Five out of twenty additional reviews from the Texas 2×2 Recommended Reading List 2022.
Note: Parents can always translate books freely, or ask questions or make observations about illustrations in Spanish when reading a longer book in English. This is usually how I read books which are too time consuming to translate or whose language flows better in English due to rhyme or rhythm. My translation difficulty tips below take into consideration how difficult it would be to provide an accurate, thoughtful translation (word for word) of the text.
Seaside Stroll
Written by Charles Trevino, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga
Written by a local Houstonian (from the Woodlands) and illustrated by Lechuga all the way in Madrid, Spain, this duo must have visited a few cold-weather beaches in their lifetime because that drippy, runny-nose, cold-ear experience definitely comes through in Seaside Stroll.
A mother-daughter duo take a walk from their home with full parkas, beanies, mittens, “scratchy silly scarf,” and along the snow-dusted sand. Lechuga’s illustrations are captivating. Through the characters’ bundling and white-speckled beach we know it is cold, but the sky and sand reflect the sunny warm tones of a summer’s day. Trevino’s choice of language (modeled after American Sign Language, and using only words that begin with S) allow for a sparse, objective read. Readers can fill many of the gaps with imagination and context clues provided by the illustrations. A perfect read to support the #outdoorsall4 movement, led by Tinkergarten, an outdoor, play-based early childhood learning curriculum that encourages families to get outside, even during Winter! This title also complements well with Wonder Walkers. Translation Difficulty: Medium. There are few but, intentional words. It would be best to look for their closest translation to keep the meaning of the story. The S beginnings will be lost.
Someone Builds The Dream
Written by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Loren Long
There are definitely many construction books focusing on the vehicles themselves, but I cannot remember the last book we read that “pays homage to tradesmen and skilled workers” as Wheeler’s and Long’s does. The book features the thinkers (architects, engineers, artists) but focuses the attention on the people behind the scenes, the doers. The ones sweating, hammering, carrying loads and digging trenches. I particularly liked how Wheeler includes herself and Long as part of the thinking crew, and gives credit to press workers and book binders for making their book. Wheeler does not write from a pedestal but acknowledges that her field falls on the abstract side. This book is a great reminder to ourselves and our children that it is absolutely fine and even wise to work with our hands. Especially with the cost of higher education, and how some professional degrees actually pay less than skilled labor, I definitely will not shy from suggesting a trade to my children. At least if to pay for college! Translation Difficulty: Difficult. The book is set up in metered rhyme and this will have to be broken in Spanish.
Recently I was reviewing my 2015 road trip photos from Texas to San Francisco. When I saw the photos of the commemorative sculpture to Hoover Dam workers, I thought about Someone Builds a Dream. I will share some snapshots below. (Apologies if they’re a bit crooked, and hazy… these are actually unedited print-screens of raw files I have not gotten a chance to edit in photo software!)
Left plaque reads: “The United States of America will continue to remember that many who toiled here found their final rest while engaged in the building of this dam.”
Right plaque reads: “The United States of America will continue to remember the services of all who labored to clothe with substance the plans of those who first visioned the building of this dam.”
There is also a sculpture of two winged figures. The artwork has deeper meaning but could also be said to commemorate the 96 men (or more) who lost their lives while involved with work on the dam.
Tying books to real life experiences is always enriching. They do not have to be as grand as a road trip to the Hoover Dam. But take advantage of the links this summer vacation! It may help retain memories as they will be recalled any time the same book is read again.
Now back to book reviews!
Have You Seen Gordon?
Written by Adam Jay Epstein, illustrated by Ruth Chan
Chan definitely made Epstein’s vision come to life in this mix of I Spy and Where’s Waldo with its own hilarious twist. I am actually very impressed at the fluidity of the narrative and illustrations— I know legend has it that usually author and illustrators do not communicate in the creations of books, but these two must have not only communicated but collaborated to create Gordon. Older children will definitely crack up identifying easy-to-find Gordon and have empathy for shy Jane. As a seek and find book, the storyline may be lost on toddlers but they can certainly still participate in finding characters (and grow into the story). Enough character development and storyline to add an extra layer to the seeking, especially with the last page. Translation difficulty: Medium. Likely will be able to summarize the gist of the words after a few English readings.
Chez Bob
Written and illustrated by Bob Shea
Chez, like Sheaz. A play on the type of “chef” Bob Shea would be if he was a lazy alligator like his protagonist. Carried by the humor that identifies Shea, this book will have older readers and parents laughing. Starting off as an alligator who “work[s] very hard at being lazy,” Bob follows through on his entrepreneur restaurant idea, having thrill-seeking birds dine on his snout and eventually settling a town around him. Before he knows it, Bob is coaching and attending book clubs with the birds, likely even paying HOA fees. What could have turned a gruesome end for the birds if say, Jon Klassen had written this book, turns into a happy ending for (at least) this flock and Chez Bob. While the storyline may be a little long for toddlers, the colorful, sticker-worthy illustrations will no doubt capture their attention. Translation Difficulty: Difficult. The story is long, but summarizing will work.
Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack
Written by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Matthew Rivera
A non-fiction selection, this is a nice introduction to the brain. Facts are presented by a zombie chef that interjects about the deliciousness of the brain as she gives information. The zombie storyline definitely draws in readers. My five-year old was zoning out a bit with the facts. Save this one for older readers, toddlers will not sit through it. Wished there would have been more explanation as to the functions of each part of the brain. This was mostly introducing vocabulary. A good launchpad for research or delving deeper into the topic. The charm of the book is definitely in Rivera’s angular, mixed-media illustrations. He features multicultural humans, many with dark skin. Definitely look forward to seeing more books illustrated by him! Translation Difficulty: Difficult. You likely want to save the translation to name brain parts like “brain stem” “cerebellum” and “cerebrum.”
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