Manana, Iguana (Paperback)

by Ann Whitford Paul (Author), Ethan Long (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3–The little red hen finds a south-of-the-border counterpart in this version seasoned with Spanish words. Iguana's idea to throw a fiesta meets with approval from her friends Conejo (rabbit), Tortuga (turtle), and Culebra (snake). However, as she prepares the invitations, stuffs the piñata, cooks the food, and hangs the streamers, Iguana asks for their assistance and is repeatedly given the same excuses. Conejo insists he's too fast to complete a task properly; Tortuga explains that he is too slow; and Culebra (although he is always willing) sadly can only help "Mañana, Iguana, when I grow my arms." Iguana takes charge and insists upon greeting and entertaining her guests alone. The others finally realize their neglect and find a solution that repairs their friendship. Vibrant cartoon illustrations in watercolors and gouache propel the text, clearly revealing Iguana's joys, anger, and frustration. Although numerous variations of this tale have appeared in recent years, this rendition with its predictably repetitive but creative answers has a lot of appeal. A glossary of Spanish terms and their pronunciations is included. A first choice for all libraries.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 3. This lively tale starring an industrious iguana and her fun-loving but lazy friends does the "Little Red Hen" with a Latin beat and a positive spin. On Monday, Iguana announces her plans for a Saturday party. Her pals--a rabbit, a turtle, and a snake--greet each invitation to work with excuses. A running joke throughout is the snake's promise to help if he grows arms by manana. The annoyed iguana does all the work herself, writing and delivering invitations, cooking, and filling a pinata. When Fiesta comes, Iguana won't let her lazy friends attend, and then works out a clever way to redeem themselves. The hot-colored gouache artwork vividly conveys the southwestern desert, and comical touches, such as Iguana's chef's hat, keep the tale cheery. Spanish words sprinkled through the text (a glossary precedes the story) help give things an authentic feel. Connie Fletcher
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (July 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823419800
• ISBN-13: 978-0823419807
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,698 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!, September 11, 2005

By	Alesa K. Mullen "modad" (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Manana Iguana (Hardcover)

My son loves this book. He has several twists on "The Little Red Hen" and this one is one of his favorites. There isn't too much spanish to make the book too hard or lose his interest, but just enough to broaden his vocabulary.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic, multi-level picture book., July 4, 2009

By	Karen F. Centofanti "Mimi" (Hanover, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Manana, Iguana" by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by Ethan Long is a funny, updated twist on "The Little Red Hen." Iguana's character is well-developed, as are the personalities of her friends Tortuga (tortoise), Culebra (snake), and Conejo (rabbit). Their excuses for not helping Iguana prepare for the Fiesta are hilarious, and I like how Ann changed up the ending.

This book succeeds on multiple levels. It is an endearing story with Spanish words and phrases interspersed throughout, giving it a wonderful Southwest flavor to go along with the setting. A Glossary and pronunciation guide of the Spanish words is included. Children will learn something about the Southwest's climate from the great illustrations, and they will learn some common Spanish words, including the days of the week.

"Manana, Iguana" is a book that's ideally suited for the classroom, the library, and every child's bookshelf.

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, January 7, 2009

By	peliroja "Jen" (Fishers, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This book is wonderful on several levels. It teaches Spanish to kids overtly AND under the radar. The character names correspond to the Spanish word for each character, so a child begins to associate that word with a picture and doesn't even know they are learning Spanish. I think this is very powerful. Secondly, the story is a fun remake of "The Little Red Hen" and teaches the value of being helpful... and being a good friend. I eagerly await more titles from this author.