Pacho Nacho

by Silvia López, Pablo Pino (Illustrations)

Mam� and Pap� could not agree on a name for their first baby, and everyone in the family had an opinion. That's how the name Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico came to be, and Pacho's parents insisted that everyone use his full name. But when Pacho finds himself in trouble, his younger brother, Juan, must quickly find help, which isn't easy when you have to keep saying Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico. Author Silvia L�pez highlights family values, community connections, and brotherly love in this interactive, energetic, and silly picture book. Pacho Nacho is based on an old Japanese folktale and includes Spanish words and phrases and multicultural settings.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Latinx, Humor, Spanish Literature, Childrens, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2020

About the author

I am a Cuba native raised in Miami, where I served as children’s librarian in schools and public libraries for over 35 years.
My children's books include six bilingual eBooks, one of which Zunzuncito: Un Cuento del Pájaro Abeja Cubano, received the International Latino Book Award as Best Children’s Picture eBook of 2017. In 2019, my picture book Just Right Family: An Adoption Story (Albert Whitman Co.) illustrated by Ziyue Chen won the Florida Book Award. The book that followed, Handimals: Animals in Art and Nature, a collaboration with Italian artist Guido Daniele, was released in April, 2019 by Henry Holt/Macmillan and received a Booklist starred review. Selena: Queen of Tejano Music (Little Bee Books) illustrated by Paola Escobar, will be available in February of 2020 in both English and Spanish. Both versions have been listed as Junior Library Guild selections. Pacho Nacho (Capstone) illustrated by Pablo Pino, will also be available in 2/2020. Another bilingual book, My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo, will be out in 2021.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was little, a book that we frequently checked out from the library was Arlene Mosel's Tikki Tikki Tembo. My sister and I didn't know it was problematic back then; we just thought the name was funny and little Chang's predicament in trying to save his awkwardly named older brother made for a good story.

Pacho Nacho changes the setting to Mexico and gives us Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico... and Juan. Gone are the mixed-up cultural references and nonsense words (Pacho Nacho's long name is apparently made up of common boys' nicknames). The story is very similar to the older Asian versions, with the elder brother becoming imperiled and the younger brother needing to get help... if only he could wrap his tongue around that name!

This book is written quite well, with a smattering of Spanish (a glossary is included at the end). And the illustrations are adorable.

Perhaps kids today will get as much enjoyment out of Pacho Nacho as previous generations did out of Tikki Tikki Tembo. And, as a bonus, they might learn a few Spanish words at the same time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for providing a digital ARC.

[Leah Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacho Nacho Nico Tico Melo Felo Kiko Rico is a young boy who gets into trouble with his younger brother Juan.

Juan’s trying to alert the adults who continue to make him say Pacho Nacho Nico Tico Melo Felo Kiko Rico‘s full name.

It’s a silly story based on a Japanese (and later a Chinese) children’s long name song. I remember singing Tikki Tikki Tembo as a kid.

This was a great read.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story that originated in Japan. In this setting the two brothers and their family are Spanish. The very long name of one of the boys becomes complicated to recite when in a hurry, and it even causes a big problem, so something has to change. Amusing story wonderfully illustrated.

[Jennifer Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book to try with students, they’ll have fun having to say the this boys name throughout the book, “Pacho Nacho Nico Tico Meló Felo Kiko Rico”

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's in a name? Well, ask Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiki-Rico! In a small town in Mexico, Mamá and Papá had a baby boy. Mamá wanted Pacho, Papá wanted Nacho. Since they couldn't decide they asked their familia. After everyone gave their input they came up with Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiki-Rico. They insisted that everyone call him by his full name. A year later they have another baby boy. Since Mamá, Papá, and the familia couldn't think of a name, they named him Juan. The boys become best friends and they do everything together. One day they were climbing a tree and Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiki-Rico fell into the river. Juan runs for help, but everywhere he goes he tries to tell them that Pacho Nacho fell in the river but before he can tell them what is wrong, they insist he uses his brother's full name. Will Juan be able to save his big brother or will his super-long name actually cause him harm? Read this absolutely precious book to find out what happens to Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiki-Rico!

When I say this book is absolutely precious, I so mean it! This will be a funny read aloud while also showing family values, community involvement, and brotherly love. The illustrations are absolutely incredible! The characters are adorable and the colors are spectacular. I love everything about this book!!! Do not miss this one!!!

