Laughing Tomatoes/Jitomates Risuenos

Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems / Jitomates Risueños y otros poemas de primavera is part of a four book set of poetry related to the seasons by Francisco X. Alarcón. Illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez, readers will notice the same style of art as My Very Own Room/Mi propio cuartito. The images contain both realistic and imaginative aspects. For example, the first two page spread accompanying two poems "Dew" and "Roots" has a woman sleeping, and her fingers are roots leading into the ground. The sun, hills, and clouds also have smiles. The illustrations are sure to draw the attention of readers.

Many of the poems are quick -- some just a few lines long with one or two word verses, related to different aspects of spring. However, other poems span the length of the page, such as "My Grandma's Songs". The joy of the poems transcends into the illustrations, such as the title poem "Laughing Tomatoes" accompanied by an image of kids and dogs with tomato smiles.

The poems and illustrations also incorporate cultural references, such as the importance of family, food, and traditions. One poem titled "Chile", states, "sometimes / a bite is all it takes / for a supernova / to explode" (n.p.). A simple poem that can conjure up many memories for those who have bitten into a chile picante! There is also a mention of a historical figure, César Chávez, along with the experience of working in strawberry fields.

The book offers a fun exploration of poetry that students would be able to explore in order to consider possibilities for their own poems.

*Pura Belpré Award Honor Book in 1998