New ebooks From Canadian Indies
Description
It's the first day of school, but before he goes Chepito runs outside to play. He comes across all kinds of people in his neighborhood -- a man reading a newspaper, a young girl enjoying a comic, a couple of tourists consulting a guidebook, an archeologist studying hieroglyphics . . .
"Why, why, why?" he sings, and they each have an answer for him. Later that day Chepito discovers for himself that reading is catching, and he even brings home a book to read to his younger sister.
Set in a delightfully retro world by illustrator Manuel Monroy, this book is a true celebration of reading.
Contributor Notes
Elisa Amado is a Guatemalan-born author and translator. She has written Barrilete: A Kite for the Day of the Dead / Un barrilete para el Día de los muertos, Cousins (Primas) and Tricycle (El triciclo), which is on the Américas Award Commended List and is a USBBY Outstanding International Book. She is also the author of Why Are You Doing That?. She lives in Toronto.
Manuel Monroy is one of Mexico's most celebrated illustrators who has exhibited his art in Mexico, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan. He has won the A la Orilla del Viento and the Noma Concours Encouragement Prize, and he has been included on the IBBY Honour List. His illustrations appear in Rooster / Gallo, Be a Baby (Se un bebé), When I Was a Boy Neruda Called Me Policarpo and Why Are You Doing That? He lives in Mexico City.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 3 to 7
- Grade:
- p to 2
- Reading age:
- 3 to 7
Awards
- Commended, Toronto Public Library First and Best 2011
Editorial Reviews
...a thoughtful offering for soon-to-be literates that just may get them thinking about the power of reading.
— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
a book that should find a place of importance in school classrooms, home libraries and on your gift list for little ones.
— Sal's Fiction Addiction
...an inspirational example for emergent readers....Highly recommended.
— CM Magazine
...simple yet powerful...
— Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
...a pleasurable, rhythmic read...
— Booklist
...the perfect book...
— The Mid West Book Review
This is learning by chatting, in a society in which strangers are not dangers but fascinating resources and friends.
— Quill & Quire
... this book charmed me utterly.
— Kid Tested, Librarian Approved
...captures the celebration of the printed page as seen through the eyes of a child who has just awakened to its magical possibilities.
— Canadian Children's Book News
...captures some of the initial excitement of emergent literacy against a setting too-little seen in North American children's books.
— Kirkus Reviews