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[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5. A little story that blend together a funny «adventure» and learning Spanish vocabulary. Well done but not outstanding.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun! A Mexican version of "Tikki Tikki Tembo".... My students LOVED it!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a kid, the book Tikki-Tikki-Tembo was one of my favorites. I listened to it constantly at the audiobook station and dogeared the pages of the book as I read it a hundred times. When I started teaching, it had to become a part of my personal library to share with the kids. Now this new version of the classic Asian tale is another must-read that needs to go into my collection.

When their first son is born, the parents cannot agree on what to name him. They ask their family for suggestions, and still no one can agree. So to make everyone happy, he ends up with a crazy long name, starting with the parents' choices of Pacho Nacho.

Because everyone is so proud of having their part of the name included, everyone insists that everyone call the lad by all eight parts of his name at all times.

Oh, and the next kid is simply named Juan.

And of course, boys will be boys, running around and exploring, and eventually the elder son gets himself into trouble. Juan goes running for help, trying to save time by simply calling his brother Pacho Nacho. All of the adults waste time by making him use his full name. But of course, he is eventually saved.

I loved this story. Even better than just reading it is reading it out loud. It's so much fun as all of the Spanish words that are sprinkled throughout roll off of the tongue. It's a great way to introduce some Spanish vocabulary words. And did I mention just how much fun it is to read this one out loud?

I also love the illustrations. They are bright and happy, with so much emotion and feeling in them. The boys' fun is contagious and you feel all of the other emotions along the way.

Included at the end is a glossary as well as an author's note that gives the history of the story over generations.

Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emma Detweiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacho Nacho is a funny book about a young boy with a very long, rhyming name. Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico was a very special little boy, whose whole family was enthusiastic for his arrival. This means that his whole family has an idea of what his name should be. When his brother came along, no one could think of a name again, so they named him Juan. Juan and Pacho Nacho's parents were very proud of Pacho's name, so they insisted that his full name be used at all times. Pacho Nacho and Juan loved going down to the river, so their mother warns them to be very careful. However, they do not heed their mother's instructions. Pacho Nacho is about to fall into the river and when Juan runs off to find help, his parents and even the carpenter will not listen to him unless he uses Pacho's full name. When he finally passes the information along, all three of the adults run to save him. Due to this situation, Juan suggests that they just call him Pacho Nacho from then on. This is a funny folktale that will surely have young children giggling and experiencing feelings of worry. This story provides a simple situation that has a simple solution in which listeners can learn from, in keeping with the folktale genre. It seems unbelievable that even during the dire circumstance and obvious panic, the adults encourage him to use Pacho's full name, but it aligns with the fantastical and obviously fake characteristics of folktales. This book would be a great addition to a lesson on folktales. I would have the students read and analyze it, then identify the overall message of the book. It is a simple book with minimal characters, which would be slow or boring for older students. However, it falls in line with traditional folktales, which I think would be a better use of this book than just recreational reading.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacho Nacho follows the footsteps of the classic tale, 'Tikki Tikki Tembo,' which was one of my favorite books when I was a child. Pacho Nacho Nico Tico Melo Felo Kiko Rico was his agreed upon name as his parents just couldn't decide. The second born is simply named Juan. I like that the author included a note at the end of the book sharing that this tale originated in Japan long ago and has been retold many times. She includes the Japanese boy's name was Jugemu......So even I learned some historical information. As in the other tales, the two brothers play and get into mischief. Pacho Nacho's long name causes him trouble and a lesson is learned. The illustrations by Pablo Pino show scenes of family life in Mexico and the main character is a Latinx boy. The illustrations are vibrant and follow the story quite nicely. The writing is in English with Spanish words and phrases sprinkled in. There is a helpful glossary in the back of the book to help become familiar with the Spanish words. This book is recommended for ages 4-7, but I feel children 4-10 would really enjoy this book. The author wrote this book since the tale has travelled around the world in other cultures, but hadn't been adapted to the Hispanic culture. This book would be good to add to a World of Language plan and could be compared/contrasted with the similar tale from other cultures.

[Pedro Figueroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

his is an enjoyable story that is adapted from another that I remember. In this version, it is done with Latin culture in a hilarious re-creation. The story as mentioned in other reviews, involves the two brothers - one with a very long name, Pacho Nacho..., and the other with the much shorter name of Juan. They have their adventure on the river, and it goes wrong. Then, as the tension of the plot builds, the character Juan's tension builds as he tries to get someone to help his brother, but is forced to say the entire long name for anyone to listen. It works perfectly in the build up that carries the story successfully. In addition, the illustrations are top rate and bring the story to life.

