(3) K-3 Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. A girl carrying her favorite Celia Cruz record comes upon a neighborhood dance party. This celebration of the Queen of Salsa lyrically weaves in touches of Cuban history. Sciurba's rhythmic text nicely evokes Cruz's music, and Rodriguez's supple pastel, acrylic, and oil illustrations portray a party atmosphere. Track down a Cruz recording to listen to after reading the book. Glos.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Brown has the Queen of Salsa tell her own story in a first-person narrative. The vivid poetic language makes the sights, sounds, and smells of Havana, New York, and Miami come alive (but is somewhat vague about details). López's bold, almost-cubist illustrations suit the story, interpreting the bilingual text's magical realism. A one-page afterword fills in some biographical information.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham