The Piñata Maker / El Piñatero
by George Ancona
Don Ricardo, or Tío Rico as the children call him, is the piñata maker of a village in southern Mexico. Now seventy-seven years old, Tío Rico has been making elaborate and beautiful piñatas for fifteen years. He brings great joy to children with his magical puppets, masks and piñatas--and of course, he gets invited to nearly all the parties.
Told in English and Spanish, The Piñata Maker documents this Latin American art, and offers readers a fascinating glimpse of life in a Mexican village.
Publisher: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1994
Age Level: 9-12
Language: English and Spanish
ISBN: 0-15-261875-9, 0-15-200060-7 (paperback)
Reviews
"Writer-photographer Ancona takes children to a Mexican village to meet Tío Rico,an old man who makes beautiful piñatas, puppets, and masks for parties and festivals. Exceptionally clear and well composed, the full-color photographs bring the village, the people, and the craft of piñata-making sharply into focus. On each page, the text appears in English, then in Spanish. Clearly written in both languages, the English/Spanish dual text provides a good bridge for childre neither learning a second language, as well as making the book accessible to those who know one or the other. Not just a how-to manual, the book has a narrative strand, following Tío Rico as he buys the materials for his crafts, makes them, sells them, and finally attends a party where the children break open a piñata. A delightful introduction to the subject and a memorable glimpse of one Mexican village and its people."
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- Booklist
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Recognition
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Parent's Choice, 1994
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Nominated for Texas Library Association Blue Bonnet Award
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Sequoyah Children's Book Award, 1996-1997
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ARTS 5
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