwest. Arana, a spider, is cooking herself a treat when one of the gorditas (little fried homemade tortillas) hops up and starts running. The chase is on, and several desert animals join in on the hunt for the tasty morsel. Will Senorita Gordita survive or will one of those crafty animals catch her? The refrain is different from the traditional one but still catchy, and listeners will be chanting along. Ketteman incorporates Spanish terms and phrases, and each animal takes center stage in Terry's illustrations. This way, readers can make connections between the name Crotolo and the enormous, threatening rattlesnake. But if confusion persists, a glossary (along with a recipe for gorditas) is appended. The art is full of Southwestern charm and depicts the setting accurately. Gordita is sassy, the other animals shifty and speedy, and these elements all add up to a yummy folktale. Definitely a hit in regional libraries, but it should be popular anywhere.-Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2012

PreS-Gr 2-In a book that combines food and folktales, the Little Gingerbread Boy is transported to the American Southwest. He also receives a gender and cuisine switch to become a thick, fried, corn masa tortilla known as Senorita Gordita, who escapes numerous desert predators until she is tricked by an owl sitting atop a saguaro cactus. Terry's illustrations emphasize the menacing nature of critters such as Arana, the spider, along with a snake and a scorpion.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2012
A sassy gordita attempts to outwit a bevy of desert creatures in this retelling of "The Gingerbread Man." Ketteman and Terry (The Three Little Gators, 2009) reteam for this cumulative tale centered on the escapades of a fleet-footed, deep-fried corn cake. From her humble beginnings in the oven of Araña (spider), Señorita Gordita sets off across the Southwestern desert, besting the spider, a lizard, a rattlesnake, a scorpion, a javalina and a coyote. All of these animals are eager to enjoy a taste of the feisty, chatty snack, but "with a flip and a skip and a zip-zoom-zip," Señorita Gordita manages to escape them all. When she arrives at the saguaro where Búho (owl) awaits, she may have finally met her match. The author introduces young readers to Spanish vocabulary through desert geography, flora and fauna, including all of the animals in the tale. Although saguaros and regional clichés abound, the illustrator's use of brilliant colors and humor will hold the attention of younger and older readers, as will Señorita Gordita's parting words to each of the animals she escapes. The author's inclusion of a recipe for gorditas rectifies the story's abrupt ending. A welcome retelling, particularly suited for reading aloud to groups. (Spanish glossary, recipe) (Picture book. 4-7)

(COPYRIGHT (2012) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

April 1, 2012
Grades K-3 In this Tex-Mex-flavored retelling of The Little Gingerbread Man, Senorita Gordita, a little corn cake, puts the pedal to the metal as, with a flip and a skip and a zip-zoom-zip, she leaves Javalina (a warthog), Crotolo (a rattlesnake), and other desert creatureswho all want to eat herin the dust. Senorita Gordita is sure nobody can catch her, but one very smart creature has a trick up his sleeve. Ketteman playfully mixes English and Spanish throughout the book, making it a perfect selection for bilingual families, new Spanish speakers, and anyone who enjoys a delicioso variation on an old favorite. As with Rubia and the Three Osos (2010), by Susan Middleton Elya, this includes a Spanish glossary to support English readers. The desert landscapes, digitally designed by Terry, embellish the high-spirited and spicy chase, which ends with a few wise words: Being zip-zoom-fast is good but being smart is better. Ends with a recipe for gorditas.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)