Siesta by Ginger Guy (2005) Paperback

by Ginger Guy

A blue backpack. Una mochila azul.EmptyA brother and sister, un hermano y una hermana, and their little bear, un osito.SleepyBut there are so many things to gather -- and so much to be doneCome join the fun -- in English and Spanish -- and make an ordinary afternoon extraordinary.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Spanish Literature, Storytime, Cultural, Latinx, Fiction

Paperback

Reviews

[Marissa Elera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seamless texts blends English and Spanish together to describe two children's quest for items they need for a their siesta. The simplicity still allows for the inclusion of concepts, such as color recognition. Perfect for storytime.

[Bethany Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book “Siesta” is written by Ginger Foglesong Guy and illustrated by Rene King Moreno. The author uses bilingualism by equally representing the English language and the Spanish language. I would give this book a 4 star rating. I enjoyed the illustrations, the pattern of the book, and the story’s sweet ending. From my observations, I perceive this book to be for lower level readers due to the fact that the book doesn’t feature many details about the main characters, who they are, and what they’re like. In this sense, the story doesn’t provide rich, authentic characters. The story reflects the title, and introduces a beautiful cultural concept that is celebrated by many different regions in the world. The siesta is a mid-day break, or nap that is taken during the hottest time of day. This is a common tradition in countries with warmer climates. The story contains quite a basic plot. However, it employs a rhythmic, repetitive tone to the story. There isn’t much character development seen throughout the book. This story falls into the genre of realistic fiction, as this story could accurately take place between a brother and sister. As far as design goes, I enjoyed how the words that were a color were written in the respective color on the page. Throughout the book, each statement is first presented in Spanish, and then in English, occurring either underneath or right next to the phrase. The text is fairly large since the sentences are basic. Again, this larger text is a clue that this story is for a younger audience. Most of the time the font is either black or white. Black, if the phrase is placed in front of a lighter background, and white if the phrase is placed in front of a darker background. As far as backmatter goes, there isn’t a glossary or other provided sources to offer pronunciations or translation information.

[Javon Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Siesta by Ginger Foglesong Guy is a great introduction to Spanish language for young readers. The book discusses a brother and sister packing a bag for an outdoor picnic and includes each item brought and what the corresponding word is in Spanish. There are limited words in the books which limits confusion between the Spanish and English translation. For each Spanish word, there is the English word written beside it with a picture relating to the word. The story repeats "Also Mas?" throughout the story which helps young readers to quickly identify this means "Anything else?".

Many students are motivated by creative language use and I could see future students asking one another "Also mas?" as they pack up for lunch and recess. This book can also be used to encourage Spanish speaking students to share with others about their language and culture.

[Lauren Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it used both Spanish and English in very simple terms. I also like that the book featured Hispanic children who were speaking both languages because book diversity is so important. Whether it be characters, authors, or illustrators different cultures are constantly struggling to be represented and although this book is simple, the content could apply to lives of ELL students and those of English students wanting to learn Spanish. Even if I teach in a classroom that isn't culturally diverse, I still plan to have books like this one.

[Kyra Christiansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that this book was written in two languages - Spanish and English. I know many students come from Spanish speaking families and English is their second language. This would be a nice way to introduce some new English words (especially colors). It would also be great to teach some students with English as their native language some Spanish words and help bridge that potential gap between students. Overall, very enjoyable.

[Linda DiGaetano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet book about a Hispanic brother and sister and their little bear who are gathering things from their house. The dialect goes from Spanish to English so that you know what it is they are saying. They are planning to build a tent with a blanket and sing and take a Siesta (nap) under their handmade tent. Very vivid colors. Good illustration.

[Brooke Milone · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is great for ELL learners. It has the words in Spanish, and english right under it. A brother and sister go around the house naming things around the house, and then explains them. They collect the items and bring it outside to their tent. In the tent they have their own little fiesta, party.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on Colorin Colorado in the Board Books and More section. This is a delightful bilingual story told in pictures as much as in words. The book goes through their packing process for a back-yard campout under a beautiful Mexican blanket. This brother and sister duo are so comfortable in their "tent," that they fall asleep. It is tiring work gathering supplies!

[Becca Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is in Spanish and English. I think the main point of this book is to teach the colors in Spanish. Siesta means nap. The brother and sister are playing together and they are deciding what they need. She sister keeping saying something else in a different color that they need. At the end she needs her colorful blanket. They go outside and make a fort and end up taking a nap.

