Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor - American Library Association (ALA) In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful. There are so many things to be thankful for. For one young boy, it's flying ladybugs, splashing ocean waves, a best friend, Dad's thick chocolate syrup, and much more. Straight from the heart of a child flows this lighthearted bilingual celebration of family, friendship, and fun. Come share the joy, and think about all the things for which you can say, "¡Gracias! Thanks!" Kindergarten-Grade 2-A boy recounts the many things he is thankful for, like his time at the beach and the bees that donâÇÖt sting him when he is outside playing. The poetic writing flows in both Spanish and English and carries a sense of happiness brought by the simple things in life. The cheery and brightly colored acrylic illustrations are full of fun details and add depth to the text. Multicultural characters are revealed page by page, but unless readers are paying close attention, they might not pick up on the boyâÇÖs Mexican-American heritage. This delightful bilingual book has universal appeal and would be a wonderful choice for library storytimes or classroom read-alouds as the âÇ£giving thanksâÇ¥ theme lends itself to holidays and social topics. The authorâÇÖs endnote challenges readers to list the things for which they are thankful. A must buy for all libraries looking to add to their childrenâÇÖs Spanish collections.– Shannon Dye Gemberling, Peoria Public Library, AZ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. *Starred Review* From the sun waking him up in the morning to a cricket chirping him to sleep at night, a young boy gives thanks for the many things and people who enrich his life. These blessings are remarkable for their childlike imagination and fresh imagery: “Por mis piyamas viejos, tan suaves que me siento como si me estuviera poniendo aire, gracias. / For my old pajamas, so soft they feel like I’m putting on air, thanks.” The bilingual format features Spanish on the left-hand page and English on the right, and the dedication and author’s note are also printed in both languages. The boy himself appears to be bicultural, with a fair-skinned, blond mother and a Latino father, and together with the boy’s siblings and extended family, they are warmly depicted dancing, fishing, working, and eating. Parra’s vivid acrylic illustrations have the feel of folk-art woodcuts and whimsically portray the details of the boy’s world, from his kite and books to his tennis shoes and ice cream. Books of thanks can run toward clichés, but the originality and liveliness of language and art in this one will inspire children to consider their own blessings. Preschool-Grade 2. --Linda Perkins * "The originality and liveliness of language and art in this one will inspire children to consider their own blessings." -- Booklist , starred review * "Readers will find themselves nodding in agreement as the unnamed narrator gives thanks to the ladybug that lands on his finger, the bees that don't sting him and his little brother, who throws mashed peas at their sister. . . For this graceful celebration, ¡gracias!" -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review "The poetic writing flows in both Spanish and English and carries a sense of happiness brought by the simple things in life. . . This delightful bilingual book has universal appeal." -- School Library Journal Pat Mora is the celebrated Latina author of forty award-winning children's poetry and prose picture books. A lifelong literacy advocate, she founded Children's Day, Book Day (El día de los niños, el día de los libros) to celebrate children and motivate them to become readers with daily support from families, teachers, and librarians and annual festivities on April 30. Mora lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit her online at patmora.com. John Parra is a graphic artist, an illustrator, and a fine artist. His paintings have been exhibited in many gallery shows around the United States, and much of his work is inspired by his knowledge and appreciation of his Hispanic heritage. Parra has illustrated two recent picture books: P is for Piñata: A Mexico Alphabet and My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela . He and his wife live in South Richmond Hill, New York. Parra's website is johnparraart.com.