Llamando a mamá (Spanish Edition) (Calling Mama)
by Anya Damirón, César Barceló (illustrator)
Max calls for his mother every time he needs something. He screams out “Mama!” if he is hungry or can’t reach his toys or wants a glass of water. He yells for her so much that she tells him to only call for her if he really needs help. One day he screams for his mother, but she doesn’t respond. She waits to see what he will do without her. And he learns to be more independent and solve his own little problems by himself. His mother is still there to help him when he really needs it, but Max starts doing things on his own more and more. Until one day, his mother is the one to yell out “Max!” when he is making a mess in the kitchen!
This is such a fun story about learning to rely on yourself and be more independent. I really like the positive messages in this book! The illustrations are so cute and bring a lot of comedy into the story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Las gafas de Carlitos (Spanish Edition) (Charlie’s Eyeglasses)
by Margarita Del Mazo
Charlie does everything to get the attention of Iris, a girl in his class. But she just doesn’t seem to see him. One day she announces that she will be getting new eyeglasses, and Charlie thinks that surely now she will notice him. But even with her new glasses, she just ignores him. Charlie thinks that maybe HE needs glasses, so he tries on his brother’s sunglasses, some rose-colored glasses, some 3D glasses, and even X-ray glasses. But nothing works. Finally, he gets a real pair of prescription eyeglasses from the eye doctor. The next time he sees Iris, she walks right past, but Charlie notices someone else behind Iris… her best friend Rose. Maybe Charlie needed to be the one to see properly and take notice.
I did not like that when Charlie tries on the X-ray glasses the story says that he can see everyone naked and that he can see the mailman’s bottom. First of all, that makes no sense. Since if you were looking at people through an X-ray, you would just see their bones. Secondly, why is this book teaching that it’s okay to spy on people naked?!?!?!
I’m also confused about why Charlie is obsessed with this Iris girl. That can’t be healthy. First of all, he ‘s too little to be getting involved with girls. Why is that such a focus in his life? And then secondly, why is he wasting his time on a girl that is obviously not interested in being his friend? It just seems like his priorities are skewed or something. I get that the book has a positive message at the end, but it seems like it could have been handled in a more healthy way rather than just focusing his obsession on yet another girl.
The illustrations are cute. Most of the story is funny. I just don’t like the moral messages in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
La gran mochila de Carlitos (Spanish Edition) (Charlie’s Great Big Backpack)
by Margarita Del Mazo
Charlie and his class are going on a camping trip. Charlie’s camp buddy is the biggest boy in class, Big Louis. Charlie does his best to help Louis, but everything seems to go wrong. Charlie drops a hammer on Louis’ foot, then bandages the wrong foot. Louis is lighting the birthday candles on a cake when Charlie sees fire of the candles and dumps a bucket of water on Louis to “save” him. He “helps” Louis to wash his clothes in the river, but the current carries the clothes away, so Louis has to run back to the tent naked. A bear attacks the campsite and everyone is terrified, but this time Charlie has the perfect solution that really DOES help!
Why was it necessary for Big Louis to be naked? Was that supposed to be funny? It seems like poor Louis is the target of every joke in this book. Charlie should be more sensitive to other people’s needs, and not drift along hurting other people with his ineptitude. Charlie never even apologizes to Louis for all the pain and trouble he caused.
I guess this book is supposed to be funny, but I didn’t care for the moral messages in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Luminous Libro 