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BOOK
ILLUMINATIONS
From Merrimon Book Reviews
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Muu Moo!
Selected by Alma
Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
English versions by Rosalma Zubizarreta
Illustrated by Vivi Escriva
MUU, MOO is an illustrated bilingual edition of sixteen animal nursery
rhymes. Selection are based on traditional oral Spanish folklore
from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Central
America. Also included are verses created by Alma Flor Ada and F.
Isabel Campoy who aim to keep folklore alive by sharing traditions
which they hope will also inspire contemporary work. English versions
are not exact word for word translations but instead themselves poetic
renditions. As stated in the introduction, the authors offer this
selection of nursery rhymes to Latinos to bridge a gap between Latino
history and culture while also encouraging an appreciation for
bilingualism. For the audience of English speaking children, Ada
and Campoy hope to share the charm and delightful animal stories of the
Latino culture.
Vivi Escriva's magnificent illustrations bring the words to life with a
sense or wonder, warmth and charm. Even insects take on a new
life
under the illustrator's paintbrush. Rural scenes and depictions
of Latino clothing bring
readers a sense of cultural tradition. MUU MOO portrays both
girls and boys as central characters of the nursery rhymes.
Illustration and verse together describe the magical world of such
animals as the mouse, the duck, the rooster, the turtle dove, the
rabbit, the donkey, the meadow toad, cats and mice, insects and more.
MUU MOO is a great choice for both English and Spanish parents wanting
to encourage bilingualism in their children precisely because the
illustrations and nursery rhymes naturally draw one inside this
delightful book. MUU MOO is a book parents and children will
enjoy together. MUU MOO is highly recommended for public
libraries and school libraries. As a reader who taught French for
several years, I was immediately struck by MUU MOO. What a
wonderful resource for Spanish teachers and English as a Second
Language instructors of all ages from elementary school to beginning
college classes! The verses would make wonderful supplemental
pronunciation exercises, not only with the rhyme and repetition of the
poetry, also because the stories are just fun. In addition,
Spanish teachers would be able to share authentic cultural heritage
while focusing on language. If you are a Spanish teacher, I
highly recommend this book for evaluation for inclusion into your
classroom.
Publisher: Rayo (Feb.
23,
2010)
Alma
Flor Ada's website
Reviewed by Merrimon,
Merrimon Book Reviews
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