From the Bellybutton of the Moon and other summer poems/Del ombligo de la luna y otros poemas de verano (Hardcover)

~ Francisco X. Alarcon (Author), (Illustrator) "I face south "blue" I cry same color-the sea, the sky..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-With precise language and vivid paintings, this collection of 22 English and Spanish poems celebrates the simple joys of summertime in Mexico. As in Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems/Jitomates risue?os y otros poemas de primavera (Children's Book Pr., 1997), Alarcon exhibits a tremendous talent for imbuing quotidian objects and concepts with dignity and jubilation. For example, in "Island," he writes that "every island/dreams/of being/a continent," and in "Ode to My Shoes," he describes a little boy's sneakers that "...fall asleep/and dream/of walking...." Gonzalez's folk paintings are equally fine, exhibiting a generous use of contrasting colors and wide, bold brush strokes. A charming book with even more direct language and more evocative art than that in Laughing Tomatoes.
Denise E. Agosto, formerly at Midland County Public Library, TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5-10. Following their award-winning collaboration on Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems (1997), poet Alarcon and artist Gonzalez have produced a new picture-book collection of 22 bilingual poems inspired by the poet's memories of childhood summers spent in Mexico. Short, imagistic poems like "Summer Sun" ("luminous / orange / hanging / from the tree / of noontime") given in both English and Spanish, are mixed with some slightly longer and more personally resonant selections, such as "From the Bellybutton of the Moon," which traces the poet's childhood response to Mexico and the understanding of his own origins. Responding to and expanding on the poetry, Gonzalez's happy paintings weave rich waves of color in an exuberant dance between text and design. This seasonal collection is welcomed for the sweet summertime caress of its sunny sensations, tangy tastes, and warm memories of a loving Latino family life. Annie Ayres

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Children's Book Press; Bilingual edition (July 3, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892391537
• ISBN-13: 978-0892391530
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,139,533 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exuberant bilingual celebration of life, January 6, 2001

By	Michael J. Mazza (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

"From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems" is an excellent collaboration between two artists: poet Francisco X. Alarcon and illustrator Maya Christina Gonzalez. Although marketed as a children's book, this bilingual collection should appeal to readers of all ages.

Each of Alarcon's poems is presented both in English and Spanish versions, making this book an added bonus for English speakers who are learning Spanish (or the other way around). The poetry in this book is a populist literature in the tradition of Walt Whitman and Pablo Neruda, and some of Alarcon's whimsical reflections on the natural world also reminded me of Emily Dickinson. And while being part of a great tradition, Alarcon has his own strong poetic voice which stands apart.

Alarcon is a United States poet, and, as he explains in the afterword (which also appears in both English and Spanish), these poems were inspired by childhood trips to visit his rural relatives in Mexico. This book is thus a multicultural celebration of family, of ethnic roots, of childhood memories, and of the beauty of nature. Alarcon writes of being taught the alphabet by his grandfather, of walking barefoot on the grass, of befriending a cow name Mariposa ("butterfly" in Spanish), and of other delightful things.

Gonzalez' illustrations, which grace every page, perfectly complement Alarcon's celebratory verses. Bursting with color and energy, Gonzalez' work is a stunning blend of realistic and fantastic images. Her best illustrations are rich in details that invite the eye to linger in pleasure.

In the poem "We Are Trees," Alarcon compares human beings to trees, and notes that while "our roots / connect," our branches also "reach out / to other branches." And this philosophy seems to be at the heart of Alarcon's work. While celebrating a particular family and culture, "From the Bellybutton of the Moon" also explores universal ideas which are relevant to all families and all cultures. And thus should this book be enjoyed by children--and adults--of all cultures.