P is for Piñata, A Mexico Alphabet

P is for Piñata, A Mexico Alphabet (2008)
Author: Tony Johnston, Illustrator: John Parra
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, Age: 4 to 8

The country of Mexico has long been a popular travel destination. But there's much more to enjoy and appreciate than just sunshine and warm temperatures when exploring this region with its ancient history and proud traditions. Enjoy an A-Z tour of our neighbor to the south in P is for Piñata: A Mexico Alphabet. " the treasures of Mexico are revealed in P is for Piñata. Vibrant artwork perfectly captures the flavor, texture, and spirit of its landscape and culture.

EDITORTIAL REVIEWS:
"This alphabet book highlights people, places, and familiar items. Some entries rhyme: "J is for Juchitán. This spot is so hot, it's a good place to nap/In the skinniest part of the Mexico map." Others are in free verse. "L is for Lava. Ash, steam, molten fire explode over the land. A volcano is born." Chunks of information in very small type, written for adults to share with children, appear with each letter. Parra's vividly colored illustrations reflect Mexico's traditions and cultures. The people and places come alive as the artist portrays the diversity of the country's landscape."—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX, School Library Journal

"Written by Tony Johnston, who lived for many years in Mexico, this book introduces aspects of the land, culture, and history of that country suggested by letters of the alphabet: “A is for Adobe. . . . B is for Ballet Folklórico. . . .  Cis for Cacao. . . . D is for Diego Rivera,” and so on. Each single-page or double-page entry is accompanied by a two- or four-line rhyme for younger children and, in a vertical border, paragraphs of information for older readers...The paragraphs of information are clearly written, often lively, and well worth reading; Parra’s paintings illustrate them with flair and distinction. The influence of Mexican paintings and murals is apparent in their fresh combination of folk-art elements, sound composition, and imaginative touches. A colorful introduction to Mexico."—Carolyn Phelan, Booklist

AWARDS:
Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Silver Honor Book Award, California Reading Association
YA Top Forty Non-Fiction Titles Award, PA School Librarian’s Association

ORDER: Amazon, Bookshop, B&N, Indiebound

MEDIA: Teacher's Guide, Goodreads