What can you do with a Rebozo?

Tafolla, C., & Córdova, A. (2008). What can you do with a Rebozo?. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press. ISBN: 1582462208
Plot Summary
What Can You Do With a Rebozo? is a warm light hearted adventure of a girl sharing her Mexican culture and the importance of her shawl. She uses her shawl for everything, from carrying her baby brother to making a costume out of it!

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Tafolla allows readers to learn about an important cultural marker in the Mexican culture which is a Rebozo! Through the illustrations, readers will learn that a Rebozo is a long wide cloth that can be used for many things from a baby carrier to a costume.  

The author’s  interlingual use of Spanish naturally exposes readers to the Spanish language.

Young readers will be attracted to another cultural marker in this book which is  the vibrant beautiful illustrations. Amy Cordova brings the Spanish culture to life with the bright traditional colors like yellow, red, blue, and green in the illustrations. In addition, the visuals gives readers an idea of certain traditions and customs they have from celebrating their birthday (hitting a piñata),  The illustrations also shares with readers certain Spanish customs such as birthday piñatas, dancing La Bamba, and family time. At the end of the book, readers will  value the significance of the little things in the Mexican culture.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

 Horn Book Guide (Fall 2009)

"Bright, colorful acrylic illustrations with flowing lines decorate this celebration of a rebozo (Mexican shawl). Lyrical rhyming text is narrated by a girl describing members of her extended family. This bilingual edition is an effective way to introduce a piece of cultural heritage. An author's note tells about the rebozo, as well as asking readers what they might do with one."

School Library Journal                                                                                                                

"Pictures of family life frame simply rhythmic text, and rich bands of jewel-toned acrylics highlight and demonstrate both the versatility of the shawl and the warm family relationships."

Connection
What can you do with? I don’t know, but you can check out another fun read by Tafolla!

What Can you do with a Paleta? Tafolla, C., & Morales, M. (2009). What can you do with a Paleta?. Berkeley, Calif: Tricycle Press. ISBN: 1582462895