From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3–In this story set in south Texas, a boy enjoys a holiday parade with his parents while keeping an eye out for his Uncle Louie. Policemen on motorcycles clear the road of traffic and the festivities begin. A marine band with flags flying marches by while the sailors on the ships in the nearby harbor salute. The soldiers are followed by the high school band with baton twirlers, dancers wearing cowboy boots and bandanas, and a conjunto band playing a "hot like jalapeños" version of the "Star Spangled Banner." All the while, Joe is wondering when his uncle will join them. Then a rumbling is heard up the street as the lowriders arrive. A bright yellow car thrills the crowd when it balances on three wheels. A long red-and-white automobile with Lady Liberty painted on the hood stops and the driver steps out. It's Uncle Louie, and Joe gets to ride in his spectacular car. Torrecilla's digitally enhanced acrylic illustrations are filled with bright, sunny colors. The crowd is as visually interesting as the parade. They are dancing to music, taking photographs, clapping, and waving. A solid addition to holiday collections, this book would also work well in summer storytimes.–Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
K-Gr. 3. At first this seems like an anywhere-U.S.A Fourth of July celebration, but children will soon understand that this is taking place in Texas, where "Sashaying dancers in boots and bandanas" dance in front of tall ships in a harbor. A conjunto band plays a national anthem that is "hot like jalapenos." The unifying theme is the young narrator's search for his uncle Louie, whom he can't spy. Then a purple lowrider with the Statue of Liberty painted on its hood brings up the rear of the parade, and behind the wheel is Uncle Louie. The bright artwork, acrylics enhanced by computer, gives a crisp, sophisticated, graphic novel-like look to the pictures. The technique works exceptionally well for delineating the multinational individuals in the crowd, and it seems to add to the feel of hustle-and-bustle of parade day. A new take on a favorite holiday. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
