From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3–Fernando and Grandpa Félix plan a Sunday outing by having the boy close his eyes and place his finger on a map. Then Mama packs a picnic lunch, Papa checks the gas tank, and the whole family piles into the car. When they reach their destination, San Vicente, they discover that a kite festival is underway. Fernando and his grandfather imaginatively put together a kite out of materials at hand, as each member of the family, from the boy's little sister to Grandma Felisa, contributes some vital part. At the end of the day, they are awarded a prize for the most original entry. The text is concise yet lyrical, and the soft watercolor illustrations enhance the gentle tone of the narrative. Tips on kite flying are embedded in the text. The book concludes with clear instructions for making a kite out of easy-to-find materials. Although not flashy, the book is quietly satisfying, and fills a gap in picture books with Hispanic characters.
–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Gr. 1-3. Fernando and his multigenerational Colombian family pack a picnic and go off for a drive, ending up at San Vicente, where there is a kite festival. They have come with all sorts of goodies, but no kite. So, starting with Grandpa and down to little Flora, each member of the family finds something to use for the kite: the string on Flora's pull toy, a map for paper, a belt for a tail, even Band-Aids for tape! The Florez family wins the prize for the most original kite and makes plans to return the next year. The cheerful illustrations capture the cohesive happiness of the day. The last page comprises instructions, clear but not simple, on how to make a hexagonal kite.
GraceAnne DeCandidoCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
