Review Detail

¡Más Cosas Que Dice Mi Abuela! is a charming story about a family who goes to the countryside to visit family. A young boy and his siblings travel with their grandmother who has a saying for everything and every occasion. Each saying is a slice of wisdom brought on by the happenings on the farm. For instance, when the narrator wakes up late, Abuela says, "Gato dormilon no caza raton." That translates to "A sleepy cat won't catch the mouse." But what she means to say is that if they keep sleeping, they'll never get to the farm. Throughout the story, Ana Galán take everyday situations and transforms them into valuable life lessons. Each saying, or refrán, teaches the kids to tell the truth, get up and be active, learn how to play with each other, and be polite. This book is a great representation of large Hispanic families. The kids are traveling with grandma, but not their parents, which is common in Latin American cultures. They're visiting an aunt and uncle and cousins. The theme of family unity and respect for one's elders comes through in the test. When something goes awry, Abuela is there with an explanation or reasoning for what just occurred.

The accompanying art, also Gálan, is warm and bright. The characters have unique expressions, and the movements are whimsical and funny at the same time. Perfect for early Spanish readers seeking a fun and educational story about family.