Pura Belpre Illustrator Award or Honor Books

Andrews-Goebel, N. (2002). The pot that Juan built. Illus by David Diaz. New York: Lee and      Low Books

             This book is a cumulative rhyme that tells the story of Juan Quezada of Mata Ortiz, Mexico.  This rhyme takes us on the journey with Juan as he makes new discoveries that enhance his pottery art and has made both he and his town famous.  On the page opposite the poem is a biography of Juan and the history of his art.

            Pictures are beautifully illustrated using the orange-gold hue that is synonymous with much of the artistry and houses in Mexico.

 Genre:  Poetry

Format:  Picture Book

Suggested Age or Grade level (s):  Grades 2 - 6

Awards:  2003 ALA Notable

               2003 Best Books of English Language Arts

               2004 Pure’ Belpre Honor

 

Jaffe, N. (1996) The golden flower: a Taino a myth from Puerto Rico. Illus by Enrique O. Sanchez. Texas: Pinata Books.

            This is the story of how Puerto Rico was formed.  The tale is of land with no trees or water only a mountain.  A little boy who was looking food found a seed instead and over many days collected a pouch full of seeds which he decided to plant on the mountain.  From the seeds came a forest and special golden flower which grew into a pumpkin and glowed like the sun and gave the dry land something very special.

            Illustrations accurately show the barrenness of the land with use of varying colors of brown and orange.  The pictures given an impression like a quilt showing the lines where thinks have been sewn together.    

Genre:  Traditional Fantasy

Format:  Picture Book

Suggested Age or Grade level (s):  Grades K - 3

Awards:      1998 Pure’ Belpre Honor

 

Soto, G. (1995). Chato’s Kitchen. Illus. by Susan Guevara. New York: Putman and Grosset Group.

 
            As Chato the low riding cat stalks and sparrow on the road he hears the sound of feet which scares away his prey.  He looks over the fence to see a family of five plump mice on the move.  They see him and are frightened but he tells them not to fear for he only wants to invite them a tasty, I mean lovely, surprise dinner.  The mouse family agrees but asks if they can bring a friend, Chorizo, along.  The one more mouse for dinner is not a problem for Chato and his invited guest the more the merrier he thinks.  Wait until you see who is on the guest list.

            Well crafted story with vivid pictures that allow the audience to see what will happen before the characters realize what is in store.

 

Genre:  Fiction

Format:  Picture book

Suggested Age or Grade level (s):  Ages 4-7

Awards:   1996 ALA Notable Books for Children

                1996 Pura Belpre Award

                1995 Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Award