In this bilingual counting picture book for kids, a young boy counts to fourteen in anticipation of his birthday party: one piata filled with candy; two hours until the party; three tables set for all of the guests, etc. And hell be the happiest boy in the world because he gets to hit the piata first! PreS-Gr 2—What kid doesn't love a piñata? In this birthday party counting book, simple text and colorful art carry the day. The illustrations are an interesting mix of drawings with colored-added photography. The protagonist is the birthday boy, and it is a very Latino-inspired celebration, counting items such as trompos, burbujas, canicas, y primos (tops, bubbles, marbles, and cousins). Especially enjoyable is the inclusion of the popular Latino piñata song, hence the title. The translation is good, but some of the word choices are questionable. For example, the translation for the word "excited" is "ansioso," whereas "emocionado," or "entusiasmado" would have been better choices. Another example is the word "guests": "niños" is used rather than "invitados." However, these instances should not deter selectors. This book would make a good supplemental purchase for libraries serving Latino communities or those with users learning about Latino customs and celebrations.—Maricela Leon-Barrera, San Francisco Public Library "Mateo's birthday is full of excitement, family and many things to count in English and Spanish. With minimal bilingual text, readers count along throughout Mateo's birthday fiesta. The full-spread illustrations capture Mateo's enthusiasm and the work his family has put into preparing such a lively party. While many of the illustrations are photorealistic, others are more playful. A contemporary and festive Latino birthday celebration." -- Kirkus Reviews "Today is my birthday, and I am so excited. / One pinata filled with candy. / Two hours until the party. / Three tables set for all of the guests." Mateo counts to twelve as he anticipates the fun he'll have at his party! There will be family, friends and lots of goodies for the children: tops, marbles and even toy cars! But before the children can hit the pinata, they will sing the birthday boy a song and enjoy eating a delicious cake. And then Mateo will be "the happiest boy in the whole wide world," because he gets to swing at the pinata first with everyone cheering him on: Dale! Dale! Dale! Acclaimed kids' book author Rene Saldana, Jr. creates another winner with his first picture book, illustrated in vibrant colors by Carolyn Dee Flores, for children ages 4 to 8. Kids will relish practicing their counting skills while dreaming about hitting a pinata at their very own fun-filled fiesta. RENE SALDANA, JR. is the author of three bilingual chapter books featuring kid detective, Mickey Rangel: The Mystery of the Mischievous Marker / El misterio del malvado marcador (Pinata Books, 2013), The Lemon Tree Caper / La intriga del limonero (Pinata Books, 2011) and The Case of the Pen Gone Missing / El caso de la pluma perdida (Pinata Books, 2010). He has written several award-winning books for teens: A Good Long Way (Pinata Books, 2010), The Whole Sky Full of Stars (Random House, 2007), The Jumping Tree (Delacorte, 2001) and Finding Our Way (Random House, 2003). He lives in Lubbock, Texas, where he is a professor in the College of Education at Texas Tech University. CAROLYN DEE FLORES is the illustrator of Canta, rana, canta / Sing, Froggie, Sing (Pinata Books, 2013). A graduate of Trinity University, she is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives and works in San Antonio, Texas.