Fiesta Fiasco - Softcover

Ethan Long is a freelance illustrator who works in many different styles, including mixed media, linework, and airbrush. He illustrated "The Confessions and Secrets of Howard J. Fingerhut" by Esther Hershenhorn. He lives in Orlando, Florida. To learn more about Ethan, visit his Web site at www.ethanlong.com.

It's Culebra the snake's birthday, and friends Conejo (rabbit), Tortuga (tortoise) and Iguana are gift shopping for his party. But finding perfect regalos causes some contention. Self-described "gift expert" Conejo convinces the other two he knows best, despite their doubts about giving a snake a hat, shirt, and pants. As Culebra opens his presents, it's soon apparent they're suspiciously perfect for Conejo, causing a little gift rift. But Conejo makes the presents right and amends with friends, and the festive celebration continues, replete with delicious torta. The characters of Mañana, Iguana (2004) return in this humorous, entertaining tale that also introduces the Spanish words for some familiar, everyday objects and events. Vibrant, patterned gouache-pencil illustrations, in a warm, sunny palette, depict the desert setting and expressive, cartoonlike animals with witty details, including whimsical takes on party games, like "Musical Rocks."The Spanish words are well incorporated and conveyed through context, repetition, and art, and a glossary with pronunciations is included. A fun story with a message about giving gifts with others in mind. Rosenfeld, Shelle
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