Magda's Tortillas / Las Tortillas de Magda [Hardcover]

Becky Chavarria-Chairez (Author), Anne Vega (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Even at the advanced age of seven, Magda Madrigal can remember back to when she was a little girl and would watch her abuela making tortillas. Having studied techniques of a master, she now feels confident of her own ability to turn out beautiful, delicious, and round tortillas. But somehow the rolling pin and the kitchen comal still hold a few surprises for the perplexed Magda and for her delighted family. Great art isn't always pretty, but in the case of "tortilla artist" Magda Madrigal at least it's tasty.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Grade 2-4-Magda Madrigal is turning seven years old and her grandmother has promised to teach her how to make tortillas. She knows it is important to copy her grandmother's every move so that her tortillas will turn out round and perfectly formed. But it isn't as easy as it looks. All of Magda's attempts result in fanciful shapes: stars, hearts, bananas, hexagons, and lakes. She is very frustrated by what she sees as her failed attempts until she hears her family's delight and bathes in their praise of her first tortillas. Unfortunately for this heartwarming story, the Spanish text does not read as smoothly as the English. The translator tried too hard to render the English phrases into Spanish, resulting in stilted syntax. Despite this weakness, the translation is serviceable, and the subject covered will be well received by Mexican American readers for portraying their culture. The full-color illustrations feature a wide-eyed Magda in every scene. The artist has done a wonderful job of depicting a handsome Hispanic American family. A great pick for story-time activities in school and public libraries. Recommended for all bilingual collections. M.O.B.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-On Magda's seventh birthday, her grandmother gives her a cooking lesson. The child struggles with the warm, soft dough, but cannot produce perfect, round tortillas like Abuela's. When the woman points out that the girl's pancake is shaped like a heart, her granddaughter is surprised, but still determined to make a round one. Subsequent efforts turn out other shapes-a star, a banana, and a hexagon, among others-all of which are served at Magda's merienda (afternoon snack in honor of a birthday). Though she is embarrassed by her creations and afraid everyone will laugh at her, her family is delighted with the shaped treats. Her Mam' calls her a "tortilla artist" and her uncle takes pictures. When Magda's cousins beg Abuela to teach them to bake, too, she tells them that she can only teach them how to make the dough, but that Madga holds the secret for making the special designs. The story is told in English and Spanish. Single-spread illustrations, generous in shape and color, capture the girl's exhilaration and enrich the flavors of the story. Abuela and Magda's periwinkle aprons and bright-colored clothing stand out against the warm butterscotch shades of the kitchen. The book has a celebratory tone blended with gentle themes of individuality and acceptance. Pair this with Gary Soto's Too Many Tamales (Putnam, 1993) for a festive ethnic treat.
Carolyn Stacey, Jefferson County Public Library, Arvada, CO
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Arte Publico Press; 1st bilingual edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558852867
• ISBN-13: 978-1558852860
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #512,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > Children's Books > History > Canada

More About the Author

Becky Chavarria-Chairez is a career journalist/writer, whose love for books and writing blossomed as a child when she explored her neighborhood public library. A mother of two daughters and strong advocate of Latino culture and diversity awareness in the Americas, Becky branched in writing fully bilingual books that reflect her beloved Mexican-American culture and also feature a female character that her daughters as well as millions of other children could identify with. She has also adapted Magda's Tortillas, one of former First Lady Laura Bush's all-time favorite children's books, for theatre. The production is featured at the Institute of Texan Cultures in her hometown.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Becky learned to speak Spanish before English and credits her bilingualism with her inate love of the Romance languages. "If I could have one wish granted, it would not be for anything material. I would want to be able to speak and understand all the languages spoken on this earth," she reveals.

Persons may learn more about the author by reading:
Quotable Texas Women and From My Mother's Hands, both books are written by Susie K. Flatau.

For more information about the author and to inquire about workshops, school visits or book fair scheduling, contact: [e-mail].

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent children's bilingual book, December 15, 2003

By 

Nancy Salazar (Trevor, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magda's Tortillas / Las Tortillas de Magda (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent children's book with both cultural and social viewpoints expressed in both Spanish and English. An excellent choice for any child's library.

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!, January 13, 2009

By 

Cecilia M. Lopez "¡Habla español!" (Pleasant Hill, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Magda's Tortillas / Las Tortillas de Magda (Hardcover)

Magda's Tortillas is beautifully illustrated and the story was loved by my kindergarten class. It is a good way to teach children that their art, in this case making tortillas, does not have to be exactly like the model; rather, the difference makes their art much more valuable, leaving the artist's thumb print in the final product.