Sofi and the Magic, Musical Mural
Sofi y el mágico mural musical
By Raquel M. Ortiz, Illustrations by Maria Dominquez, Translation by Gabriela Baeza Ventura
Publisher: Piñata Books – Arte Público Press, Houston, Texas
This is a children’s book with magnificent illustrations that will capture the hearts of any child. The colors are beautifully done and are the pictures describe and coincide with the story wonderfully.
The story captures what a child may be thinking as they are sent on errand and see a mural that intrigues them. What is even more interesting is that Sofi, the main character in the story, is taken on a magical journey through the mural. It is not just a story of a little girl on a delightful crossing, but also a story that is filled with images of the Puerto Rican culture.
The author does a magnificent job in describing this culture so that it gives the reader knowledge about a people they may not be familiar with – a great educational tool. The book has just the right amount of wording for a child so that it captures their interest, not to mention that the illustrations greatly enhance the story.
The story will take the reader, and or listener, into the mind and imagination of a child, which is what a young reader will like. Because the book is bilingual, it makes it that much better for those that speak both English and Spanish. For those that speak just one of the languages it can be used a learning tool. What a great way to learn a new language!
This bilingual book could and should be read in a school setting. If more bilingual books, whatever the languages were included in storytelling or in libraries across the country, we would have a new and upcoming generation speaking various languages and fostering bettering understanding of different cultures and people.
The book not only includes some great bios of the author, illustrator, and the person who did the translation, but it also includes a glossary in BOTH languages. In addition, some historical information about the mural itself has been included.
What a great way to teach a child!
Source: Book was provided by author for review. It was reviewed by Corina Martinez Chaudhry.
