Magda's Tortillas / Las Tortillas de Magda (English and Spanish Edition) - Hardcover

Becky Chavarria-Chairez; Anne Vega

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1558852867 ISBN 13: 9781558852860

Publisher: Arte Publico Press, 2000

Synopsis

Even at the advanced age of seven, Magda Madrigal can remember back to when she was a little girl and would watch her abuela making tortillas. Having studied techniques of a master, she now feels confident of her own ability to turn out beautiful, delicious, and round tortillas. But somehow the rolling pin and the kitchen comal still hold a few surprises for the perplexed Magda and for her delighted family. Great art isn't always pretty, but in the case of "tortilla artist" Magda Madrigal, at least it's tasty.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2-On Magda's seventh birthday, her grandmother gives her a cooking lesson. The child struggles with the warm, soft dough, but cannot produce perfect, round tortillas like Abuela's. When the woman points out that the girl's pancake is shaped like a heart, her granddaughter is surprised, but still determined to make a round one. Subsequent efforts turn out other shapes-a star, a banana, and a hexagon, among others-all of which are served at Magda's merienda (afternoon snack in honor of a birthday). Though she is embarrassed by her creations and afraid everyone will laugh at her, her family is delighted with the shaped treats. Her Mam' calls her a "tortilla artist" and her uncle takes pictures. When Magda's cousins beg Abuela to teach them to bake, too, she tells them that she can only teach them how to make the dough, but that Madga holds the secret for making the special designs. The story is told in English and Spanish. Single-spread illustrations, generous in shape and color, capture the girl's exhilaration and enrich the flavors of the story. Abuela and Magda's periwinkle aprons and bright-colored clothing stand out against the warm butterscotch shades of the kitchen. The book has a celebratory tone blended with gentle themes of individuality and acceptance. Pair this with Gary Soto's Too Many Tamales (Putnam, 1993) for a festive ethnic treat.
Carolyn Stacey, Jefferson County Public Library, Arvada, CO
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Grade 2-4-Magda Madrigal is turning seven years old and her grandmother has promised to teach her how to make tortillas. She knows it is important to copy her grandmother's every move so that her tortillas will turn out round and perfectly formed. But it isn't as easy as it looks. All of Magda's attempts result in fanciful shapes: stars, hearts, bananas, hexagons, and lakes. She is very frustrated by what she sees as her failed attempts until she hears her family's delight and bathes in their praise of her first tortillas. Unfortunately for this heartwarming story, the Spanish text does not read as smoothly as the English. The translator tried too hard to render the English phrases into Spanish, resulting in stilted syntax. Despite this weakness, the translation is serviceable, and the subject covered will be well received by Mexican American readers for portraying their culture. The full-color illustrations feature a wide-eyed Magda in every scene. The artist has done a wonderful job of depicting a handsome Hispanic American family. A great pick for story-time activities in school and public libraries. Recommended for all bilingual collections. M.O.B.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Arte Publico Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1558852867
• ISBN 13: 9781558852860
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Anne Vega