Little Diego Book
2 total works
Diego and his sister Gabriela argue over their new dog Sofie. But it's only when Sofie gets really sick that they find out who their tortilla-loving pup really belongs to.
This is a bilingual book for kids and dogs and even their parents. Once again, Benjamin Alire Saenz shows he understands the chemistry and dynamics of family, this time with a dog stirring up the recipe. Little Diego and Gabriela first appeared in Saenz and Geronimo Garcia's best-selling title A Gift from Papa Diego.
"Garcia's signature folk-inspired, sculpted clay illustrations depict a lovably goofy little mutt; rounded shapes-heads, dog bed, tortillas and more-combine with a warm palette to create a cozy, comforting atmosphere that reflects the traditions of Mexican-American family life described in the dual English/Spanish narrative. A universal message with a Latino flavor."
Kirkus
"Saenz's text almost makes the book read like a short story one that ably portrays mischievous sibling dynamics, a love of animals and the ways families come together during difficult times. Set against colorful solid backdrops, Garcia's clay artwork has an appropriately homey quality that keeps the focus on the siblings and their beloved pet."
Publishers Weekly
"A captivating bilingual book with close family relationships and unconditional love at its core."
Library Journal
Benjamin Alire Saenz received three starred Publishers Weekly reviews in 2008 one for his young adult novel He Forgot to Say Goodbye (Simon & Schuster) and two for his illustrated book A Perfect Season for Dreaming (Cinco Puntos Press). Long at the forefront of the emerging Latino literature in the United States, he has received both the Wallace Stegner and Lannan fellowships, and he is a recipient of the American Book Award. His young adult novel Sammy & Juliana in Hollywood was named one of the Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults in 2005.
"...accompanied by innovative illustrations, originally modeled with clay. Reminiscent of Mexican folk art, they fit the story especially well, conveying its warmth and poignancy."-Kirkus Reviews
"A tender love story of a book...a kiss on the forehead at bedtime!"-Naomi Shihab Nye
"A stylist in both poetry and prose, Saenz has now taken his magic of flight to younger readers. This is his gift to them. Parents, snuggle up to your children at night and read this delightful tale of Dieguito."-Gary Soto
"La traduccion al espanol es buena y el diseno del libro es atractivo."-People en Espanol
"The tender story in A Gift From Papa Diego / Un regalo de Papa Diego by Benjamin Alire Saenz is sprinkled with Spanish expressions throughout the English version, adding to the flavor of this bilingual tale. A glossary of the terms used is provided at the end of the book. In addition, a complete Spanish text is printed on each half page. Illustrations of wonderful clay figures painted with bright colors highlight the narrative and provide an attractive graphic border. This paperback original is a debut into the world of children's books for Mr. Saenz, and he has succeeded in writing a poignant read-aloud book for young children - at once entertaining and comforting."-Barbara Bonds Thomas
Benjamin Alire Saenz was born in his grandmother's house in Picacho, New Mexico-a farming village 40 miles north of the border between Mexico and the United States. Ben's parents spoke mostly Spanish at home and his grandparents spoke only Spanish, so Ben learned much of his English from his brothers and sisters, his friends, and by watching cartoons on television. When he was a little boy, he was a passionate reader of comic books-Superman, Spiderman, Batman, and all the rest of the Super Heros. Ben thought it was cool that Superman could fly. Growing up, Ben discovered that he liked to write. He liked to draw and paint, too.