La Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred

Written by Samantha Vamos

Charlesbridge 2011

This bilingual celebration with a delicious ending is the story of a maiden and farm animals working together to make rice pudding they serve at a fiesta. With the familiarity of

"The House That Jack Built," this story bubbles and builds just like the ingredients of the

arroz con leche that everyone enjoys. Cleverly incorporating Spanish words, adding a new one in place of the English word from the previous page, this book makes learning Spanish easy and fun. Rafael Lopez covers each page with vibrant, exuberant color, celebrating tradition and community.

AWARDS

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Pura Belpré Honor Illustration

2012

Monarch Award

2013

School Library Journal Starred Review

2013

ALSC Notable Childrens Books Selection

2012

Kirkus Starred Review

2012

New York Public Library 100 Titles for
Reading and Sharing Selection

2012

Texas Library Association

Texas 2x2 Reading List Selection

2012

REVIEWS

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“The artistry of this book makes it a must buy for all libraries”.

School Library Journal

2012

 

I’m really taken with López’s illustrations, acrylics on grained wood. There’s so much joy and humor depicted in his artwork. Or, as the experts write (in this case, Publishers Weekly), “López’s acrylics-on-wood paintings have a burnished copper glow, while the menagerie exudes cartoonish joie de vivre.” Adds Kirkus, “López’s artwork, with its desert palette punctuated by brilliant primary colors and its graphic, hard edges, suggestive of folk art, is a perfect match.

His sophisticated, multilayered textures create depth, give form and work together

to create an image that’s easily readable, humorous and harmonious.”

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Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast 

2012