Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué rico! Americas’ Sproutings,



Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué rico! Americas’ Sproutings
, Haiku by Pat Mora, picures by Rafael López, Lee&Low, 2007

This collection of haiku poetry bursts with color and flavor on every page. Each poem focuses on a particular nut, berry or edible that is native to the Americas. The words sing and the illustrations glow with the essence of blueberry-ness or peanut-itude or what it means to taste and eat prickly pear.

Mora has included some history and interesting facts about the "sproutings" of the Americas.

"Papayas...are believed to have originated in southern Mexico and Central America"

"Once considered poisonous, tomatoes are now one of the world's most prized foods."

"In 1995, potatoes became the first vegetable grown in outer space."

The poetry is delicious. Reading "Vanilla" sent me into the freezer for some Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream.

Quick! Lick white river
running down the cone cooling
your warm summer laugh.

Rafael López has created spectacular art work to accompany the verses. His colors are vibrant and beautiful. The book touches so many curriculum areas, poetry, science, nutrition, history, art and more.

I would consider this a must-have purchase for the core collection of any school library.
Put it on your next order now.
Bound to Stay Bound : Follett : Mackin :

1 comment:

Elaine Magliaro said...

Camille,

I'm glad you liked this book. I think it's such a great combination
of innovative haiku, factual information, and illustrations that burst with color. It was one of my favorite children's poetry books of 2007. Lopez's artwork is truly spectacular!