Tortuga in Trouble
Kindergarten-Grade 2—A revamped version of "Little Red Riding Hood." As Tortuga (turtle) slowly makes his way to hisabuela'shouse, his friends Conejo (rabbit), Culebra (snake), and Iguana follow behind, hoping to get a taste of the goodies in the basket. When he encounters Coyote, foolish Tortuga doesn't see any harm in talking to him despite his decidedly hungry appearance. Upon his arrival at hisabuela's, Tortuga notices what bigorejas, ojos, anddientesshe has. When discovered, Coyote wastes no time in locking him in a closet with his grandmother. As the water boils for Tortuga soup, the three friends make a horrific sound outside using their feet, tail, and rattle. Convinced that monsters are after him, Coyote runs into the desert, and grateful Tortuga shares the supper he has brought with hisamigos. This fun tale has a nice combination of Spanish and English words. Meaning is usually clear from context, but a helpful glossary is included. Long uses a lot of yellow, orange, and green, giving his illustrations an appropriately Southwestern look. Theamigosare all amusingly drawn with big eyes and great expressions. The depiction of Coyote is quite scary with his pointed yellow teeth and hungry eyes. This fresh look on an old classic is sure to be a hit with children.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.