Pablo and Pimienta/Pablo Y Pimienta (English and Spanish Edition) - Hardcover

Text: English, Spanish

Ages 5-8. There are few picture books about the experiences of migrant farmworkers; this bilingual story has an authentic ring and maintains the child's point of view. While the pivotal events seem unlikely, the adventure should hold the interest of young listeners. After Pablo is knocked off the back of his father's pickup during a rainstorm, he finds himself alone in the Mexican desert. Befriended by a coyote pup, Pablo names the critter Pimienta, and the duo spend the night together. The next day, Pablo and Pimienta make the long trek together to the U.S. border. Outwitting the border patrol, they meet up with Papa and Uncle Tomas on their way to Arizona's watermelon fields. The richly colored pictures are rendered in charcoal, acrylic, and oils. While the soft double-page spreads are awkward, the clearly defined full-page compositions are more skillfully composed. Julie Corsaro