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Clara y la curandera / Clara and the Curandera
"Once there was a little girl named Clara, who was grumpy." She was grumpy about having to take out the trash, having to share her toys with her seven brothers and sisters, and having to read one book a week for school.
And Mami is tired of Clara's grumpy face, so she sends her daughter to the curandera --or healer--to ask for help. The curandera gives Clara a list of things to do in the coming take out her own trash and the neighbors' as well; give all of her favorite toys to her brothers and sisters; and read five books instead of one!
It's a difficult, busy week for Clara. But, her neighbors are grateful for her help, and give her hugs. Her siblings are so happy that they are extra nice to her and invite her to play with them. She has fun jumping rope, playing checkers and soccer. Her mother takes her to the library to check out books and she reads lots of interesting things. When the week is over, Clara realizes that she has not had time to feel grumpy. Could it be that helping others makes her feel . . . happy ?
In this winning bilingual picture book written by award-winning author Monica Brown and vividly illustrated by Thelma Muraida, children ages 4-8 will cheer for Clara as she learns to focus on others rather than herself.
And Mami is tired of Clara's grumpy face, so she sends her daughter to the curandera --or healer--to ask for help. The curandera gives Clara a list of things to do in the coming take out her own trash and the neighbors' as well; give all of her favorite toys to her brothers and sisters; and read five books instead of one!
It's a difficult, busy week for Clara. But, her neighbors are grateful for her help, and give her hugs. Her siblings are so happy that they are extra nice to her and invite her to play with them. She has fun jumping rope, playing checkers and soccer. Her mother takes her to the library to check out books and she reads lots of interesting things. When the week is over, Clara realizes that she has not had time to feel grumpy. Could it be that helping others makes her feel . . . happy ?
In this winning bilingual picture book written by award-winning author Monica Brown and vividly illustrated by Thelma Muraida, children ages 4-8 will cheer for Clara as she learns to focus on others rather than herself.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2011
38 people want to read
About the author
Monica Brown
86 books119 followersMonica Brown, Ph.D. is the author of awardwinning bilingual books for children, including My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz (Luna Rising), a recipient of the Américas Award for Children's Literature and a Pura Belpré Honor. Her second picture book, My Name Is Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/Me llamo Gabriela: La vida de Gabriela Mistral (Luna Rising) shares the story of the first Latina to win a Nobel Prize.
Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. "I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!"
Her other books include Chavela and the Magic Bubble (Clarion), Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol (Rayo/HarperCollins), My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: La vida de Gabriel Garcia Márquez (Luna Rising), and the forthcoming Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado, La Historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (Rayo/HarperCollins).
Monica Brown is a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino Literature and Multicultural Literature. She also writes and publishes scholarly work with a Latino/a focus, including Gang Nation: Delinquent Citizenship in Puerto Rican and Chicano and Chicana Literature; and numerous scholarly articles and chapters on Latino/a literature and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacies from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Flagstaff, Arizona.
To hear Monica Brown on Arizona NPR radio, click here or here. Find out what Monica Brown has to say about children's books and literacy here and here.
Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. "I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!"
Her other books include Chavela and the Magic Bubble (Clarion), Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol (Rayo/HarperCollins), My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: La vida de Gabriel Garcia Márquez (Luna Rising), and the forthcoming Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado, La Historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (Rayo/HarperCollins).
Monica Brown is a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino Literature and Multicultural Literature. She also writes and publishes scholarly work with a Latino/a focus, including Gang Nation: Delinquent Citizenship in Puerto Rican and Chicano and Chicana Literature; and numerous scholarly articles and chapters on Latino/a literature and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacies from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Flagstaff, Arizona.
To hear Monica Brown on Arizona NPR radio, click here or here. Find out what Monica Brown has to say about children's books and literacy here and here.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 21, 2017
This book is about a grumpy girl named Clara. She has seven brothers and sisters and claims she has no time for herself. Because she was so grumpy, her mother sent her to the curandera in apartment 220. There, the little old woman, spoke with Clara. Clara explained how she never had time for herself. The curandera requested Clara give away her favorite toys to her brothers and sisters, take out the trash for her neighbors, and read not just one but five books for the week. Clara left surprised and upset, but didn't want to upset the curandera. She was very busy during the week. Her brothers and sisters were happy with their new toys, the neighbors were pleased with her for taking out their trash, and Clara felt excited to read about a fun topic. She felt a warmth all over, but didn't understand why. After the week was over, she visited the curandera again, who released her from her prior week's chores. Clara was no longer happy, maybe even grumpy. She missed playing with her siblings, missed taking out the trash for her neighbors and the subsequent hugs and warm smiles, and also missed reading about her favorite animals. She ran to the curandera to reveal what she had learned and found the little old woman already at work with her next student.
I really enjoyed this story. Many children can relate to having to share their things, having chores, and having homework. Clara is an average child who was fortunate to visit with the curandera. Many cultures depict the elders as the wise old people who give knowledge, and this book was a prime example.
I really enjoyed this story. Many children can relate to having to share their things, having chores, and having homework. Clara is an average child who was fortunate to visit with the curandera. Many cultures depict the elders as the wise old people who give knowledge, and this book was a prime example.
August 16, 2019
Reminded me of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books I used to read when I was a kid. I'm really glad that this story with a similar message exists for latinx children to read and relate to, like I had Mrs. Piggle Wiggle. Also, I always love bilingual books. Very sweet story.
October 17, 2012
Clara is grumpy and feels like she does not have enough time to do the things she likes to do. Her mother sends her to the Curandera, a wise woman,(a healer)who tells her she must help her neighbors, give her favorite toys to her siblings, and read five books a week. Clara obediently accepts the tasks and discovers what truly makes her happy. This bi-lingual tale of character development is now one of my favorite read aloud stories. I began reading it to pre-kinder four years olds who were able to grasp the concept of Clara's changing feelings. This story would be appropriate for almost any age group when used for a character building lesson.
March 17, 2012
Clara's grumpiness leads her mother to take her to a neighbor who is a curandera, or healer, and although she is puzzled by her "treatment," Clara dutifully helps her neighbors, is kind to her siblings, and reads more books for a week.
curandera is a healer?
April 6, 2012
Heavy handed and poorly illustrated.
April 28, 2016
Bilingual( English & Spanish), Little girl angry, given tasks to help other people, finds happiness in doing for others, acts of kindness, family
August 22, 2024
A wise old woman teaches Clara that happiness comes from giving of yourself to others, of helping others rather than keeping to yourself. An important lesson for us all.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews