(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ryan Sanchez. When Clara first meets Miguel, a rotund, green-clad artist who is apparently modeled on Diego Rivera, she dubs him Señor Frog. After marrying her mother, he introduces Clara to the wonders of painting from the imagination. The story meanders, and it's unclear what's based on fact. Sanchez's exaggerated oil paint illustrations echo (but don't try to copy) Rivera's style. Glos.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ana Juan. Elena, a Mexican girl, wants to be a glass blower like her father, but he rebukes her: "Who ever heard of a girl glassblower?" Undeterred, she dresses like a boy and travels to become an apprentice, where her work is a success, until she's ready to face (well, sort of) her father. The story is as unique and endearing as Juan's commanding acrylic and crayon illustrations. Glos.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Petra Mathers. Because Papa, a cobbler, is busy, Nanita makes her own First Communion shoes. They carry her to a strange house where she's forced to clean and make flan (recipe provided). Finally, a parrot leads her home. The plot feels schizophrenic--why are Nanita's shoes evil? Why doesn't Señor Parrot help sooner?--but the careful prose and fastidious watercolor depictions of Mexico easily recommend the book.

Reviewer: Nell Beram