Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin



Review by Ariadna Sánchez

Keeping in touch with family members is of high importance because it allows a person to preserve heritage, culture and values.
In the book Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin by award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh, young readers have the opportunity to discover that Carlitos and Charlie defeat the differences as they share their daily routines through letters.
The pair has never met. Charlie lives in the United States and Carlitos lives in México. The relationship between the two cousins turns into an exciting and learning opportunity. Charlie resides in a cosmopolitan city with skyscrapers. He rides the subway to school, which he compares to “a long metal snake” and loves to play basketball. On the other hand, Carlitos dwells in a rural town where people grow maíz. Carlitos rides his bicicleta to school and enjoys playing fútbol.  After exchanging letters for some time, the two boys discover things that they have in common.  For instance, both of them go shopping with their mothers, play after school, have fun during special festivities, and celebrate holidays in a similar way. These series of events create a special connection between both of them. 
Tonatiuh’s shows through his impeccable illustrations the exquisite art of México. The story reaffirms that acceptance, friendship, and brotherhood creates strong bonds among persons. Having the opportunity to learn from a different culture is an open invitation to recognize the beauty of others.Visit your local library today. Remember reading gives you wings! Hasta pronto.
Author and Illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh 
reads Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin.

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