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Confetti: Poems for Children
In this joyful and spirited collection, award-winning poet Pat Mora and fine artist Enrique O. Sanchez celebrate the vivid landscape of the Southwest and the delightful rapport that children share with the natural world.
Through language that resounds with the harmony of both English and Spanish, Confetti is also an anthem to the power of a child's imagination and pride.
I say yo soy libre
I am free
free, free,
free as confetti.
Long-awaited by the many fans of Ms. Mora, Confetti is a treasury to be shared with children everywhere.
Through language that resounds with the harmony of both English and Spanish, Confetti is also an anthem to the power of a child's imagination and pride.
I say yo soy libre
I am free
free, free,
free as confetti.
Long-awaited by the many fans of Ms. Mora, Confetti is a treasury to be shared with children everywhere.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
2 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Pat Mora
86 books97 followersPat Mora (born 1942) is a female Mexican-American author and poet. Pat Mora was born in El Paso, Texas. She is married and has 3 grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 9, 2013
Confetti: Poems for Children is a collection of 13 poems and was on the Americas Award commended list for 1996. I got an inter-library loaned book which happened to be a signed copy from Pat Mora in which he wrote “Welcome to my Desert.” The poems celebrate the exquisiteness of the Southwest as experienced by Mexican Americans. Spanish words are integrated into the text and a glossary is included as well. The dreamy-like illustrations remind me of someone recalling their childhood with fond memories. My favorite poem was Dancing Paper, which is about a party with paper decorations, a piñata, and some cascarones!
December 1, 2019
Summary:
These collections of poems will paint a vivid illustration of the Southwest with great repetition and rhyme. Additionally, the mix of both English and Spanish will allows its readers and/or listeners an even more realistic picture of life in the Southwest of the United States. Get ready to close your eyes, use your imagination and travel.
Review:
The poems in Confetti are most definitely child friendly. However, the elements within poetry would have to be explicitly taught before reading these poems. I do love how they incorporate the both English and Spanish to give it an authentic feel to they poems focused on the Southwest.
Paired Books:
Family Poems for Every Day of the Week: Poemas Familiares Para Cada Dia de la Semana
by Francisco X. Alarcón
Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la nieve: And Other Winter Poems/Y otros poemas de invierno
by Francisco X. Alarcón
Quote:
"I know a place where I can sit and hear a favorite beat, her heart and cuentos from the past. the rhythms honey-sweet." - Abuelita's Lap
These collections of poems will paint a vivid illustration of the Southwest with great repetition and rhyme. Additionally, the mix of both English and Spanish will allows its readers and/or listeners an even more realistic picture of life in the Southwest of the United States. Get ready to close your eyes, use your imagination and travel.
Review:
The poems in Confetti are most definitely child friendly. However, the elements within poetry would have to be explicitly taught before reading these poems. I do love how they incorporate the both English and Spanish to give it an authentic feel to they poems focused on the Southwest.
Paired Books:
Family Poems for Every Day of the Week: Poemas Familiares Para Cada Dia de la Semana
by Francisco X. Alarcón
Iguanas in the Snow/Iguanas en la nieve: And Other Winter Poems/Y otros poemas de invierno
by Francisco X. Alarcón
Quote:
"I know a place where I can sit and hear a favorite beat, her heart and cuentos from the past. the rhythms honey-sweet." - Abuelita's Lap
June 29, 2021
Read for Children's Lit class. Pat Mora is a Mexican-American children’s writer who started a family literacy initiative called Children’s Day, Book Day in the 1990s, inspired by Mexican national Children’s Day festivities. In this book of poetry, she explores the life of a young girl living in the Southwest US desert, enjoying the wonders of the natural landscape. The poems code-switch between Spanish and English, and the context of the poems and illustrations help make the language accessible for young readers. For example, one poem talks about the different colors of the things the girl sees, so it’s easy to understand that azul is blue. These would be good bedtime poems for ages 4-8.
April 9, 2018
Awards the book has received: None
Appropriate grade level(s): Second through fourth
Original summary: This is a great collection of poems with Mexican culture and language weaved into them.
Original review: The poems in this book are beautifully written and illustrated. The different types of poems and variety of English and Spanish used are blended beautifully throughout these poems.
1-2 possible in-class uses: Bringing in different cultures to the classroom. Introducing Spanish words into the classroom.
