Jalapeno Bagels (Hardcover)

by Natasha Wing (Author), Robert Casilla (Illustrator) "What should I bring to school on Monday for International Day?" I ask my mother..." (more)
Key Phrases: pan dulce

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?A delightful, albeit contrived, story of a happy, hard-working family. When Pablo must bring something to share for his school's International Day, he considers several items from his family's bakery. But his mother's Mexican pan dulce, empanadas, and chango bars don't do the trick. His father's bagels and challah bread are appealing, but not quite right either. Then the boy helps to make the family specialty, Jalape?o Bagels?a joint creation from the cultures of both parents?and decides that it is the perfect contribution: "...a mixture of both of you. Just like me." The text, placed on a white background, is easy to read and well balanced with the charming pictures. The soft, full-page watercolor illustrations are gentle and brightly colored. A Yiddish and Spanish glossary and recipes are included at the end. This book will whet readers' appetites for multicultural fare and offers food for thought for school assignments.?Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 4^-7. It's International Day at school, and Pablo wants to bring a treat from his parents' panderia to share with his classmates. Should he bring his mother's wonderful pan dulce or a challah, which his father has shown him how to braid? What about his favorite chango bars or some of the jalapeno bagels he and his parents make together? Pablo's final choice isn't much of a surprise, but Wing's simple, affectionate portrait of a mixed family should have wide general appeal and be of great interest to grown-ups in search of good books that show ethnically diverse families. Casilla's warm, glowing paintings capture the individuality of each character with both subtlety and expression. A glossary of Spanish and Yiddish terms (which have been italicized in the text) is an added bonus. Stephanie Zvirin

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum; First Edition edition (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689805306
• ISBN-13: 978-0689805301
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #506,710 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jalapeno Bagels by Natasha Wing, February 24, 2000

By	Lorie Loughbrough (Rhode Island, USA) - See all my reviews

This story is about a young boy who is asked to bring something to school for "International Day". He is asked by his teacher to bring something that reflects his culture. His mother suggests that he help out in their family bakery to aid him in making his decision. He could not decide between his mother's Mexican or his father's Jewish baked goods. To the surprise of his parents, the boy decides to take in jalapeno bagels. When his father asks him "Why jalapeno bagels?", his son replies "Because they are a mixture of both of you. Just like me."

I feel this book is very important for the classroom library because it is a wonderful portrayal of a diverse ethnic family. There is also a glossary of Spanish and Yiddish terms for children to learn and recipes from an authentic Mexican-Jewish bakery. The illustrations of bright watercolors help to enhance the richness of the story. It is well written and holds the reader's interest with new words from different languages.