Too Many Tamales

Soto, Gary.  Too Many Tamales.  G.P. Putnam's Sons: New York, 1993.
Tamales
 SUMMARY:  Gary Soto's book, Too Many Tamales, is about the holiday traditions of Mexican families.  The story takes place during Christmas time when a little girl, named Maria, is helping her mother cook tamales.  In the process, she tries on her mother's wedding ring and loses it.  All the children participate in eating all the tamales in an effort to find the misplaced ring.  Throughout the story, the reader gains insight into the customs and traditions of Mexican families during the holidays.

RECOMMENDATION FOR PARENTS:  This book is a wonderful way to begin introducing children to various cultures and customs.  It can open their eyes to diversity and different perspectives on tradition and celebration.  The illustrations do an excellent job of contextualizing the text so that the readers can make connections and explore the story's meaning.

RECOMMENDATION FOR OTHER TEACHERS:  This book is a great selection to use when introducing students to vartious cultures and their unique customs and traditions.  The story also involves some counting; capitolizing on simple math skills.  Teachers can build upon the story with some social studies lessons through discussing different traditions their own families have.  Students may explore their heritage and bring in a food or recipe to share with the class that has special meaning to their family.

PERSONAL NOTE:  I recommend this book for the multicultural perspective it shares.  I think it is important for the students to learn about various lifestyles and for teachers to provide an environment within the classroom to foster the development of open minds and diversity.
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Numeroff, Laura Joffe.  If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. Harper Collins Publishers: New York, 1985.
Cookie
 SUMMARY:  This story begins with a mouse who is given a cookie, and then wants a glass of milk.  Upon receiving a glass of milk, he then needs a straw.  This pattern continues throughout the book, as each item that is given to the mouse inevitably leads to the need or another request.

RECOMMENDATION FOR PARENTS:  This is a fun and simple book to read to children.  Its comedic and ironic storyline makes it an interesting read for both parents and children.  The illustrations further contextualize the story; bringing the text to life.

RECOMMENDATION FOR OTHER TEACHERS:  This book provides a great foundation to build upon for writing activites.  This circular storyline pattern enables children the ability to make predictions or even develop their own writings structures along the same story.  It is a wonderful primary grade level book.

PERSONAL NOTE:  I strongly recommend this book to young children today because I enjoyed this book so much as a child, myself.  The story is both entertaining and educational.  The circular storyline provides the possibility for the materialization of several different writing lessons and activities.  I feel that this book is a timeless classic.



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