Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English

Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English by Alma Flor Ada shows many aspects of Mexican and Mexican American culture through realistic illustrations. The bulk of the text features aspects related to field work; however, it also includes values, such as honor and pride, as well as other aspects.

The words featured match up to the Spanish alphabet. While at times the translated word in English starts with the same letter, some are different in English, such as duraznos and peaches. In addition, letters distinct to the Spanish alphabet are included. Flor Ada explained why she decided to include Ch and Ll in the alphabet on the first page, "By the year 2000, to make it easier for computers to alphabetize text, Ch and Ll will no longer be considered separate letters in the Spanish alphabet. They have been retained here as unripe fruit, not yet ready to be taken from the tree, since all of us who love our language and the traditions it keeps alive will need some time to grow accustomed to this change" (n.p.).

I first saw illustrator Simón Silva's work in La Mariposa and loved his style, so I was excited to see that same style in this book. The combination of the illustrations and the text set a celebratory, as well as nostalgic tone. Aside from the words that align with the alphabet, there is an accompanying poem for each letter. While many of the poems have a similar style, some are distinct, providing readers with a range of possibilities with poetry. While some poems are free verse, others follow repetitive patterns, such as, "Pride", which repeats the verse starter "Proud of [...]". Teachers could read the book with students for general enjoyment, but then they could also pull out specific poems as part of a genre study. Classes (or small groups or individuals) could write their own Pride poems, which if they are related to family and culture as the one in the book, could then be used as a piece of writing as a gift.

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