Customer Reviews

The Old Man and His Door

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

How many ways can YOU think of to use a door? My first graders loved this silly story of an old man who thinks his wife told him to bring a door ("la puerta") to a friends's barbeque. Of course, she said bring "el puerco" -- a pig -- to the party. But the old man is too busy to listen carefully...and off he goes down the street with the door on his back! On the way, he meets with multiple adventures -- all of which require a door for assistance. By the time he gets to the barbeque, he has a few special gifts -- and a funny story -- to contribute. (But still no pig...) Like all Gary Soto books, the conversation is sprinkled with Spanish. The illustrations by Joe Cepeda are colorful and lively. This was (by a narrow vote) my student's favorite Gary Soto book.

I love using this book with K-2nd graders...they really laugh at the grandfather's hilarious mistakes. Many children can identify with having a grandfather who is losing his hearing, as well. The Spanish is well-woven into the text, in a way that is friendly both to Spanish-speakers and non-Spanish speakers alike. Also, the illustrations match the text particularly well.

This book is apparently based on a Spanish song about how "el puerco" (the pig) and "la puerta" (the door) sound alike when you're old and deaf.

In the way of fool stories, the old man's silly mistake (bringing a door to a party when a little thought would've told him that's absurd and he should bring a pig!) turns out to everybody's benefit as he repeatedly stops to use his door to help people. It's astonishing how useful a door can be!

And so when he shows up late, without the pig but WITH the door and several useful things balanced nicely on it, his wife has no choice but to forgive him.

This is a good, funny story for kidlets.

This is cute little book that was recommended at an ELL workshop. It's cute.

I really enjoyed the book and gave it to my grandparents because that is exactly how they are.(and Mexican too!) A great fun story that teaches about love kindness and patience.