Book Cover
Justification
I chose this book because it won the Pura Belpre award for outstanding illustrations in 2018. What drew me to this book among the list of possible winners, was that it was a Latina spin on a traditional fairy tale. This book has a mix of Spanish and English words that add to the winsome nature of the book. The text has a musical quality to it that almost make the book feel like a song. The illustrations show so much emotion in capturing the facial expressions of the characters. La princesa and the pea is a delight to read.
Evaluation
The first aspect of quality writing that stuck out to me was the musical nature of the narrative. Susan Middleton Elya provides a cadence to her story through the use of rhyme. The rhyming patterns, punctuated with the perfect Spanish word to fill the phrasing, leave the reader feeling like it is more song than story. “The prince said, ‘Come in,’ but his mother; la reina, decided to test her. Would this girl be buena?” (Elya & Martinez-Neal, 2017, p. 10). The Spanish words that are chosen help to fill the meter of the phrasing and are used in such a way that young readers will have a good guess as to what the words mean. There is a glossary of the Spanish words that are used at the front of the book, but in most cases the context of the phrasing will allow the reader to determine the meaning.
The second thing I noticed was the illustrations. They are bright and inviting as well as depict traditional style and patterns that are seen in Latin culture. A closer look at the pages reveals a clue to how the story concludes. On each spread of pages there is a pitchfork hidden among the scenery as well as stones scattered across the illustrations. Later in the story we learn that the prince had hidden the pitchforks and stones among the mattresses to ensure that his true love would successfully pass his mother’s test. The illustrations also masterfully show the reader exactly how the characters are feeling as the story progresses. We can clearly see the love between the prince and princess and the distain on the face of the queen. The illustrations do an incredible job of accompanying the text to create a richer understanding of the story.
Another aspect of the story is the drawing of a line in the sand. The queen has decided that the girl in question must pass her test before she can be allowed to marry her son. As the reader of a familiar tale we are engaged with the story knowing that the girl will in fact pass the test. La princesa and the pea takes a new spin on this familiar story. “And still, to this day, the queen has no clue…The prince had put pitchforks and stones en la cama, to help his true love pass the test of Queen Momma” (Elya & Martinez-Neal, 2017, p. 29). We are let in on a little secret that shows how she was able to pass the grouchy queen’s test. While readers are likely to predict that the princess will indeed pass the queen’s test, they will probably be surprised to learn that the prince had a hand in ensuring his true love would be approved!
Response
(A) I had a personal connection to this book the moment I saw it. I was a previously a bilingual teacher to students in Kindergarten, First, and Second grades. I immediately thought of my former students as I was reading the text. I loved the way that Elya wove in Spanish words to the traditional story. My students would have loved this book, and I wished that I could share it with them. (D) Something that was highlighted in the story is the power of true love and making your own decisions. The queen thinks that she is helping her son by giving these prospective girls a challenging test to pass, when in fact the prince is lonely and longing for someone to spend his life with. After meeting the girl in the book and falling for her, he decides that enough is enough and he must take matters into his own hands to ensure that she will be his bride. He has decided what he wants and is willing to fight for it. This is an important life lesson, to be willing to fight for what you want, even if it means potentially crossing people who are important to you. (E) La princesa and the pea is well written and illustrated. It is sure to delight young readers who may or may not be familiar with the original fairy tale. The rhyming patterns, beautiful illustrations, and surprise ending are sure to make this book a favorite among primary students.
Conclusion
La princesa and the pea is a charming twist on a familiar fairy tale. The inclusion of Spanish words and traditional Latin dress show a glimpse in to another culture that students may or may not be familiar with. I would recommend this book for any library, classroom, or home collection. The musical quality of the writing and the beautiful illustrations make it a great selection. I would give it five out of five stars.
APA Citation
Elay, S. M., & Martinez-Neal, J. (2017). La princesa and the pea. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons.
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