[Maria Verduzco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. This book is bilingual which can be great to teach students a different language. Reading this to future students would be fun to learn the spanish and make it interactive. Grade level is Prek.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated bilingual book! Love it!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because my three-year-old loves this and has me sing her the "descansa" part at bedtime. Also, I enjoy that the Teddy Bear is alive and it's no big deal.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

SMART 2019

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice bilingual book (spanish/english) that teaches colors

[Hannah]

The story of a little brother and sister gathering items for their upcoming nap or siesta. The book first says each sentence in Spanish with a picture then the English version on the next page.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for early beginner bilingual readers with short phrases in both Spanish and English to identify a few items the children are seeking in the book.

[Liz Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy bien! Perfecta para leer a los niños.

[Honore · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent if your just branching into learning how to read spanish!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning colors in a colorful, playful book like this is so fun!

[Tara Zufan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siesta is a bilingual book that not only combines the wonderful aspects of language, but color and illustrations contrasting the text that is in both spanish and english as two youngsters are assembling supplies for an afternoon adventure. Though out the story the children are looking for a blue (azul) backpack, a red (roja) jacket, a green (verde) flute, a yellow (amarillo) book; everything that the children could possibly need for their trip.

With wonderful illustrations, the text tends to focus on the small world of the children's' adventure, but used basic language and very simple sentence structure in both spanish and english to help further the understanding of both languages for the reader. This story is perfect for children who are looking to begin learning either spanish or english. The story used flat characters given that the story was more focused on the language. The story seemed to use water colors for the novel. I would recommend this story to a ELL classroom!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this beautiful picture book that teaches Spanish color words accompanying a strong story line. The kids are gathering different colored items and then grabbing a serape that contains ALL of the colors woven into it. The serape serves as a tent in their backyard. They huddle under it to sing and read and finally "siesta". Fun!

[Kelly Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is great for ELL learners. It has the words in Spanish, and english right under it. A brother and sister go around the house naming things around the house, and then explains them. They collect the items and bring it outside to their tent. In the tent they have their own little fiesta, party.

[Chelsea Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute, simple completely bilingual book that would be good for a bilingual storytime- colors! repetitive vocabulary.

[Karely Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable picture book follows two siblings: a brother and a sister. They go around their house looking for different colored objects for a nap! Will they find everything they're looking for? Read and find out!

This book is aimed for really young children. The little boy and girl go around looking for colored objects, such as a blue backpack. The book full of bright colors. Each page has a different color, and the majority of the illustrations on that page are that same color, teaching children to associate the colors with their names. Also, it is bilingual (English and Spanish) so it is a good way to introduce young children to a different culture.

[Gabby Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very bright and colorful book that was very entertaining to look at. I did not realize when I picked it out that it was a half spanish half english book but I actually enjoyed it. I think this book is perfect for bilingual children, children learning either spanish or english, or really anyone wanting to give their children a head start with languages. It is easy to follow because it will give a phrase in Spanish then say it in English so I think children might actually begin to pick up on the other language. This was a very cute book to read and shows the friendship of siblings.

[Lyndsey Hurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute bilingual book about two siblings that are gathering stuff to take a nap/siesta in their back yard. It is easy to follow and gives each line in English and Spanish. The illustrations are bright and colorful. I would definitely read this to my class and recommend it to an ELL that I have in my class or any student who is interested in learning a new language. I could have my class each write about the things that they would need in order to have a sleep over in their yard and then they could draw a picture of it.

[Chelsea Bucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bilingual, fun, story is about a young boy and his sister getting ready for a siesta (nap)! They rummage around various rooms in their house looking for items in order to have a nap in their backyard. The English and Spanish are woven together throughout the story: "Que necesitamos? What do we need?" The story allows students to explore both languages while being engaged in a cute plot.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blue backpack. Una mochila azul.

Empty

A brother and sister, un hermano y una hermana, and their little bear, un osito.

Sleepy

But there are so many things to gather -- and so much to be done

Come join the fun -- in English and Spanish -- and make an ordinary afternoon extraordinary.

[Hannah Morrison]

The other side of Fiesta! A great book for English Language Learners or just to introduce students to another language. Each classroom should be equipped with multilingual books which can be used for language arts and social studies lessons!

[Ginta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good Spanish/English book. Sentences are first written in Spanish with an English translation. Most of my students are bilingual Spanish/English so they really liked hearing me read to them in Spanish. The sentences are simple and the pictures are a good accompaniment to the text.