Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English

by Alma Flor Ada, Simon Silva (Illustrator)

Overview

In simple words and sun-drenched paintings, Alma Flor Ada and Simón Silva take us into the fields and orchards, and into the lives of the people who work them. Simple poems in Spanish and English, one for each letter of the Spanish alphabet, describe the wonder of the vegetable and fruit farms. Together, the poems and the rich illustrations celebrate the glory of nature and the hearts of all who dedicate their lives to working the land.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780688170677
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/09/2001
Edition description:	Spanish Language Edition
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	58,545
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.00(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Alma Flor Ada is an internationally published children's book author. She is the recipient of several prestigious honors, including the Pura Belpré Award, the Christopher Award, the José Martí World Award, and the Museum of Tolerance Award. She lives in Lucas Valley, California.

Alma Flor Ada es una autora de libros para niños reconocida y publicada internacionalmente. Ha recibido varios premios prestigiosos en Estados Unidos, entre ellos, el Pura Belpré y el José Martí.

Simóon SilvaHaving grown up a part of a migrant-working family, Simón Silva says, "I grew up with a certain amount of shame about who I was, and it wasn'tuntil I came to understand and appreciate my culture that I was able to find true purpose for myself and my art." This is Simón Silva's first book.

Editorial Reviews

PreS-Gr 5An alphabet book with exceptional illustrations and excellent poetry that gives voice to the experience of Hispanic agricultural workers. Each letter is matched with a Spanish word (for example, "Arboles" for "A") and accompanied by a poem in both Spanish and English that describes how the plant, fruit, vegetable, person, or feeling functions in the lives of these workers. Zubizarreta's English translations are informed and graceful, but predictably cannot match the Spanish originals in rhythm, assonance, or meter. Silva's vibrant, double-page, gouache illustrations are reminiscent of the artwork of Diego Rivera and Jos Clemente Orozco. The colors are brilliant, and the scope has a certain larger-than-life sense to it. This is a book that begs to be read aloud to all students, whether they are Spanish speaking or not. The sound of the poems will draw them in. The touching elegy for Csar Chvez successfully imparts the impact of a heroic man on his people. Whether used to show the plight of migrant workers or the pride Hispanic laborers feel in their heritage, this is an important book.Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA

School Library Journal