cover image Un Dia una Senora Se Trago una Campana! = There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell!

Un Dia una Senora Se Trago una Campana! = There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell!

Lucille Colandro. Scholastic en Espanol, $4.99 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-545-07859-7

PreSchool-2-With this story, Colandro creates a new Christmas-themed version of the traditional rhyme ""There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly"" to present a humorous look at Mrs. Claus. The items that she swallows are all associated with the holiday season: a bell, bows, gifts, a big bag, a sleigh, and finally, a reindeer. Of course, Mrs. Claus (never so named in the text) doesn't perish from her voracious appetite, but rather, whistles the objects out just as Santa is ready to begin his flight. The rhyming, repetitive text flows smoothly as it builds, and Lee's comic illustrations-which feature a lot of short black ink lines and cheery color fills-will appeal to young children. Attractive and amusing, this title represents a fun addition to bookstores' Christmas tables, and is also recommended for libraries.-Coop Renner, formerly from El Paso Independent School District, TX La Navidad con Diego.(Diego's Family Christmas)PreSchool-1-Based on the popular television show Go Diego Go!, this title has the protagonist and his family preparing to celebrate Christmas. But, what are animals doing to celebrate the holiday? The book takes readers on a journey through the Americas, Africa, and even under the sea to find out. Children will find whales caroling, lions and baboons working together to decorate a Christmas tree, and llamas and chinchillas feasting together. The message conveyed is about the importance of celebrating alongside family and friends, reinforced by the book's ending, which shows Diego spending the holiday alongside his loved ones. The durable board construction makes this title perfect for little hands, and the lighthearted message of the story is well complemented by the colorful illustrations of the well-known characters. [Note that this Spanish edition is being published simultaneously with the English -Ed.] Mercedes Smith, Kernan Trail Elementary, Jacksonville, FL