De Colores and other Latin-American folk songs for children

Ages 2-8. Selected, arranged, and translated by popular Mexican performer and songwriter Orozco, this bilingual collection of Latin American folk songs for children is truly a musical treasure. Each of the 27 songs is presented with background notes; lyrics in both Spanish and English; simple arrangements for the voice, piano, and guitar; and suggestions for group sing-alongs and musical games. Gathered from Spanish-speaking countries but including two of Orozco's own songs, the compilation is a programming gold mine. Included are songs for special occasions ("La pinata"), counting songs ("El chocolate"), and animal songs ("La arana pequenita"--"The Eensy, Weensy Spider" in Spanish!). There is even a handy subject index to locate appropriate songs. The book is a delight for the eye as well as the ear. In the same shimmering style of magical folk art that she used to illustrate Arthur Dorros' Abuela (1991), Kleven provides bountiful illustrations--the endpapers are sunshine bright with a crisp quilt of yellow flowers, and playful borders that ripple with colorful patterns and miniature pictures line the edge of every page. Full-page scenes of Hispanic families and children and also animals are exuberant with activity and alive with the joy of music. Multicultural collections have been clamoring for books such as this, which works both as a well-crafted resource and a rich and resonant children's book. ~--Annie Ayres

Vibrant, richly detailed illustrations, colorful vertical borders, and lively music invite the reader in to this collection of twenty-seven Latin-American folksongs. The songs represent a range of countries including Panama, Paraguay, Mexico, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. Author's notes place each song in context, explain unfamiliar traditions, and give suggestions for performing the song. Ind. From HORN BOOK 1994, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.