Guy, Ginger Foglesong. Siesta. Illustrated by Rene King Moreno. Greenwillow, 2005. ISBN
0060560614. $15.99. [32] p.
Reviewer: Selma Alexandre
Reading Level: Preschool, Primary
Rating: Excellent
Genre: Picture books;
Subject: Naps (Sleep)--Juvenile fiction; Brothers and sisters--Juvenile fiction; Bilingual books--
Juvenile fiction; Books--Reviews;
An afternoon nap, a simple part of the everyday world for most young children, is anything but ordinary in this cheerful, bilingual picture book by award-winner Ginger Guy. Siesta celebrates close sibling relationships along with the opportunity to experience alternating languages and learn color concepts.
The story unfolds as a brother and a sister make preparations for their backyard siesta. They gather colorful objects from around the house including a stuffed bear, a flute, and a blanket that has all the colors combined. Outside, the colored blanket over the clothesline serve as a tent where the children sing and play for their little bear before falling asleep. A bedtime serenade and a multicolored tent turn this backyard adventure into an exceptional childhood memory for two young children and their teddy. Rene Moreno's art is varied and appealing with bright ilustrations in pastels, watercolors, and pencils. The layout displays brief sentences in both Spanish and English, with the words for colors printed in their respective color. WIth its evident teaching value, Siesta is recommended for children ages four and beyond.
