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F is for Fiesta
From adornos (decorations) going up all over the house, biscochitos (cupcakes) baking in the oven, and a special treat of churros (doughnut sticks) for breakfast, this can only be the beginning of a fabulous cumpleaños (birthday)! As the alphabet continues, the story highlights fun elements of a boy’s never-ending birthday celebration, including entries for ch, ll, ñ, and rr that make this a truly Latino ABC fiesta. Clever verse and exuberant illustrations make the meaning of each Spanish word clear, and an author’s note explains the difference between the English and Spanish alphabets.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 16, 2006
4 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Susan Middleton Elya
31 books39 followersSusan Middleton Elya is the author of many books that cleverly incorporate Spanish vocabulary into lively verse. She is originally from Iowa and now lives in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 23, 2022
What an adorable book! In English, we always say A is for apple, but I've always wondered what it's like in other languages. This one takes you through the alphabet with a birthday party for Pepe. In this case, A is for adornos (decorations)! It starts with a glossary and an explanation of the alphabet to help children not be so confused with the extra letters (ch, ll, ñ, rr). I loved the rhythm of this as well as the story, and I learned quite a few new words; it also had cute and colorful illustrations done in a folk-art style. I think this is a perfect book to introduce children to the Spanish alphabet (abecedario) and language. I highly recommend this for all ages.
December 2, 2013
I would use this book to help incorporate non traditional methods and ideas for creative birthday resources. This book will be a good one to incorporate into my birthday themed section.
F is for Fiesta
1. Summary
a. What’s the main idea of the story?
-The main idea for this book is to teach key aspects/ traditions and vocabulary to students who want to learn about a “ Fiesta”.
b. Who are the main characters?
The story incorporates many characters from a family. The book focuses on showing how the different family members are involved in the party planning process. For example, the story shows the parents blowing up balloons, as well as the little brother checking out his hair in the mirror. Abuela (grandmother in Spanish) comes to the Fiesta and provides the grandson with a present.
c. To which genre does the text belong?
I would have to say that it incorporates fiction because it isn't based off a specific family, yet the book is also non-fiction because it its explaining real customs and traditions on how to through a “Fiesta” party.
2. How to use the Text
a. As a literacy teacher, how would you use this text in the classroom?
-I would correlate this text with a section on cultural celebrations around the world. This a very good resource that can be used to introduce new key terms to my students and also teach them Spanish. I know that in my elementary school placement my students are learning to speak Spanish, so this book could be a great resource for both myself or the Spanish teacher on building connections.
b. If you wouldn’t use it in the classroom, then explain why the text is not appropriate for instructional use.
- I think that this book is a good text source, so I believe this text is very appropriate.
c. How might the students interact with the text? (this can include the illustrations as well as the story)
- The students could follow the pictures on each page of the text to help further solidify what the Spanish terms represent. For example, The term Muneco(boy doll) , is used in the text and on that page there is a picture of the child receiving a cow boy doll. The students will be able to identify the term with the visual picture of the cowboy doll.
3. Author/Illustrator Information
a. How do the author’s and/or illustrator’s cultural backgrounds relate to the content of the text?
-
b. What do the author and/or illustrator do well?
- I think that the author and illustrator both do a great job in creating clear and concise sentences as well as drawing to depict the connection of the text and the illustrations. They both try very hard to show a fun and exciting way to represent the Spanish culture and traditions. The cover of the book allows us as the readers to really get a good idea of what the book may cover because there are streamers, children playing, a mariachi performer, and the title of the book is very descriptive : F is for Fiesta!
c. How or what can the text teach about culture or a specific topic related to diverse issues? (This is whatever topic you’ve chosen for your text set--In other words, how does the text relate to your topic?)
- This text highly relates to my topic because it describes what would happen at a Fiesta, which is a birthday tradition celebrates in Spanish culture. The book gives great vocabulary terms for the students to be exposed to as well as my self who will be borrowing some of the ideas for my own book about Birthday Celebrations.
F is for Fiesta
1. Summary
a. What’s the main idea of the story?
-The main idea for this book is to teach key aspects/ traditions and vocabulary to students who want to learn about a “ Fiesta”.
b. Who are the main characters?
The story incorporates many characters from a family. The book focuses on showing how the different family members are involved in the party planning process. For example, the story shows the parents blowing up balloons, as well as the little brother checking out his hair in the mirror. Abuela (grandmother in Spanish) comes to the Fiesta and provides the grandson with a present.
c. To which genre does the text belong?
