The language in this book was beautiful. I LOVE that each poem was written in English and Spanish, showing the beauty of the Spanish language and how wonderfully it flows. I definitely enjoyed that I could read both languages and find similarities and differences. Each poem was spaced out a bit differently, but I loved it because it was very clear where the emphasis was and what the author wanted readers to see and feel. The colorful and vivid illustrations were definitely a plus in this book as well! ( )

I felt really relaxed and happy when I read this collection of poems. Each poem made me think of a different memory from my childhood backyard. The countless days that we spend as children exploring nature really forms our views of the world as adults so I find this book very powerful. ( )

Alarcón writes poems about the sun, songs that grandma would sing, and children working in the fields, and nature; dreaming about growing his/their own garden. Also talks about chiles, tomatoes, tortillas the poems and remembering songs that were sung by his grandma. The images that are illustrated are very bright and colorful, they are different and it grabbed my attention. The story is written and illustrated in a way that helps the story pop. It is great for a fun read and for older students that are going over poetry. ( )

"Laughing Tomatoes" tells the story of spring time though poetry. Each poem is describing something that pertains to springtime. The poetry in this book is also translated into Spanish, so these poems must have significance to the Hispanic culture. Some of the things described through the poems is the growing of corn, tomatoes, and chilies. The poems also point out things important in this culture like the celebration of Cinco De Mayo.

These poems did not have a specific rhythm to them, and they did not contain rhyme. I would say that this is a collection of narrative poems, as it tells the story of this culture. I enjoyed reading about new things that come in the spring time that hold importance in the Hispanic culture. I think the illustrations were amazing, and complement the story very well. ( )

Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems combine short unconnected poems with fantastic illustrations. Each page was alive and entertaining an full of color. I love that this book celebrated Mexican culture and various foods (and even Cesar Chavez at one point) in both English and Spanish. The best poem (in my opinion, of course) found in this book is called "Words are Birds". I just love the personification and comparisons made between two seemingly incomparable things like: "the letters on this page are the prints they leave by the sea". ( )