by Carmen Tafolla
Illustrated by Amy Cordova
Tricycle Press, 2008. 32 pgs
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Hardcover: $14.95
Annotation: With a little creativity, a Rebozo can be used in so many different ways.
Summary: In Mexico, a Rebozo is used for so many different things. Traditionally it is used as a shawl for Mama, but it can also be wrapped around her body and used as a cradle for baby. A Rebozo can be used as a cave for brother during hide-and-seek or looped through a braid to make sister's hair prettier. Grandma uses her Rebozo to keep her warm during the Winter or it can be used to wipe up spills in the kitchen. With a little imagination it is used as a secret tunnel or a sash for pirates, a flying cape, or a long red slide. But the little girl loves to use it when she dances to her favorite song, "La Bamba". At evening time, when she is tired Mama uses it to cover her as she tucks her in at night.
Evaluation: Tafollo and Cordova have created a magical picture book highlighting the creative uses one family finds for a Rebozo. The illustrations are reminiscent of Mexico with their vibrant, hot colors and you'll wish you could step into the pages and dance with the little girl or play hide-and-seek with her brother. And above all, you'll want to go out and find your very own Rebozo to experiment with.
Significance: A Rebozo is a foreign term for many of America's children and the book celebrates a small but significant part of Mexican culture. The title is a wonderful introduction for young readers who do not know what a Rebozo is, as well as being a fun adventure for children who do. The title celebrates Mexico's increasing influence on American culture and is a testiment to the beauty of the imagination.
Personal Choice: I absolutely loved Tafolla's What can you do with a Paleta? and when I found out she had another book with a similar theme (and one which had won a Pura Belpre) I was excited to experience more of her imaginative world.
Awards: Pura Belpre Illustration Honor, 2009
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