"Direct and charming."-Publishers Weekly Cynthia Weill's book of Mexican folk art teaches kids about opposites in Spanish and English! These whimsical little animals from Oaxaca, carved and painted by hand, make learning about opposites fun. Up and down, tall and short, left and right-all inside a beautiful book. Cynthia Weill is an educator and art historian whose expertise is the work of indigenous artisans from all over the world. She is the co-author of the very successful ABeCedarios: Mexican Folk Art ABCs in Spanish and English, the first book of her Folk Art for Teaching Kids series, and of Ten Mice for Tet (Chronicle Books, 2003). She lives in New York City. "This second work by one of the authors of ABeCedarios (2007) follows its predecessor's highly praised concept and design. Pages on the left side introduce children to a word in English and Spanish, as pages on the right side present its opposite: Asleep/Dormido (a spotted dog snoozes)/AwakeDespierto (the same dog, eyes wide open and tail sticking up). "Concepts are illustrated with photographs of unique hand-painted animal carvings created individually by Oaxacan artists Quirino and Martin Santiago.
The contrast between the text colors and the bright background combines with the imaginary dialogue that children can establish with the vivacious folk-art figures to make this bilingual edition another outstanding entry in the First Concepts with Mexican Folk Art series. On some pages an external element-a sun or a moon, for instance-expands on such concepts as Day/Dia and Night/Noche. "A great selection for bilingual storytimes at preschools, elementary schools and public libraries. As a work of art, its display will enhance art exhibits and cultural programs as part of Hispanic Heritage Month or Children's Day/Book Day celebrations." -Kirkus Reviews
This is Book 2 in the First Concepts in Mexican Folk Art Series. See all First Concepts in Mexican Folk Art books here.
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Cynthia Weill holds a doctorate in education from Teachers College Columbia University. She is on the board of a foundation -- Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art -- that seeks to promote and preserve the artists and artisanal work of the state. Familia is her fifth book that features the folk art of Oaxaca.
Jesus Canseco Zarate
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