I would have to say that it incorporates fiction because it isn't based off a specific family, yet the book is also non-fiction because it its explaining real customs and traditions on how to through a “Fiesta” party.
2. How to use the Text
a. As a literacy teacher, how would you use this text in the classroom?
-I would correlate this text with a section on cultural celebrations around the world. This a very good resource that can be used to introduce new key terms to my students and also teach them Spanish. I know that in my elementary school placement my students are learning to speak Spanish, so this book could be a great resource for both myself or the Spanish teacher on building connections.
b. If you wouldn’t use it in the classroom, then explain why the text is not appropriate for instructional use.
- I think that this book is a good text source, so I believe this text is very appropriate.
c. How might the students interact with the text? (this can include the illustrations as well as the story)
- The students could follow the pictures on each page of the text to help further solidify what the Spanish terms represent. For example, The term Muneco(boy doll) , is used in the text and on that page there is a picture of the child receiving a cow boy doll. The students will be able to identify the term with the visual picture of the cowboy doll.
3. Author/Illustrator Information
a. How do the author’s and/or illustrator’s cultural backgrounds relate to the content of the text?
-
b. What do the author and/or illustrator do well?
- I think that the author and illustrator both do a great job in creating clear and concise sentences as well as drawing to depict the connection of the text and the illustrations. They both try very hard to show a fun and exciting way to represent the Spanish culture and traditions. The cover of the book allows us as the readers to really get a good idea of what the book may cover because there are streamers, children playing, a mariachi performer, and the title of the book is very descriptive : F is for Fiesta!
c. How or what can the text teach about culture or a specific topic related to diverse issues? (This is whatever topic you’ve chosen for your text set--In other words, how does the text relate to your topic?)
- This text highly relates to my topic because it describes what would happen at a Fiesta, which is a birthday tradition celebrates in Spanish culture. The book gives great vocabulary terms for the students to be exposed to as well as my self who will be borrowing some of the ideas for my own book about Birthday Celebrations.
March 5, 2013
1. This book is an alphabet book where it talks about a boy celebrating his birthday. And the book includes Spanish words that go with the celebration customs in Hispanic families. It’s a fiction book about traditions in a fiesta.
2. The text is a great way to re-emphasize the ABC alphabet and phonics while teaching new Spanish words from the book. Students can learn Spanish culture and connect it to their own culture. Like how their whole family was involved in celebrating one’s birthday and the importance of family.
3. The author earned a degree in Spanish and traveled to Spanish speaking countries. The simple drawings and texts made it easy to follow and understand, so if you do read this in a class, you should do another activity to stimulate the students. It also provides ideas of how Spanish culture celebrates birthdays and what they do.
2. The text is a great way to re-emphasize the ABC alphabet and phonics while teaching new Spanish words from the book. Students can learn Spanish culture and connect it to their own culture. Like how their whole family was involved in celebrating one’s birthday and the importance of family.
3. The author earned a degree in Spanish and traveled to Spanish speaking countries. The simple drawings and texts made it easy to follow and understand, so if you do read this in a class, you should do another activity to stimulate the students. It also provides ideas of how Spanish culture celebrates birthdays and what they do.
October 23, 2013
F is for Fiesta by Susan Middleton Elya is a wonderful bilingual book that tells the story of a boy celebrating his birthday. The book contains 30 Spanish vocabulary words beginning with the Spanish alphabet which has four more entries that are not in the English alphabet. It also includes a Spanish to English glossary for non-natives who want to know more about Spanish words. This is a great book to have in the classrooms because it is a bilingual text that has rhyming words so it would be perfect for beginning readers. Students will also be able to relate easily because it is about a birthday but it is one of a Spanish birthday so that they are taking information that they might not be already exposed to through this book.
February 8, 2016
F is for Fiesta is a children's picture book over the alphabet. I think this picture book was written for children who are a little older, who already know there ABC's. This picture book introduces brief Spanish vocabulary, while going through the alphabet.
I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was neat how they introduced Spanish vocabulary, along with the corresponding picture, to get a brief introduction to Spanish. I also loved the vibrant colors involved, and loved how it went through things you could typically find at a Spanish party.