And the best review point that I can provide is that my grand-nephew loved the story, and has taken on the new challenge of trying to pronounce Pacho Nacho's entire name. He's having fun with it.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hilarious picture book about a boy with a super-long name, and his name puts him in danger. All the adults around Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico insist that everyone say his full name. When his brother, Juan (such a short name in comparison, ha ha), tries to save him, it’s hard to gather help when he approaches people who chide him for calling his brother “Pacho Nacho.” He must utter his brother’s name in its entirety! Meanwhile, every second counts when his brother needs help in a perilous situation. No worries though, because there’s a happy ending. This book brought a smile to my face.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "Hispanic" take on Tikki Tikki Tembo. I really hate that they call it that....but honestly, it was marketed that way.

Me, I love the rhyming names. I see kiddos having so so much fun with the LONG name! I love the Spanish uses for family names instead of "grandma" we have abuela and so forth. I LOVE exposing readers to bilingual phrases. And remember, we never might know who is in our storytime audience.

The illustrations are precious too. I wanted to hang out with Pacho and his brother....Juan <3

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children will enjoy this cautionary tale of being a little too proud of an ostentatious name. as explained in a note at the end of the book, the story has its origin in the Japanese folktale of a boy with a very, very long name. I remember reading the Tikki-Tikki-Tembo version when I was much younger - an appropriated retelling set in China instead of Japan. Pacho Nacho's name is not quite as long and it's safe to say that everyone, happily, learns a lesson by the end of the tale.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retelling of Tikki Tikki Tembo from a Hispanic perspective. The young boy is given many names and everyone is encouraged to say his whole name all the time. This puts him in jeopardy when he falls in the river and no one will act until his younger brother says his entire name. The adults realize how foolish that is and shorten his name to Pacho Nacho.
The illustrations are delightful and pull readers in.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great blend of Spanish and English text, with a fun story full of Hispanic life. Adapted from a Japanese folktale, there is tribute and a brief history of the story and its travel across 4 continents on the cover and at the end of the book. Best as a read aloud. Great for bringing in simple Spanish words. My 2 year old liked the funny long name but probably best audience would be 4-8 year olds.

[Ally Marov · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨3.75 stars✨

shortly after posting my thoughts on Tikki Tikki Tembo, i discovered this version which has a more modern take and is based on a Hispanic family.

Pacho Nacho’s full name is based on common Spanish nicknames that parents use for their son’s names and also features Spanish words/phrases throughout the book.

would definitely recommend this version over the original. perfect for families who use Spanish or for those who want to try and learn a new language 🌻✨

[Jenn Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun little book! It was fun to read Pacho Nacho's long name over and over. You can really feel the frustration of his little brother, Juan trying to get help but forced to say his brother's entire, beautiful name each time he spoke to someone. The illustrations are so cute and the inclusion of the Spanish language sprinkled throughout is a bonus!

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun story of the boy with the long name that must be pronounced in full and his little brother Juan who must get help upon an impending accident. Love how the author has brought the old Japanese folktale to her Hispanic culture. Love the author note that explains it all, now I need to re read Tiki Tiki Tembo to see if it stands up or is it culturally insensitive now.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know the background of the story Tikki Tikki Tempo so I loved the inclusion of that information at the end of this story. I found this story humorous and I think it would be a good read aloud with all of Pacho Nacho's names. I think my students would enjoy this story too.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A cute little story, in the same vein of Riki Tiki Tembo. Fun, bright illustrations. Kids will giggle over the character's silly name.

[Ashlyn Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to be able to read. The incorporation of Spanish words in the book was so wonderful to see in a book. In the back of the book there was a guide to the words that were found through the story. The illustrations were wonderful and gave the book so much character.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

10/7/2021 ~ In addition to the laughter of kids when reciting Pancho Nacho's long name, I enjoyed the full page description of this traditional Japanese folktale that has been retold for several cultures. Readers may remember Tikki-Tikki-Tembo by Arlene Mosel from 1968.

[Amy Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago I loved the story of Tikki Tikki Tembo, of course, I wasn't aware then that some of that story is problematic. So here it is again, in a bilingual Mexican family version. Cute and fun to read!

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another version of a classic tale... and it’s a good one.

[Alexandra Alessandri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun read-aloud picture book from Silvia López! It's clever and funny and it'll have kids singing Pacho Nacho's incredibly long name!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dare you to say Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico five times! Loved it! Also a great way to learn a few easy Spanish words!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO much fun to read! Especially out loud!!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read!