Carnavalia [Hardcover]

Liza Papi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1994 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Carnivals rule the streets of Brazil from Christmas to Ash Wednesday. This is a time of performances, merrymaking, & feasting that blends Catholic beliefs with African & Portuguese heritage into a variety of public celebrations. This wonderful book presents the folklore behind the festivities, explaining the significance of the colorful costumes, dances, & characters. Brazilian artist Liza Papi translates the energy & the rich traditions of northeastern Brazil into her vibrant, hand-colored, woodcut prints. Also, this unique storybook offers instructions on festive, easy-to-make decorations & costumes from common supplies such as newspapers, wheat paste, felt, colored paper, & nontoxic paints & glue.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-This book offers three things in one: a fictionalized account of the Brazilian carnival that takes place between Christmas and Lent, illustrations of the event, and its crafts. An afterword explains the festival in the context of Brazil's history and culture. The main part of the book explores the relationship between seven-year-old Mourrice and his nanny. She explains the significance of the carnival and the boy observes its songs, dances, and costumes. Papi's vivid, colorful illustrations, along with the overall book design, are strong points in an otherwise mediocre offering. The art reflects a number of influences, from traditional Afro-Brazilian folk art to post-modernists such as Jackson Pollack. The results are fresh and interesting. The crafts have potential, though some are too complex for young children. The text has numerous problems, including wooden characters and stilted, unrealistic dialogue. Nana in particular sounds like a combination of a tour guide and a folklore professor, and Mourrice's voice is adult in tone. However, readers will appreciate the illustrations, possibly to the extent of forgiving the poorly written text.
Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Siena College Library, Loudonville, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (March 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847817792
• ISBN-13: 978-0847817795
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,994,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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