Tiny Tortilla (Hardcover)

~ Arlene L Williams (Author), G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: patta pat, tiny tortilla, Juan Carlos

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2–Hungry Juan Carlos goes into town to buy a tortilla. Much to his disappointment, all of the thin cakes are gone–the old tortilla maker has just a small bit of special masa dough left. She gives it to him with a warning to be patient as he shapes the ball into a tortilla: When it's so thin…and so light…take a deep breath and count out three more pats. The boy follows instructions and the dough is magically transformed, first into a giant sombrero, then into a boat, and finally into a huge feather. After adventures with all three forms, he manages to keep only a tip of the masa, which becomes a large, airy, and delicious tortilla. Karas's signature illustrations feature the orange and brown tones of the desert, but the story lacks vitality and falls flat. A secondary purchase.–Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS. Young preschoolers will want to join in the chanting and clapping action in this picture-book story about a small boy who makes big transformations. Hungry from his work in the hot desert garden, Juan Carlos wants a tortilla, but the old woman in the market has only a tiny piece (muy pequena) of some special masa. She tells him to be patient, to pat the masa flat (Palma-palma-palmadita), and not to take a bite until he has counted three more pats (uno, dos, tres). He follows her instructions several times, and each time he sees the tiny piece soar into a magical object--a sombrero, a feather, a boat--until at last it grows into the best tortilla ever. Karas' warm colored-pencil pictures in a lively folk-art style evoke a southwestern desert setting where magic can really happen, and the repeated action and tension make for a fun read-aloud. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; 1st edition (August 18, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525473823
• ISBN-13: 978-0525473824
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,003,257 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 Simply Beautiful, May 31, 2007

By	Amy Pass "Amy" (Mpls, MN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has a lovely rhythm and pattern of repetition. My 5yr old loves it, and if I had found it when she was younger I know she would have loved it when she was 2 or 3. Children (and adults) learn a few Spanish words through reading the book. The book is magical, poetic, and fun!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun and gentle adventure, August 18, 2005

By	Old One - See all my reviews

Tiny Tortilla was picked as a prestigious Junior Library Guild selection. Also, the important children's book reviewer--Kirkus Reviews--said of the book, "Williams's charming text teaches the importance of imagination and perseverance... Karas's sunny spreads are as warm, fresh, airy and magical as the tortilla." This is a delightful book for younger children with a gentle sense of magic and adventure which gives a subtle lesson in the value of patience. A much-needed book in this age of instant gratification.