Vejigante Masquerader

by Lulu Delacre

Determined to look his best for the upcoming celebration, a young Puerto Rican boy makes a special costume so that he can be a vejigante, or masquerader, in a book that includes a Spanish-English glossary, chants, and instructions for making a vejigante mask.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Spanish Literature

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Three-time Pura Belpré Award honoree Lulu Delacre has been writing and illustrating children's books since 1980. The New York Times Bestselling artist was born and raised in Puerto Rico to Argentinean parents. Delacre says her Latino heritage and her life experiences inform her work. Her many titles include Arroz con Leche: Popular Songs and Rhymes from Latin America, a Horn Book Fanfare Book in print for over 30 years. Her bilingual picture book ¡Olinguito, de la A a la Z! Descubriendo el bosque nublado; Olinguito, from A to Z! Unveiling the Cloud Forest and her story collection Us, in Progress: Short Stories About Young Latinos have received multiple starred reviews and awards. Among her latest works are the art of Turning Pages by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Luci Soars. Delacre has lectured internationally and served as a juror for the National Book Awards. She has exhibited at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, The Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators in New York, the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, and the Zimmerli Art Museum among other venues. Reading is Fundamental honored her with a Champion of Children’s Literacy Award. For more visit her at www.luludelacre.com.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked how it was told in both English and Spanish with some history about this tradition in other countries besides Puerto Rico. I didn’t really enjoy how in depth and almost “heavy” the book was. I understand this is part of Hispanic history and their customs, but there were things and words that a child shouldn’t have to learn about right this second. Maybe if the book was targeted as preteens, it would be better. Nonetheless I liked the dual language aspect and the storyline.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal experience of a young boy at Carneval in Playa del Ponce, Puerto Rico, but also gives some information about other celebrations, and the individual story talks about working hard to achieve goals and letting others help.

[Tara Mensing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about a boy who wanted to take part in his neighborhood masquerade by becoming a vejigante. He sewed his own costume, purchased and owned his own mask. It is written in Spanish and English and the English even incorporates some Spanish words. The theme of the story is that "sometimes persistence is the key to your dreams." Great starter in introducing a new culture to students.

[Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ramon's Vejigante's mask rips beyond repair, he finds hope and an ally. Heartwarming.