Reviewed by Dora Guzman
Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit
Book Author: Virginia Sanchez Korrol
This realistic fiction picture book in a bilingual English/Spanish text format is about a girl, Teresita, anticipating her uncle, Tio Ramon, and her birthday gift. As Teresita goes about her day, she meets other neighbors who are also anticipating her uncle’s famous snow cones. Soon after, her Tio Ramon arrives and not only shares his refreshing snow cones, but did not forget about Teresita’s unique birthday gift! Continue reading.
A Surprise for Teresita by Virginia Sanchez Korrol
Published by Arte Publico Press on 2016
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781558858312
Buy at Powell's Books
Publisher's synopsis: When Teresita opens her eyes that morning, she knows it's a special day. It's her birthday, and now she's a big girl. She's seven! And her Tío Ramón has promised her a surprise. She can't wait to find out what it is!"Is it time for Tío Ramón to come to our block?" she asks her mamá excitedly as she sits down for breakfast. But it's too early. Her uncle has to take his snow cone cart to the other blocks before he comes to theirs. All day, Teresita watches for the green and white cart. She listens for Tío Ramón calling, "Snow cones, cold snow cones. ¡Piraguas! ¡Piraguas frías!"While she waits for her uncle, she jumps rope, plays games with her friends and watches the goings-on in her neighborhood. Mothers hold their young children's hands as they walk to the corner bodega to buy groceries. Boys and girls ride bikes and play stickball. Older people sit at their windows and enjoy the sights and sounds of their community. And coming from far up the block where water sprays from an open fire hydrant, Teresita finally hears the sound of her uncle's voice. What will her surprise be?!?Set in a Puerto Rican neighborhood in New York City, this bilingual picture book for children ages 4 - 8 captures both the daily life of an urban community and a child's excitement about her birthday surprise. Children will be inspired to look at--and maybe even write about--their own neighborhoods with new eyes.
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