Rhea's Rodeo

Rhea is excited for Rodeo Day; she especially likes the boots, buckles, ruffles, and riding her trusty steed with her teammates. Overall though, Rhea likes to win. Rhea feels like victory is hers as her friends and her stampede through the arena but things don’t go according to plan. Is Rhea going to compete again if they don’t take home the trophy?

What I Liked: This book celebrates Escaramuza Charra, women’s Mexican rodeo, through an emotional story highlighting the strength of women and the bonds of a family. This book does a great job of showing how to manage emotions, deal with defeat and disappointment, and the importance and significance of a team.

The illustrations throughout this book are colorful and vibrant, bringing each page to life and helping to move the story along. The images do a fantastic job of capturing Rhea’s emotions in real time, and highlighting what is happening around her as she is stuck in her feelings. The image inside of Rhea’s eye as she sees others win the trophy is powerful as it then goes into an image where Rhea is shown but everyone else who is in attendance is line art highlighting how the day has transformed for her because of the loss.

This book includes many Spanish words that are distinguishable through context clues and the illustrations. IF you struggle to pronounce the words or want to gain a deeper understanding, then there is a glossary included in the back. There is also an image of the outfit that all the girls wear in the Rodeo with terms for each piece of the outfit. The closing of the book also includes a brief explanation about Escaramuza which is the only female event in Charreria.

Final Verdict: Rhea’s Rodeo is a story full of joy that incorporates family traditions, female bravado, competition, and what it means to win. This book is perfect for those who are looking to learn about Mexican traditions or want to read something that empowers young girls.