The Little Matador - Hardcover

Hector, Julian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1423107799 ISBN 13: 9781423107798

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2008

Synopsis

The Little Matador comes from a long line of proud bullfighters, but he would rather draw a bull than fight one! Despite his father’s best efforts to get him to follow tradition, the Little Matador spends most of days daydreaming and sketching animals in the meadow. 

One day when the Little Matador is caught “making a scene” in the town square drawing a scene, that is his father decides he’s had enough! The Little Matador gets dragged to the arena to face his first bull. He may have decided he’s not going to fight, but the bull has other plans. That is, of course, until the Little Matador pulls out his sketch pad. Our talented hero may have won over the bull, but can he overcome his father’s disapproval?

In this little book about dreaming big, first time author/illustrator Julian Hector teaches us all about the importance of being true to your heart even in the face of great family expectations and charging bulls!

About this title

About the Author:

Elise Primavera wrote and illustrated the first three books in the Fred & Anthony series,Fred & Anthony Escape from the Netherworld,Fred & Anthony Meet the Demented Super-Degerm-O Zombie,andFred & Anthony Meet the Heinie Goblins from the Black Lagoon. She is also the author/illustrator of theNew York TimesbestsellerAuntie Claus,and its sequel,Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas. She has been illustrating children's books for more than twenty years and has worked with authors such as Jane Yolen, Diane Stanley, Jean Fritz, Art Buchwald, and Delia Ephron. She also illustrated Jerdine Nolen's highly acclaimedRaising Dragons, recipient of several honors including the 1999 Christopher Award. She works from her home studio in New Jersey.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 1—Coming from a long line of distinguished bullfighters, the Little Matador is expected to continue his family's proud tradition. But bullfighting bores him and drawing animals makes him happy, to his father's horror. When he debuts in the ring and stops the charging animal by drawing a picture of it, the boy proves to the townsfolk and his parents that his talent is different but also special. The old-time setting is well conveyed through illustrations using muted colors for the most part, with the hero in a bright red matador's outfit. The succinct text is enriched by numerous visual touches that help tell the story: family portraits on the walls—all of matadors; the authentic-looking arena off the town square; the Little Matador's room with books and pictures that suggest his interests in the larger world outside his town. This handsome endeavor will appeal particularly to youngsters who are familiar with bullfighting traditions. However, its emphasis on being different and finding your own talents is a good message for all children. Pair this title with Munro Leaf's classic Ferdinand for an interesting storytime on individuality.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
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About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1423107799
• ISBN 13: 9781423107798
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Hector Julian