Opuestos Mexican folk art opposites in English and Spanish

This bilingual companion to the alphabet book ABeCedarios also features images of Oaxacan sculptures (albeit from a different group of artists), but instead focuses on opposites. Wood statues of various animals face each other on each spread, colored with bright spots and stripes and set against equally vivid backgrounds. In a nod to Aesop, an orange hare ("Fast / Rapido") is seen across from a turtle ("Slow / Lenta"), while a spotted dog and a black wolf both sit beside chalky images of the sun and moon to demonstrate day and night. Direct and charming. Ages 2-5. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

K-Gr 3-Oaxacan folk art in the form of hand-carved wood sculptures abounds in this bilingual concept book about opposites. Contrasting concepts include inside and outside, high and low, and left and right, to name a few. At the turn of each page, readers see brightly painted wood characters set against equally vibrantly colored background pages that effortlessly convey the concept the author sets out to teach. On each spread, the English and Spanish words for a single concept face the opposing concept. This attractive volume conveys the concept in a unique and inviting fashion and provides youngsters with an introduction to some Mexican art in the process.-Rhonda L. Jeffers, Coweta Public Library System, Newnan, GA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This second work by one of the authors of ABeCedarios (2007) follows its predecessor's highly praised concept and design. Pages on the left side introduce children to a word in English and Spanish, as pages on the right side present its opposite: Asleep/Dormido (a spotted dog snoozes) / Awake/Despierto (the same dog, eyes wide open and tail sticking up). Concepts are illustrated with photographs of unique hand-painted animal carvings created individually by Oaxacan artists Quirino and Martin Santiago. The contrast between the text colors and the bright background combines with the imaginary dialogue that children can establish with the vivacious folk-art figures to make this bilingual edition another outstanding entry in the First Concepts with Mexican Folk Art series. On some pages an external elementa sun or a moon, for instanceexpands on such concepts as Day/D"a and Night/Noche. A great selection for bilingual storytimes at preschools, elementary schools and public libraries. As a work of art, its display will enhance art exhibits and cultural programs as part of Hispanic Heritage Month or Children's Day/Book Day celebrations. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.