Appropriate grade level(s): Second through fourth
Original summary: This is a great collection of poems with Mexican culture and language weaved into them.
Original review: The poems in this book are beautifully written and illustrated. The different types of poems and variety of English and Spanish used are blended beautifully throughout these poems.
1-2 possible in-class uses: Bringing in different cultures to the classroom. Introducing Spanish words into the classroom.
April 26, 2018
1. (none)
2. Grades 2-4
3. This book holds a collection of Mexican-American cultural poems.
4. I love the addition of the Southwestern color scheme, and the variety of language in the collection.
5. This book can be used to introduce Spanish into the classroom, and can be used in a multi-cultural unit!
2. Grades 2-4
3. This book holds a collection of Mexican-American cultural poems.
4. I love the addition of the Southwestern color scheme, and the variety of language in the collection.
5. This book can be used to introduce Spanish into the classroom, and can be used in a multi-cultural unit!
October 22, 2019
Loved this poetry book. The illustrations were absolutely beautiful and went along with the poems Hispanic themes. A fun poetry book to read to a child and talk about them with the illustrations adding to the conversations. A smattering of Spanish words to spark curiosity, but a child could figure out what those words are with the visual cues. Beautiful, calm and still fun.
April 16, 2018
This is a great book that features a collection of poems with different themes rhymes, topic and and ideas in Spanish and English. It has very colorful illustrations that are engaging ant inviting. I would use this for age groups k-6th
April 9, 2018
lovely combination of poems and illustrations, love the poem Colors Crackle, Colors Roar.
October 29, 2016
Title (italicize): Confetti
Author: Pat Mora
Illustrator (if separate from author): Enrique O. Sanchez
Genre: Collection of poems for children
Theme(s): English, Spanish, Southwest, Nature
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text): “Birds in the branches hear the sun’s first song”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): This book is a collection of poems for children celebrating the natural world around them as well as their sense of community. The poems highlight the sun, the clouds, animals, other children using both Spanish and English text. The collection is prideful and joyous in representing the environment the children are a part of.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1 (cut & paste): J. Cook (Parent Council Volume 4)
This gorgeous book will keep children captivated whether you or they read it. The poems are a mixture of light, lively, and thought-provoking subjects, and each is illustrated with vibrant colors that emphasize the idea in the poem. Topics range from purple snakes to grandmothers to dancing bakers. A sprinkling of Spanish words adds to the Southwest flavor. The words are all listed in the back of the book, although most can be understood in context. A great bedtime storybook or for use as inspiration when you want kids to write their own poems. 1996, Lee & Low Books, $14.95. Ages 3 to 10.
(PUBLISHER: Lee & Low Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 (cut & paste): Karen Morgan (Booklist, November 15, 1996 (Vol. 93, No. 6))
Using Spanish and English, this collection of poems is as much fun to look at as it is to read. In "Colors Crackle, Colors Roar," Mora writes, "Gris whis-whis-whispers its kitten whispers" and "azul coo-coo-coo like pajaritos do." In "Purple Snake," a wood-carver with rough and wrinkled hands tells a young onlooker that animals are "asleep in a piece of wood" --until he releases them by carving them out. Featuring an assortment of subjects, these short poems incorporate varying amounts of Spanish into the English text. Sanchez's illustrations, with castanets, a giant saguaro cactus, Tarahumara drums, pinatas, "egg-bursts of bright confetti," and more, are full of color and provide youngsters with strong links to the subjects and activities in the poems. A good choice for choral reading or for reading aloud. A glossary with pronunciation guides is included. Category: For the Young. 1996, Lee & Low, $14.95. Gr. 1-4, younger for reading aloud.
(PUBLISHER: Lee & Low Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words): Both reviewers highlight the importance of the illustrations enhancing the multilingual text. They note that this provides a clear understanding for the reader. They also state that a glossary is in the back of the book, despite having explicit context clues for the possibly unknown words. Both reviewers remark on the variety of topics included in the poems and the fun that can be had while reading.
