When This World Was New - Hardcover

Figueredo, D. H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1880000865 ISBN 13: 9781880000861

Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 1999

Synopsis

Having moved from their island homeland to New York, Danilito begins to fear the unknown of his new environment, but after it snows and he and his father spend a special day together, Danilito begins to have good feelings for his family's future in their new country.

About this title

About the Author:

D. H. Figueredo is the author of LEE & LOW's When This World Was New, a "Choices" selection from the Cooperative Children's Book Center. A native of Cuba who has lived in New Jersey since he was a teenager, Figueredo is currently a librarian at Bloomfield College and an associate professor of literature at Montclair State University. He lives in Piscataway, New Jersey, with his wife and their children. When This World Was New is his first picture book.

Enrique O. Sanchez has illustrated numerous award winning children's books. A native of the Dominican Republic, he splits his time between his homes in Bass Harbor, Maine, and Miami, Florida.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3-When his family leaves their warm Caribbean island to come to the United States, Danilito is apprehensive. Everything is new-the cold weather, the heavy clothing, the language. But the first morning in his new home brings the wondrous discovery of snow, "millions of white rose petals floating downwards," a magic that turns parked cars into polar bears and silences all sounds. Before Uncle Berto comes to drive Danilito to his new school and Pap to a factory job, father and son make snowballs and footprints together. Although the boy is still frightened, it's "not as much." The language is simple and the imagery is appropriate to the viewpoint of a young child. A few phrases of Spanish are used and translated. The rounded forms and soft colors in the acrylic paintings emphasize the gentle affection of this close-knit family. Mam 's smile, Pap 's anxious pleasure, and Danilito's joy in the snowfall are beautifully portrayed in warm tones. Danilito may worry about the unknown, but he accepts and embraces his new world so that even his greatest fear, falling on ice, becomes one more marvel, as readers see him on the last page ice skating while his smiling parents watch.
Marian Drabkin, Richmond Public Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1880000865
• ISBN 13: 9781880000861
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 36
• Illustrator: Sanchez Enrique O.