Marco's Cinco de Mayo

April 1, 2012

PreS-K-A Mexican American boy celebrates Cinco de Mayo with his family. The colorful cartoon-inspired graphics show round-faced Marco dressed in costume to dance in a street celebration filled with easily identifiable images (a Ferris wheel, balloons, food stands, floats, and flags). The first pages introduce the holiday with child-friendly art and a map of North America. In an awkward, odd transition, Marco's cousin Diego tells him the story behind the holiday to help his performance if he "felt afraid." His brief summary of the Mexican military success against France 150 years earlier thankfully leaves Marco proudly brave with "feet ready to dance." The book ends with images of the celebration-a taco-eating contest and fireworks with Marco's happy family. Instructions for making maracas are appended. Websites are included (Sesame Street's classic Cinco de Mayo video is rather dated). An age-appropriate introduction to the holiday for the youngest of readers.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2012
Grades K-2 Marco, a Mexican American boy, explains his family's Cinco de Mayo traditions in this entry into the Holidays and Special Days series. As Marco worries about performing his dance steps during his city's celebration, his older cousin, Diego, tells him the story of how Mexico's small army defeated mighty French soldiers on May 5, 1862, which is now remembered as Cinco de Mayo. Inspired by his ancestors' bravery, Marco finds his feet ready to dance to the mariachi music. The fiesta continues with a taco-eating battle and fireworks. Sidebars with additional information expand on the holiday. Illustrated with vibrant digital artwork, the text avoids stereotypes by differentiating Marco's everyday attire and habits from those of Cinco de Mayo. Standard back matter includes directions for making maracas. Once children understand the history of this holiday, follow with Judy Cox's Cinco de Mouse-O! (2010) and Debbi Chocolate's El Barrio (2009).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)