Mi Primer Libro De Dichos/My First Book of Proverbs

by Ralfka Gonzalez, Ana Ruiz (Joint Author), Sandra Cisneros (Introduction)

In this collection of Mexican dichos (proverbs), artists Ralfka Gonzalez and Ana Ruiz bring to life their favorite sayings from Mexico and the United States. These dichos celebrate life and culture, reminding young readers that Donde hay gana, hay mana / Where theres a will, theres a way. With vibrant color and folk art flavor, the festive paintings draw readers into a whimsical world where bumblebees play bongo drums and roosters sing all day. The cloth edition is an American Booksellers Kids Pick of the Lists and a National Parenting Publications Gold Medal Winner. One might describe this book with the dicho, Chiquito pero picoso. Small, but very hot. Childrens Book Review Brilliantly hued...somewhere between a southwestern sensibility and the look of urban graffiti... Publishers Weekly

Genres: Animals, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Katie Sproles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has incredible illustrations that would serve a very strong and helpful purpose for those who may not understand English very Well. Because each page has both a Spanish version and an English version of the text it allows children to associate the illustration with both Spanish and English language.

[Clea Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED the bright, detail oriented illustrations in this book. This book would be excellent for English or Spanish learners to use. The book does an excellent job of using pictures to describe each saying.

[Ashley Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

A multitude of sayings with vivid illustrations

[Mackinzey Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book were AMAZING. Definitely could use when talking about authors / illustrators.

[Diego Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of “dichos” or proverbs in Spanish with English translation at the bottom of the page. “Dichos” or saying are a common in Mexico as a way to express your ideas. The collection of saying that is provided gives the reader an introduction into a cultural practice that is common in Mexico. The illustrations are very colorful and fun. The translation is not the best, but saying are difficult to translate. “Dichos” often convey meaning that is not literal and literal translations makes them sound strange in English. There are a couple of “dichos” in this book that need further explanation than the literal translations that are provided by the author.

[Sam Dawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not fond of this book because the overuse of color and extreme pictures caused a distraction for me. It's a book all about different proverbs that are popular in Mexico. It is written in Spanish and English on each page.

[Christine Turner]

ATA Wonder Kit -- ? Would we want this in the "Words" kit?

Colorful illustrations of traditional Mexican American proverbs, which appear in both English and Spanish.

Subject: Mexican American proverbs -- Juvenile literature.
Proverbios.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, whimsical, colorful, fun book of great sayings -- sometimes wise, sometimes just downright strange! Delightful primitive drawings in vivid colors. Great eye-candy.

[pjr8888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful vivid art illustrates a number of familiar Spanish language/Mexican dichos! the experience of reading transports me to a new level of happy learning!

[Christine]

My favorite sayings from the book:
What you don't like in in others could be in your own house
One bee doesn't make a hive
Many littles make a lot
You only visit the cactus when it's bearing fruit

[Andréa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not at all a fan of the illustration style.

[Shelbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because of the illustrations and the color fullness in this book

[Ronnie Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the illustrations and like that it has Spanish and English.