Plot Summary
Niño is an active little boy with a huge imagination.For entertainment, he goes into his own little world and has his very own wrestling match! With special moves Niño competes and defeats his imaginary opponents. He comes back to reality when his little sisters wake from a nap and can’t “defeat them”, so he “joins them”!
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Niño is an active little boy with a huge imagination.For entertainment, he goes into his own little world and has his very own wrestling match! With special moves Niño competes and defeats his imaginary opponents. He comes back to reality when his little sisters wake from a nap and can’t “defeat them”, so he “joins them”!
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a fun comical read! Morales writing style brings me back to my childhood when my imagination was my only form of entertainment! The illustrations and the style of writing makes readers feel like they are sitting front row watching little Niño competing against his imaginary opponents!
There are many cultural markers that is noticeable throughout the book from the brown skin tone of the main character to the interlingual use of the Spanish language. Children all over the world will be able to connect with similarities of their culture to Niño’s because their love for imagination and wrestling! Morales does a great job merging the American and Spanish culture together from the toys Niño plays with and battles.Morales naturally integrates the Spanish language in this book and connects it to the illustrations making it easy for English readers to understand. At the end, instead of battling his little sisters he begins to play with his little sisters. This shows the positive impact love and family bond has on the Hispanic culture.
In the author’s note at the back of the book, readers will learn the historical context to this comical story. She explains that Lucha Libre also known as professional wrestling is a very popular sport not just in the United States, but also in Mexico and other Spanish countries. Readers will also learn about how significant masks were to the Spanish wrestlers. It explains the reason why Nino never took off his colorful mask. Lastly, the author’s note also includes an interesting fact about El Santos, a well known icon in the Spanish wrestling world. He never took off his mask, as a result no one ever knew his true identity even after death.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal (March 1, 2014)
“Taking on popular icons of the Mexican culture in playful wrestling matches, the little boy and his hijinks make perfect fodder for a giggle-filled storytime. Nino presents an excellent opportunity to introduce children to important characters in Latino culture.”
Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2013)
“Working in digital collage, Morales packs every polychromatic double-page spread with action, trying--not quite successfully, fortunately--to contain Niqo's energy within their frames.”
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