Summary; This is a little chapter book full of different poems. Most of these poems talk about the culture of Hispanic people. Its actually really good if you understand the culture. This could be taught in class by informing kids about different cultures like this book talking about the Mexican-American culture. Its a must read if you want to be informed. ( )

The poems feature different subjects like menudo, a cactus plant, and tortillas. Culture and diversity were present throughout the book as it is based on the Mexican culture.

Canto familiar is a collection of poems about different common tasks and places, accompanied by some beautiful illustrations that emphasize line. This book celebrates both Spanish and English, in language and culture. I like this book because of its unique poems and colorful illustrations, and would want to use it in my teaching because I think it is an interesting and less common form of poetry. I think Canto familiar is suitable for children in Grades K-4 and could be taught with themes on exploring different cultures, music, and poetry.

Eating While Reading

What is better
Than this book
And the churn of candy
In your mouth,
Or the balloon of bubble gum,
Or the crack of sunflower seeds,
Or the swig of soda,
Or the twist of beef jerky,
Or the slow slither
Of snow cone syrup
Running down your arms?

What is better than
This sweet dance
On the tongue,
And this book
That pulls you in?
It yells, “Over here!”
And you hurry along
With a red, sticky face.

This is a good simple poem that tries to get students to enjoy the simplicity of eating candy and reading a good book. It is a poem with great repetition and rich sense of visual imagery. I think kids would respond well to this poem and it could be a great to read as a part of a lesson's anticipatory set (perhaps to a halloween themed lesson where students must write creatively about candy?). ( )