I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was neat how they introduced Spanish vocabulary, along with the corresponding picture, to get a brief introduction to Spanish. I also loved the vibrant colors involved, and loved how it went through things you could typically find at a Spanish party.
February 24, 2014
This multilingual book would be great for a multilingual class or even just an English speaking class with some EL students. The Spanish alphabet is explored through Spanish words and English sentences. It is a good combination!
July 26, 2016
This book is written in rhyme going through the alphabet with words in Spanish. The story is about a child that will celebrate his birthday while mention things that are seen in his party. This contains the ABC alphabet mostly in Spanish words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
While not necessarily adequate in stature, this book has many other redeeming qualities. This book can be used for ELL students as a combination of Spanish and English. It can also be used as an opening to a Spanish lesson by introducing the alphabet.
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June 30, 2008Incorporates spanish words with author notes, glossary, and how to say each word/ letter. Spanish alphabet. Younger grades.
August 15, 2012
One of the best bilingual books I've read. It's tricky to rhyme English words with Spanish- the author did a great job! A way fun way to learn the Spanish alphabet.
April 1, 2013
Elya has a great knack for interweaving Spanish words into her rhyming text.
September 24, 2023
It is pretty good for kids, especially the younger ages of 2-6 years old. It is a book that can expose kids to a different culture, while also practicing their alphabet with a Spanish twist.
F is for fiesta is a good book which goes through the alphabet and gives an example, for each letter. The book is easy to follow along and has good pictures to go with the sentences. I will say I think this book could be used for helping students learn more about Hispanic culture, whether it is part of a lesson or during September or dates revolving around that culture.
I chose this book to add some more diversity and allow students to learn about a culture not many may indulge in, I will say I thought the author was of the Latinx community but was not. Still i do think it is a good book for the younger students especially.
F is for fiesta is a good book which goes through the alphabet and gives an example, for each letter. The book is easy to follow along and has good pictures to go with the sentences. I will say I think this book could be used for helping students learn more about Hispanic culture, whether it is part of a lesson or during September or dates revolving around that culture.
I chose this book to add some more diversity and allow students to learn about a culture not many may indulge in, I will say I thought the author was of the Latinx community but was not. Still i do think it is a good book for the younger students especially.
August 30, 2023
Hola, let's party-party-party-party-party! Since this was my 5th blingual picture book by Susan Middleton Elya.
This time, the book taught how to party. Plenty of Spanish words for the essentials, like regalos, which in English means "presents." All the essentials: decorating, preparing, welcoming, partying, and regalos.
SUCH A CLEVER BOOK FOR TEACHING SPANISH, AS WELL
Even if readers aren't paying attention to this next aspect, they've also been reading an alphabet book. In this book readers make the acquaintance of distinctively Spanish letters:
- ch,
- ll,
- ñ,
- and rr
As always, there's a glossary, plus a listing of the Spanish language alphabet.
FIVE STARS for this so-entertaining and educational picture book.
This time, the book taught how to party. Plenty of Spanish words for the essentials, like regalos, which in English means "presents." All the essentials: decorating, preparing, welcoming, partying, and regalos.
SUCH A CLEVER BOOK FOR TEACHING SPANISH, AS WELL
Even if readers aren't paying attention to this next aspect, they've also been reading an alphabet book. In this book readers make the acquaintance of distinctively Spanish letters:
- ch,
- ll,
- ñ,
- and rr
As always, there's a glossary, plus a listing of the Spanish language alphabet.
FIVE STARS for this so-entertaining and educational picture book.
June 4, 2022
This book is a fun description of a party (fiesta) using both Spanish and English. It includes the alphabet, Spanish sounds, poetry, and a glossary.
January 28, 2023
While, this is really cute, I really struggled with the code switching. Pick one language, please and just stay there.
December 15, 2024
This was an adorable read. What really set it apart was the alphabet in the beginning (broken down phonetically) as well as a guide to how to say each Spanish word used in the book.
December 30, 2025
While not completely bilingual, it blends English and Spanish while rhyming. I really appreciate that it includes a glossary with pronunciation guides at the front.
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June 25, 2016I guess it doesn't technically say it's any sort of cultural alphabet, just the Spanish one, but I don't really like how it says it's about items for a specific event (a birthday party) but then uses Spanish stuff, Mexican stuff, and other terms that are more common in other Latin American countries than in Mexico. The potential confusion and cultural conflation for non-Latinx people makes me uncomfortable.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews