by Lucía González
Hildamar, her parents, aunts, uncle, and cousin move to a barrio of cold New York from warm Puerto Rico. On the way to school, Hildamar and Santiago notice the public library, but are told by their Aunt María that it is only for English speakers. So, they are quite surprised when the public librarian, Pura Belpré, visits their school that day, speaks Spanish, and tells them that the library is for everyone! Many of the immigrants excitedly visit the library together. Pura helps them to plan a wonderful play, as well as a Three Kings' Day celebration.
I was beyond thrilled when I read this book. I had no idea when I started to read this Pura Belpré award winning book that it was going to be about Pura Belpré herself! Pura is portrayed in such a loving, nurturing, motivating, and creative way, that as a future librarian, I was inspired to be like her when I have a library of my own to oversee and children to pour into one day. In addition, I recently read Martina the Beautiful Cockroach and Nine Days to Christmas, A Story of Mexico. I couldn't believe it when the Martina folktale and the Three Kings' Day tradition from these books appeared in The Storyteller's Candle! This authenticated the cultural aspects of this book that were displayed in the Spanish words splashed throughout the story, as well as in the traditions and strong family community within the text. On each two-page spread, the story is written in both English and Spanish, furthering the theme: the library is for everyone. Regarding the illustrations, readers of all ages will likely search every page for the clever use of an actual newspaper from 1930. Every aspect of this book is muy fantástico!
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Interview with author, Lucía González: http://pageturneradventures.com/2011/09/rileys-interview-with-childrens-author-lucia-gonzalez/
Lulu Delacre on illustrating the book:
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach:
Three Kings' Day: http://www.mexonline.com/history-lostresreyes.htm
