Let's work! Mexican folk art trabajos in English and Spanish

Tiny palm weavings created by the master artisans of Chigmecatitlán in Puebla, Mexico, are the stars of this career-themed dual-language book. Though the close-up photographs by Boucher don't capture the amazing scale of these creations-according to an end note, most are just larger than a coin-their nubby details, such as a woven stethoscope, a teacher's patterned skirt, and the ruffles of a ballerina's tutu, charm in their specificity. Each miniature is placed on a plain, vibrantly colored page bordered by block-print-style motifs. An eclectic array of careers-balloon seller, electrician, clown, librarian, hair dresser, equestrian-are presented, one per page, in both Spanish and English, creating an engaging opportunity for young readers to build vocabulary in two languages while encountering a unique craft practice that has endured since the 15th century. Ages up to 3. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

PreS-Gr 2--"Boxer, dancer, doctor, chef: you can be what you love best!" Readers will learn about lots of different occupations and Mexican folk art in this lively and whimsical bilingual book. Bibliotecarios/bibliotecarias (librarians,) maestros/maestras (teachers,) taxistas (taxi drivers), payaso/payasas (clowns) and more are modeled into tiny palm weaving figurines crafted by villagers at Flavio Gallardo's workshop in Chigmecatitlán, Puebla, Mexico, a traditional artform that has endured in the region since pre-Columbian times. Each type of worker is shown doing their job using the appropriate accessories in miniature form: a fisherman or fisherwoman and their boat, a hairdresser with their scissors, and a chef with their spoons and pans. Bright, contrasting text in English and Spanish facilitates an accessible and interactive reading experience for beginners; colorful reproductions of the tiny yet vibrant figurines seem to pop off every page. A wide variety of vocations are displayed, with both males and females portrayed in most of the roles. Ability diversity is portrayed by una música (female musician) using a wheelchair. A tribute to the artisans at the end of the book provides readers with cultural and historical context. Opuestos, Count Me In, and Colores de Vida, also by the same author, are similar purchases. VERDICT Charming and colorful, this book does double duty for teaching children about art while inspiring them to dream about whatever they want to become.--Natalie Romano, Denver Public Library