P is for Pinata: A Mexico Alphabet (Discover the World)
Grade 2–4—This alphabet book highlights people, places, and familiar items. Some entries rhyme: "J is for Juchitán. This spot is so hot, it's a good place to nap/In the skinniest part of the Mexico map." Others are in free verse. "L is for Lava. Ash, steam, molten fire explode over the land. A volcano is born." Children will struggle with terms such as "Ballet Folklórico," "Netzahualcóyotl," and "Usumacinta River." No pronunciation help is given. Chunks of information in very small type, written for adults to share with children, appear with each letter. Parra's vividly colored illustrations reflect Mexico's traditions and cultures. The people and places come alive as the artist portrays the diversity of the country's landscape, but the text will require a lot of adult help.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TXCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.