By James Luna
Illustrations by Thelma Muraida
Publisher: Piñata Books – Arte Público Press, Houston, Texas
James Luna does it again. He has created a book that will warm the hearts of all your children by using rhyme to engage his young audience. This sing-song style of telling a story will capture a child’s ear with great effect.
Mr. Luna takes the young reader on a typical day adventure by using common elements and surroundings close to home. He includes things such as schools, playgrounds, and parks; things that a child can identify with. This quickly allows the reader to become one with the story and to appreciate all their surroundings.
The illustrations perfectly capture the details in a child’s day and brings forth great imagination for the readers. The illustrator has managed to capture the love, fun, and peace of growing up in a wonderful family setting and this in turn allows the young to feel good about the overall story. The ending, it is something we all imagine at the end of the day, creates a great bedtime story.
What makes the book unique is that it is written in second voice, which allows the reader to feel as if the book was written specifically for him or her.
An added benefit is that the book is written in both English and Spanish, which allows a great entry way into another culture. A great tool for parents and educators alike.
Source: Book was provided by author for review. It was reviewed by Corina Martinez Chaudhry.
