Tonight Is Carnaval (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Arthur Dorros (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995 | Age Level: 5 and up | Series: Picture Puffins

A lively and colorful story about a young boy's preparations for Carnaval in the Andean mountains of Peru is accompanied by reproductions of arpilleras by the members of the Club de Madres Virgen del Carmen of Lima. Reprint. K. SLJ. AB.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This depiction of a celebration in the Andes Mountains is illustrated with hand-sewn arpilleras (quilt-like murals) from Lima, Peru. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-- The text, illustrated with photographs of arpilleras (three-dimensional fabric wall hangings), covers three days in the life of a Peruvian boy as he and his family prepare for a carnaval celebration in the nearby village. The boy describes the everyday work that must be finished as he anticipates the festivities and practices the music he will play with his band. The information about the daily life of the people of the Andes is reinforced by the brilliantly colored folk art, made by a cooperative of women. The problem is that the boy exists only as a voice to convey information--which he does in an earnest, but unconvincing, monologue. The folk art, while appealing, does little to convince readers that this is a particular child with emotions. Although the book is a bit of a throw-back (it is primarily an informational book clothed as fiction), it packs in a lot of detail and would be a useful introduction to the culture. The photographs of the arpilleras give an additional dimension, and the two pages of photos showing the women making them are among the most interesting in the book. The sale of the arpilleras and a percentage of the royalties will go to support relief efforts. Would that such obvious sincerity had produced more inspired fiction and a deeper view of a rich culture. --Eleanor K. MacDonald, Beverly Hills Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014055467X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140554670
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,431,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Arthur Dorros is a real-life papa. He learned Spanish while living in Latin America and helped teach his son, Alex, the language. One of Alex's first words was "agua," and Arthur called him "Agua Man."
Arthur Dorros is the author of many books for children, including JULIO'S Magic, a CLASP Amaricas Award Commended Title, and the popular Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science book Ant Cities. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful arpilleras!, January 13, 2008

By 

Elizabeth Bronwen Bure "artlizzard" (Barrington, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tonight Is Carnaval (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

This book is chock full of beautiful pictures of arpilleras. It has quite a range of the aplique-quilts and they all tell a story. It is also pretty wordy for kids. I used it to introduce arpilleras but paraphrased the text as to not lose the kids interest. It is the best arpillera resource I have found for kids.