Evaluation of Literary Elements (3-4 sentences in your own words): The multilingual text is the most abundant literary element throughout. For example, one poem line reads “He heaps clean shelves and counters with pan and empanadas, pastry so light and flaky it sails into warm air”. This type of text provides the leader with a clear understanding of the baker’s activities and the illustrations shows this as well. The multilingual text provides an introduction to Spanish and brings awareness to the culture without confusing the reader in the slightest.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words):
I would use this text in my classroom to introduce Spanish language and culture. The text is set in the southwest so this could be used when studying that area of America, or simply to bring cultural awareness into my classroom. This text is simplistic enough for readers to read independently, or used as a read aloud for younger students.
Author: Pat Mora
Illustrator (if separate from author): Enrique O. Sanchez
Genre: Collection of poems for children
Theme(s): English, Spanish, Southwest, Nature
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text): “Birds in the branches hear the sun’s first song”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): This book is a collection of poems for children celebrating the natural world around them as well as their sense of community. The poems highlight the sun, the clouds, animals, other children using both Spanish and English text. The collection is prideful and joyous in representing the environment the children are a part of.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1 (cut & paste): J. Cook (Parent Council Volume 4)
This gorgeous book will keep children captivated whether you or they read it. The poems are a mixture of light, lively, and thought-provoking subjects, and each is illustrated with vibrant colors that emphasize the idea in the poem. Topics range from purple snakes to grandmothers to dancing bakers. A sprinkling of Spanish words adds to the Southwest flavor. The words are all listed in the back of the book, although most can be understood in context. A great bedtime storybook or for use as inspiration when you want kids to write their own poems. 1996, Lee & Low Books, $14.95. Ages 3 to 10.
(PUBLISHER: Lee & Low Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 (cut & paste): Karen Morgan (Booklist, November 15, 1996 (Vol. 93, No. 6))
Using Spanish and English, this collection of poems is as much fun to look at as it is to read. In "Colors Crackle, Colors Roar," Mora writes, "Gris whis-whis-whispers its kitten whispers" and "azul coo-coo-coo like pajaritos do." In "Purple Snake," a wood-carver with rough and wrinkled hands tells a young onlooker that animals are "asleep in a piece of wood" --until he releases them by carving them out. Featuring an assortment of subjects, these short poems incorporate varying amounts of Spanish into the English text. Sanchez's illustrations, with castanets, a giant saguaro cactus, Tarahumara drums, pinatas, "egg-bursts of bright confetti," and more, are full of color and provide youngsters with strong links to the subjects and activities in the poems. A good choice for choral reading or for reading aloud. A glossary with pronunciation guides is included. Category: For the Young. 1996, Lee & Low, $14.95. Gr. 1-4, younger for reading aloud.
(PUBLISHER: Lee & Low Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words): Both reviewers highlight the importance of the illustrations enhancing the multilingual text. They note that this provides a clear understanding for the reader. They also state that a glossary is in the back of the book, despite having explicit context clues for the possibly unknown words. Both reviewers remark on the variety of topics included in the poems and the fun that can be had while reading.
Evaluation of Literary Elements (3-4 sentences in your own words): The multilingual text is the most abundant literary element throughout. For example, one poem line reads “He heaps clean shelves and counters with pan and empanadas, pastry so light and flaky it sails into warm air”. This type of text provides the leader with a clear understanding of the baker’s activities and the illustrations shows this as well. The multilingual text provides an introduction to Spanish and brings awareness to the culture without confusing the reader in the slightest.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words):
I would use this text in my classroom to introduce Spanish language and culture. The text is set in the southwest so this could be used when studying that area of America, or simply to bring cultural awareness into my classroom. This text is simplistic enough for readers to read independently, or used as a read aloud for younger students.
December 13, 2009
1st-4th grade Read aloud/Independent read
Mora give us a collection of poems about the beauty of the southwest. While there isn't any rhyming they do have rhythm and are laced with Spanish words. The poems are written on a two color layered banner surrounded by white space opposite a framed colorful illustration. Children would be drawn by the full page watercolor illustrations used to describe the mood of the poems. There is a glossary in the back of the book translating the Spanish words into English.
Language Arts/Social Studies
Students could research the Southwest and why they use so much color in their designs.
Mora give us a collection of poems about the beauty of the southwest. While there isn't any rhyming they do have rhythm and are laced with Spanish words. The poems are written on a two color layered banner surrounded by white space opposite a framed colorful illustration. Children would be drawn by the full page watercolor illustrations used to describe the mood of the poems. There is a glossary in the back of the book translating the Spanish words into English.
