(3) K-3 Translated by Enríque Lamadríd. Illustrated by Amy Córdova. In this book, originally called Maya's Children: The Story of La Llorona, the father of Chicano literature retells the classic Latino folktale of the woman who cries at night for her children. In Anaya's version, La Llorona is an immortal girl named Marisol who is tricked by Father Time. The new illustrations in this bilingual edition appropriately evoke Mexican folk art.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Córdova. Young Isabella, through the conceit of a school writing project, teaches readers about her Ecuadorian parents' fight against pesticides and for fair-trade status for their rose farm. The framework is clumsy, but the information is sound. Córdova's fluid, vibrant-hued paintings enliven the presentation. An afterword by Lynn Lohr of Fair Trade USA tells more about the process.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Córdova. Córdova and Gollogly retell the story of Juan Diego--born Talking Eagle or Cuauhtlatoatzin--and his miraculous encounters with "Mary, the Mother of God." The bishop doesn't believe Juan until he produces his cloak, with roses spilling out and the imprint of Mary upon it. The text, though wordy (at times ponderously so), effectively communicates events. Vibrant-hued illustrations depict the scenes.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) PS Illustrated by Amy Córdova. "Fiesta Babies go out on the town-- / right-side up / and upside down!" This simple rhyming story stars happy toddlers sporting sombreros and flower coronas (crowns) as they enjoy a fiesta, a siesta, and finally kisses and hugs at the end of the day. The verse doesn't always scan smoothly, but the acrylic illustrations offer a joyous portrait of cultural traditions and children at play. Glos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Córdova. Bright, colorful acrylic illustrations with flowing lines decorate this celebration of a rebozo (Mexican shawl). Lyrical rhyming text is narrated by a girl describing members of her extended family. This bilingual edition is an effective way to introduce a piece of cultural heritage. An author's note tells about the rebozo, as well as asking readers what they might do with one.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Córdova. In rhythmic voice, a young girl describes the different uses her various family members have for a rebozo (Mexican shawl). Bright, textured acrylic illustrations with a strong sense of line decorate this celebration of cultural heritage. An author's note gives more information about the rebozo as well as asking readers what they might do with one.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) K-3 Translated by Enrique R. Lamadrid. Illustrated by Amy Córdova. To plead for rain to save her people, young Jade follows a hummingbird to see the mountain spirit. Impressed by her courage, the mountain spirit gives Jade the gift of corn, and Jade prepares and names the first tortilla. Anaya incorporates elements from Mexican legends into his original story. Córdova's swirling folk-art illustrations are richly layered. Glos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) K-3 Translated by Enrique Lamadrid. Illustrated by Amy Cordova. When Don Jacobo, a santero, teaches his grandson the art of carving wooden saints, a saint they work on together creates a Christmas miracle. Suitable for reading aloud in English or Spanish, the story is too long but successfully evokes the spirit of community. The illustrations portray the characters with just the right sense of humanity. Glos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Cordova. Young Native American Rosalie learns to garden from her grandfather, who can grow everything but the blue roses she yearns for. After he dies, he appears with blue roses in a dream, reminding Rosalie that "we're in different gardens now." This absorbing, lyrical book's only misstep is its clunky, literal ending: Rosalie finds blue roses on her grandfather's headstone. Expressive paintings convey the close intergenerational bond.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Cordova. This story about a boy who carves animal figures uses some elements from the life of Manuel Jiménez, a woodcarver of Oaxaca, Mexico, who promoted a new vibrant style of animal carvings. An afterword provides some information on Jiménez and his style, which now dominates Oaxacan carvings. The intensely colored acrylic paintings portray a traditional Mexican setting.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Amy Cordova. Set in New Mexico's Río Grande valley, these five folktales and five original stories are rich, vibrant tales that enthrall even as they teach important life lessons. Five of the stories were previously published in an adult collection. A black-and-white illustration appears at each story's beginning, and a preface describes Anaya's sources and how he uses them. Glos.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute