Customer Reviews

Birthday in the Barrio/Cumpleanos en el barrio

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Birthday In The Barrio/Cumpleanos en el Barrio is the collaborative bilingual picturebook by the Cuban/American team of author Mayra L. Dole and art critic/visual illustrator Tonel. Chavi is a young girl who proves that with a little determination and creativity she can do anything. Now she must find a way to throw a birthday party for her friend's sister. Lazarita is turning 15 and wants a special "quinces" party, but her family does not have enough money for such a fancy event. Chavi decides she can help by rallying together her neighborhood friends to donate food and decorations. Before long, the entire Cuban American community of Miami is working together to organize a birthday celebration.

I'm a librarian and read this book for review before its publication date. Chavi and Rosario (Drum, Chavi, Drum!) are back! Rosario's sister, Lazarita, is mad because she can't have a quinces after her Pipo lost his job. But don't think for a moment that Chavi can't mastermind the wildest, most fun quinces street party ever! She enlists the homeless, the mayor, and the entire community. But can she pull it through? How can a little girl possibly throw such a colossal fiesta? Mayra L. Dole's imaginative and exciting prose and Tonel's vivid illustrations make this a delight for readers of all ages. This is a gem of a book.

The Dynami Duo strikes again! My seven year old boy, eight year-old girl and nieces and nephews have fallen in love with Chavi. The book is bilingual, in Spanish and English, and is set in a Latino Community. The writing is exhuberant and entertaining and the illustrations are vibrant and cartoon-like, something kids love. Our family can't wait till the next Chavi book in the series is out. Kids love this series!

A delightful story, not only bilingual, but perfect to teach children about Latino culture. A helpful tool for teachers to expand students' knowledge of the traditions of a vast minority in the United States and a way for Hispanic children to be proud of their heritage. The illustrations are also great and the writing style excellent!