Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora

Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora - 40 pages

In this book, which  is based on a true story, we see the connection between storytelling and reading. Tomás loves to hear his grandfather's stories, so his grandfather reminds him the library contains more stories to learn.  Thus, Tomás begins to visit the library everyday while his family is in Iowa for summer farm work.  The local librarian encourages him to read by finding and discussing books he likes.  She also encourages him to teach her some Spanish words.  However, in the end, Tomás and his family must return to Texas for winter farm work.

I loved how the story incorporated Spanish words and phrases complete with the translations worked into the text.  This makes it useful for families wanting their children to become early adopters of a second language.  Also, the illustrations incorporated transitional color schemas from Mexican/Southwestern Art while done in the style of a very finepoint French Pointillism.