Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Despite the title, this bilingual story isn't so much about making tamales as it is about making connections between generations and making the most out of a tough situation. On a snowy day, Luz's abuelita arrives to teach her to make tamales, but soon dives into telling a story about her father, Diego, and a wintry visit from his tia. Although the chickens aren't laying and the cupboard is bare, thanks to some ingenuity, Tia has a feast cooked up in no time. Chilton's figures resemble cutout paper dolls, with drop shadows adding to a three-dimensional effect. Luz gets the best of what strong family connections offer: stories, skills, and even the occasional heirloom. Ages 7-up. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-School is canceled due to snow, so Luz gets to spend the day with her Abuelita. Her modern, young-looking grandmother arrives on the doorstep carrying a big, flowered box and tells the child that they are going to make tamales just like the ones her great Tia taught her great-grandfather Diego to make. The book flashes back to that frosty day. Tia resembles Mary Poppins with her overcoat, boots, and hat adorned with flowers, buttons, and feathers. Magical things happen when Diego can't get any eggs or fish for the tamales, and Tia puts on her hat. After telling the tale, Abuelita presents Luz with Tia's magical hat. This cheerful picture book is illustrated in cool tones of almond, pistachio, and pumpkin. The people in the drawings are silhouetted in white and seem to be placed upon each scene. Each page of text is divided into two blocks of color with English on one block and Spanish on the other. The story reads equally well in both languages, and the English is peppered with Spanish words that are included in a brief glossary. This is a delightful tale about how family recipes and stories are handed down from generation to generation.-Rebecca Hickman, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Luz's abuela arrives for a visit and to teach her granddaughter how to make tamales (recipe appended). While the two prepare the dish, Abuela tells the story of how Luz's great-grandfather learned to make tamales from a favorite aunt. The story, in both English and Spanish, is wordy, but the family connection comes through. Chilton's layered illustrations reflect the multigenerational dynamic. Glos. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Every family recipe has aflavorful story behind it.When school is cancelled becauseof snow, young Luz and her grandmother (Abuelita) spend the day together. Abuelita brings a big round box decorated with pink and purple flowers; inside is a suprise, for later. First, it's time to make tamales, with a story about Abuelita's father Diego and his aunt (ta). When Diego was a little boy, he worked on the family farm, with little rest or fun. One winter, the surprisevisit of his ta, in a crazy, elaborate hat, lifts his low spirits. She suggests lunch, but finding food is a challenge, especially in the winter. The chickens aren't laying, ice on the river prevents fishing andtrees are bare. Ta declares that the chickens need some laughter and, using the magic in her hat, soon gets them cackling and laying. She has similar success with fish and fruit.Back in the present, it's time to open Abuelita's box (the contents of which every reader will know), which provides the perfect sparkle to an already wonderful day. Split pages tell the story in both English (top half) and Spanish (bottom), and Abuelita's recipe is bilingually included as well. Chilton's artful illustrations have the look of paper dolls placed against a soft, old-fashioned backdrop rendered in a muted, comforting palette.An embarrassment of riches. (Picture book. 7-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
