Traditional Literature-Review 3

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ada, Alma Flor & F. Isabel Campoy. 2003. ¡Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes. Ill. by Vivi Escriva. New York: Rayo- Harper Collins Publisher. ISBN 0688160190.

2.PLOT SUMMARY
This is a collection of rhymes and songs which do not follow one particular plot. As noted by the authors in their introductory statements, the origin of the collected items stem primarily from Spain. Some are from Mexico. All, however, include details of the Latin childhood culture. One particular song, “Duermete, mi niña/Sleep Now, My Baby”, relates a mother’s attempt to put her baby down for a sleep. The baby, however, does not have much desire for a nap and instead closes and opens her eyes again.

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This edited collection of rhymes and songs have been included in bilingual format side to side. Interestingly, authors make the readers aware through their introduction that the English version is not a simple translation, but a poetic reconstruction that sought to maintain the richness of the Spanish counterpart. There is no background information included for the rhymes or songs, and it would be interesting to the unfamiliar reader to be provided with one. However, precise background information would be an impossible feat as these rhymes and songs originated many, many generations ago. To the reader of Hispanic descent, many of these inclusions are familiar as they are often used in celebrations, schools, and playground games. This multicultural selection appears to be culturally specific according to the descriptions provided in Children’s Literature, Briefly (Tunnel & Jacobs 2004,190) Details of the Hispanic culture are quite evident in the illustrations provided although they don’t quite depict the reality of the Hispanic culture now living the United States. It is more of a window into the daily lives of the past and perhaps of some people who reside in Latin American countries. Throughout, the rhymes and songs include a repetitive pattern and often rhyming words customary of this format that lends itself for quality read alouds. The style of the written text and the illustrations also portray a mood of warmth, joy, and playfulness. Characters, although minimally developed, are used to accompany the text and are often smiling. Mothers embrace their children lovingly as they put them down to sleep or participate in conversations. Children also hold each others’ hands as they engage in the playful movements that accompany a song.

4.REVIEW (EXCERPTS)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review- "Stellar…The rhymes cover everything from early morning birds to elephants to angels."
BOOKLIST-“Parents, teachers, and librarians will find a multitude of uses.”


5.CONNECTIONS
-Select a song or rhyme and make puppets to recreate it in groups.
-Go outside and engage in some of the games that go with the songs. (A la vibora de la mar or Los elefantes)
-Engage in shared writing to compose a song similar to those found in the book.
-Other similar collections
Ada, Alma Flor, Isabel F. Campoy, & Maribel Suarez. Mama Goose-A Latino Nursery Collection. ISBN 0786819537
Delacre, Lulu. Arroz con leche: canciones y ritmos populares de América Latina/Popular Songs and Rimes from Latin America. ISBN 0786819537