PIO PEEP Book Review

Bibliography
Ada, Alma Flor; Campoy, F Isabel. Adapted by: Schertle, Alice. 2003. PIO PEEP!. By Vivi Escriva. Harper Collins Publishers. New York, New York. ISBN 0688160204

Plot Summary
This book of traditional Spanish nursery rhymes is a collection of 29 nursery rhymes that are known in the Spanish culture. The rhymes are written in Spanish and then translated and adapted into English.

Critical Analysis
This book is impressive. Readers get a authentic look into Spanish culture through these nursery rhymes and illustrations. The adaptations by Alice Schertle are similar to the actual nursery rhymes and they rhyme and flow like they were meant to be nursery rhymes in English. The illustrations depict true Mexican clothing, environment or surroundings, and celebrations. The illustrations, made up of watercolors, have vivid colors that jump off of the page.

Review Excerpt(s)
Booklist: “They are presented both in Spanish and in English, although ‘to preserve the charm of the original rhymes,’ the English versions are not translations but "poetic recreations."
School Library Journal: “…this stellar collection of nursery rhymes. Selected from the rich oral tradition of Latin America and the American Southwest, most of the verses are known throughout the Spanish-speaking world.”
Publishers Weekly: “This gentle lesson in patience and loyalty, balanced on the back of a hilarious set of illustrations, will leave young readers clamoring for repeat readings.”

Connections
*This book is could be used to compare nursery rhymes. Examples would be Almonds and Chestnuts “Almendras y turron” to Pat-A-Cake or Sea Serpent “A la vibora de la mar” to London Bridge
*This book of nursery rhymes is a great way to incorporate Hispanic culture into the classroom.
Opie, Iona. MY VERY FIRST MOTHER GOOSE. ISBN 1564026205
Calmenson, Stephanie; Cole, Joanna. PAT-A-CAKE AND OTHER PLAY RHYMES. ISBN 068811038X
Garza, Carmen Lomas. FAMILY PICTURES / CUADROS DE FAMILIA. ISBN 0892390506
Garza, Carmen Lomas. IN MY FAMILY /EN MI FAMILIA. ISBN 0892391383