Legends were a way for people to explain natural phenomena, and to let them believe they had some control over them. All over the world, people do fingerplays with very small children, who love the repetition and anticipation. Spanish folk songs and nursery rhymes describe the colors, sights and sounds of growing up in Latin America. Some celebrations mark religious holidays, others the seasons, and still others milestones in people's lives such as births, weddings and funerals. Sometimes even towns have their own special traditions.
Hispanic children live on both the American continents.
Although they have Hispanic culture in common, their lives can be very different. Much recent publishing focuses on the challenges and difficulties of assimilation, immigration both legal and illegal, as well as universal experiences of growing up. Chato y su Cena was a controversial publication because it was felt by some that it fostered stereotypes of Latinos as gang members. Susan Guevara, was, however, given the 1996 Pura Belpr award for art for her witty, affectionate, vibrant illustrations of acclaimed Mexican-American writer Gary Soto's story.