(2) K-3 Illustrated by Beatriz Vidal. This is a lightly fictionalized picture-book biography of Mexican author Sor (Sister) Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648–1695), then keeper of one of the largest libraries in the Americas. Watercolor and gouache illustrations lend a sunny, idyllic feel to Juana's Mexico. As the original Horn Book review noted, there's no formal bibliography, but Mora acknowledges the work of "the Sor Juanistas, scholars of Sor Juana." Appended with an author's note and glossary for interspersed Spanish words. Concurrently published with a new edition in Spanish: Una biblioteca para Juana.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2002; November, 2019

(2) K-3 Translated by Adriana Domínguez. Illustrated by Beatriz Vidal. José Martí was a poet and freedom fighter born during the Spanish colonization of Cuba in the nineteenth century; he would dedicate his life to abolishing slavery in Cuba and gaining Cuba's independence. Otheguy's verse is seamlessly combined with excerpts from Martí's own Versos sencillos. Vidal's folk art–style gouache illustrations are soft yet evocative. A gorgeous bilingual tribute to the life of Cuba's hero-poet. Bib.

Reviewer: Alia Jones | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2017

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Beatriz Vidal. Foreword by Robert Lewis. When Sparrow injures his wing and can't fly south for the winter, he asks trees for shelter, but only Pine offers his branches. In reward, the Creator grants Pine the gift of staying green while other trees must lose their leaves in winter. Though the pourquoi nature of this Native American folktale isn't quite fleshed out, the delicate illustrations of trees and birds are lovely.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Beatriz Vidal. This biography introduces the seventeenth-century Mexican scholar. Based on a few known facts, the fictionalized text, focused on Juana Inés's longing to read, will strike a responsive chord in many young readers; her efforts to achieve her goals will intrigue them. Colorful, meticulously detailed illustrations support the text's cozy tone and extend its impact. Concurrently published in Spanish. Glos.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2002

(3) K-3 Translated by Claudia M. Lee. Illustrated by Beatriz Vidal. This faithful Spanish translation of A Library for Juana retains the impact of the English version. Mora introduces Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, the seventeenth-century Mexican nun and scholar, whose love of books and learning will undoubtedly inspire contemporary young readers. The delicate illustrations, attentive to detail and to setting, extend the text. Concurrently published in English.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) K-3 With the help of the Carob Tree, little Topec figures out how to scare away the Great Bird of the Underworld, who has brought drought to the Pampas. Vidal's folk-art-style paintings reflect the story's moods, crescendoing in a double-page spread in which armadillos, foxes, people, llamas, and rheas dance for joy in the rain. A list of sources is provided. Glos.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.