author: Francisco X. Alarcón
illustrator: Maya Christina González
Children’s Book Press / Lee & Low, 2008
kindergarten-grade 2
South American
Alarcón, author of an acclaimed series of
bilingual seasonal poems, uses his visit to the Iguazú Waterfalls as
inspiration for this collection. Poems depict the variety of animals that
inhabit the rainforest in this region at the junction of Argentina, Brazil, and
Paraguay. We read of Toucan (“for a beak / I have two / papaya slices”),
Parrot, Hummingbird, Martin Pescador (also known as the kingfisher), Lizard,
Jaguar, Monkey, Turtle, and others. Poems also describe the earth, the sky, and
the falls, and honor the indigenous Guaraní of the region. A final poem, “Same
Green Fate,” urges the preservation of the rainforest: “let’s listen to / the
green voice / of the rainforest … protect
all of us / for the Earth’s fate / for your own sake…”
González’s mixed-media illustrations give
life and personality to the creatures of the Iguazú. Because Alarcón has
created the poems in both Spanish and English, readers fluent in both languages
will notice that these aren’t literal translations but rather take advantage of
the unique sounds and rhythms of each language. In all, this is a lively and
colorful book that will hold the interest of young children and also makes a
good choice for second language learners at the elementary and middle school
level. Highly recommended.
—Lyn Miller-Lachmann
(published 4/7/13)
(published 4/7/13)
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