Vamonos

Genre/Awards: Tejas Star

Age Group: PreK-6th

Plot Summary:

This bilingual concept book includes English and Spanish words and phrases that teach about transportation, specifically, transportation to la biblioteca, or the library.

Justification

Vámonos is on the 2023-2024 Tejas Star Reading list. I was particularly drawn to the wooden folk-art sculptures.

Additionally, I was able to acquire a read-along book. The cheerful narrator made sure that I learned to pronounce the words correctly.

Illustration

Photographs of whimsical folk-art carvings from Oaxaca, Mexico, fill the pages. The artists are featured on the copyright page, giving insight into the culture of Oaxaca.

Design and Layout

The author photographed the Oaxacan sculptures and placed them on vibrant backgrounds. Colorful borders are reminiscent of papel picado, another Mexican folk-art that uses tissue papers to create flags. (Museum of International Folk Art, n.d.) The colors, sculptures, and the borders create a festive experience that readers won’t want to put down.

Mood

Between the upbeat narration, the bright colors, and the playful sculptures, Vámonos creates the feeling that going to the library is just as much fun as a fiesta. Young readers and adults alike will be captivated by this concept book.

References

Weill, C. (2022). Vámonos . (C. Weill, Illus.). Cinco Puntos Press.

Museum of International Folk Art.(n.d.),Papel Picado/Cut Paper Banners.https://www.internationalfolkart.org/learn/lesson-plans/papel-picado-(dia-de-los-

muertos).html