Zoologico De Poemas/Poetry Zoo (Spanish Edition)
Grade 2-5–Montalvo's first book, while not an unqualified success, certainly shows promise. Beginning with a list of rules for visiting a poetry zoo, the 18 selections include those that are short and lengthy, quick meditations and narrative tales. From the winged nature of flying poems to the experiences of sailing goats, hairless lions, and dissatisfied pelicans, the fanciful verses have considerable child appeal. The Spanish text is far superior to the English translations, which are unduly literal. The result is clumsy, both in terms of the phrasing and the rhythm, which at times is lost completely. The sketchy pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons with lots of color and a frenetic verve carry the verses. A final note for parents and teachers, given in both languages, explains the meaning behind each poem. While interesting, it is probably not necessary to know that Susanna, the Salamander is about integration or that Mr. Lion's Wig references the women's liberation movement. Jack Prelutsky's English-onlyZoo Doings(HarperCollins, 1983) is a better choice.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.