Language Arts/Social Studies
Students could research the Southwest and why they use so much color in their designs.
October 20, 2013
Why this book? Book of Spanish poems, much needed
Theme/Keywords: poems about child play, wonderings, experiences, developing literacy
Characteristics of quality: culturally oriented, centered on child experience
Special Features: poems written from child’s perspective, founded in daily experience as well as magical thinking
Gender of primary character: girl
Race/ethnicity of primary character: Latina
Cultural considerations: confetti from a piñata, Mexican artesano, and baker
Language considerations: written in Spanish
Open Ended Question: What does she mean when she says the words are like confetti?
Theme/Keywords: poems about child play, wonderings, experiences, developing literacy
Characteristics of quality: culturally oriented, centered on child experience
Special Features: poems written from child’s perspective, founded in daily experience as well as magical thinking
Gender of primary character: girl
Race/ethnicity of primary character: Latina
Cultural considerations: confetti from a piñata, Mexican artesano, and baker
Language considerations: written in Spanish
Open Ended Question: What does she mean when she says the words are like confetti?
May 6, 2014
If you want to know what happened from morning to night, reading this book you can find answer. The author use beautiful pictures and poems tell readers what is happening around our life from the dawn of a beautiful morning to the cool dusk of the desert night. When readers read this book, they feel life is colorful and warm. Lots of things in our life what we always ignore are beautiful. Encourage children to observe their life carefully, teacher should make a assignment- writing a dairy. Children can find large numbers of beautiful things in daily life.
December 1, 2007
I really liked the poems and how she incorporated spanish into them in a way that the kids can infer what the word means. I also think it would be a great way to teach some spanish words to the kids in younger grades, teach poetry to the middle grades, and teach comparison and analysis to the older grades.
April 4, 2012
Confetti was no shel silverstein, but still a good book of poetry. I feel that this wouls also be a good book to teach poetry out of. These poems all come from one theme and make more sense all together. Although if I had a choice between silverstein and Mora I would go with Silverstien and I feel that children would do the same.
May 3, 2014
This book was okay. I've read better children's poetry, and I'm usually a big fan of Pat Mora, but I found this book lacking. I thought some of the poetry was good and interesting, but just as many were not. The illustrations were nice, bright, and pleasing, but it really did not hold my kids' attention, and mentioned before, I thought only some of the poems were good.
October 10, 2011
These are good if you need short poems. There are no rhyming words but really good descriptive words. You could use this when teaching how to use adjectives. The stories are mostly about nature. Contains stories about the wind and the sun.
January 14, 2012
Poems that include very descriptive language. Wasn't too impressed but could use it when teaching poetry that doesn't have rhyme.
October 18, 2012
books with just one Spanish word in each poem annoy me.
March 19, 2015
Lovely use of words and images; beautiful blended with Enrique O. Sanchez's bright and deep illustrations.
November 28, 2016
This is a collection of poems that highlight different aspects of being Mexican American in the southwest. The illustration are very colorful and the poems are playful.
January 26, 2010
Truly a must read with your child(ren), pjs, a warm blanket, and a snuggle.
April 18, 2017
Poetry-Fun free verse and rhyming poems that teach children some Spanish vocabulary (glossary included in the back). The illustrations are beautiful and filled with color, somewhat impressionistic.
March 20, 2019
Genre: Poetry
Awards:
Audience: 4th, 5th, 6th
A. This poem is form poetry. Each poem in the collection is written in a specific form. For example, "Sun Song", is written in repetition verses. The lines repeat phrases all throughout the poem.
B. The author uses repetition and rhyme throughout the poems of this collection. Having the words rhyme allows a certain flow to be had and interests the reader into knowing what clever word will come next.
C. "Create your own haiku about the sun."
A: "The sun is yellow.
It shines very bright in the sky.
The warmth on my skin.
Awards:
Audience: 4th, 5th, 6th
A. This poem is form poetry. Each poem in the collection is written in a specific form. For example, "Sun Song", is written in repetition verses. The lines repeat phrases all throughout the poem.
B. The author uses repetition and rhyme throughout the poems of this collection. Having the words rhyme allows a certain flow to be had and interests the reader into knowing what clever word will come next.
C. "Create your own haiku about the sun."
A: "The sun is yellow.
It shines very bright in the sky.
The warmth on my skin.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews