(4) K-3 Translated by Miguel Arisa. Illustrated by Loretta Lopez. A girl comes to terms with her beloved grandfather's death through Mexican Day of the Dead rituals. The traditions portrayed in the story are enhanced by a brief appended note, along with a craft and recipe. The text and translation are fine, if sentimental; the vibrant illustrations with colorful borders are what really convey the spirit of the celebration.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) K-3 Translated by Miguel Arisa. Illustrated by Loretta Lopez. The history and traditions of this popular Mexican holiday are shown through one family's observance. The simple bilingual text is accessible (though some of the phrasing is awkward), and the illustrations are celebratory, if a bit static. Educators will appreciate the find-what's-missing pages and the illustrated craft projects. A useful author's note gives more historical information.

Reviewer: Pamela Mishkin

(4) PS Illustrated by Loretta Lopez. "I say uno and you say one. / Our Christmas posada will be a lot of fun!" So begins this bilingual counting book about a traditional Spanish Christmas celebration in which guests "beg"--by singing--to be let into the party. This simple book introduces only a few Spanish words but is bolstered by the text's rhythm.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Loretta Lopez. The third installment of Say Hola to Spanish takes us to the circus and introduces over seventy Spanish words. Although the mixing of both languages can be confusing ("Look! La jirafa has a long cuello. How many humps tiene el camello?"), the wacky rhymes and the amusing animal scenes will jazz up the Spanish lesson. A pronunciation guide is included at the end of the book. Glos.

Reviewer: Elena Abos Alvarez-Buiza