From Publishers Weekly
The best-laid party plans almost fall apart in this chipper outing. Clara wants to celebrate her birthday with her friends and the festivities are set to include a pi?ata. But Clara becomes so taken with the dog pi?ata she has chosen that she names the papier-mache pooch and takes him everywhere; she can't bear the thought that he will be broken. On the big day, Clara's friend Samson surprises her with a gift that saves the party as well as Clara's pi?ata pet. Kleven's (The Paper Princess; Abuela) perky writing speaks confidently to the everyday emotional ups and downs in the lives of children. The tolerance shown Clara's seemingly quirky ideas is positive and reassuring. Kleven's forceful paint-and-collage compositions remain kinetic fiestas of color and texture, spiced with the kind of Latin American flavor and visual detail that have helped make her work so recognizable. An endnote offers an informative history on the custom of smashing pi?atas at parties. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-For her upcoming birthday party, Clara selects a dog-shaped pi?ata. But as the big day approaches, she becomes increasingly attached to the dog, which she names Lucky and treats like a pet. Her friend Samson realizes that she will not want Lucky to be smashed into pieces. Happily, he saves the day with a simple gesture of friendship and thoughtfulness. The bright watercolor and cut-paper illustrations are a visual fiesta. Tiny details abound in the full- and double-page scenes, such as the fruits and vegetables lining the shelves of the outdoor market, and the tiny bicycles and birds in the streets. Although many of these details are best suited to close inspection, the overall scenes are large enough to captivate group audiences. An interesting "Note About Pi?atas" follows the text. Both the affectionate story and vibrant artwork are sure to please children.
Denise E. Agosto, Midland County Public Library, TXCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
