Abuelita's Heart [Library Binding]

Amy Cordova (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997 | Age Level: 5 and up

Abuelita lives in a magical place where all living things--Father Sun, Mother Earth, lagarto the lizard, conejo the rabbit, and most especially a little girl and her grandmother--are drawn together by the power of love. Set in the American Southwest, this lyrical book pays homage to the strength of ancestors. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3. In this peaceful story of the southwestern desert, a young girl visits her abuelita (grandmother). The two share a happiness meal?pinto bean and green-chile soup, the recipe for which follows the text. Next, the girl and her grandmother take a desert walk, and the woman teaches her about the local plants and animals, as well as the importance of the desert in their family history. Spanish phrases appear frequently, followed by contextual translations: "Hola perrita, mi amigita. Hello little dog, my dear friend." The lovely acrylic, oil, and pencil folk-art illustrations accentuate the dreamy quality of the narrative. A fine choice for lap sharing.?Denise E. Agosto, Midland County Public Library, TX
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-8. The young narrator enjoys her visits to the Southwest, where Abuelita, her grandmother, lives. Abuelita says, "The earth is enchanted here," and as she points out the healing herbs and the stars in the sky and takes her granddaughter to the Cave of the Heart, the girl connects with the land as well as with family, seen and unseen, who are guiding her. "It is by reaching out to one another that we . . . create something beautiful to last through the ages." The story's mystical mood is juxtaposed with strong, primitive-style paintings that are bold in their depiction of the land and the flora and fauna that inhabit it. Toward the end of the book, the artwork turns transcendental as well, swirling hearts and people and animals into one interlinking web of life. Cordova is of Hispanic and Native American ancestry, and both of these heritages are reflected in the images and symbols that appear in the art. An affective offering to which many children will intuitively respond. Ilene Cooper

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; 1st edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689801815
• ISBN-13: 978-0689801815
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,301,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book, February 8, 2006

By 

N. Salazar "Cristy Salazar" (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Abuelita's Heart (Library Binding)

This is a very tender cute. It is inspirational since the author is the illustrator, so I can sort of feel what she felt when doing this book. One of my grandmothers lived in the country field, and I remember seeing her cooking, feeding the chickens and the hens, and I remember staying at her house listening to her stories.

I think the quote that stood up the most from this book was: "It is by reaching out to one another that we, too create something beautiful to last throughout the ages. No matter where life leads you". This is so true, because, even though my Abuelita passed away, I remember all her teachings, her beliefs and the way she inspired me.

I give five stars to this book. The book is beautiful illustrated and it is a tribute to all the Abuelitas. The richness of the Latino and Native American culture mix together in this inspirational book.