Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Vida and her brother Máximo live in Ratontepec, or Mousetepec in English, a town full of life, where they help their mother sell piñatas in the bustling market. The town is full of joy, and people come together to buy delicious food, enjoy music, and dance. That all changes when a cat comes to the town, casting a shadow over the once-happy streets, and all the mice withdraw into their homes. Vida and Máximo decorate ordinary objects, such as bottles and cans, with vibrant colors to pass the time, creating stunning animals and decorative masks. Vida brings everyone together to create an alebrije, colorful and giant, to finally scare away the cat and bring jubilance back to the town. Vibrant spreads share the light found in Mousetepec that becomes shrouded in grays and shadows as the cat arrives. The mice are cheerful, and light fills the illustrations, while the cat is presented only as a shadow until the final reveal, which adds to the suspense. Tonatiuh's striking art will introduce readers to the alebrije, with an author's note providing more history on the art of wood carving in Mexico. A glossary, pronunciation guide, and bibliography accompany the text. VERDICT This Spanish picture book, available simultaneously in English, is a wonderful way to introduce the meaningful art and history of the alebrije while reminding readers that they can come together to shine a light in a shadow-filled world.--Selenia Paz
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