¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market!

This picture book graphic novel by Raúl the Third (Low Riders to the Center of the Earth) celebrates the richness of border-town culture. The artist shows Little Lobo and his dog Bernabé as they make deliveries to Mercado de Chauhtémoc la Curiosidad, “a maze of pathways, shops, and booths.” Spanish and English words intermingle on the page as Little Lobo goes first to a warehouse to pick up items merchants have asked for (“clothes pins—pinzas para la ropa”), then heads for the market. Witty, stylish panel artwork crackles with funky comic energy, and the market churns with activity as merchants sell sweets (Little Lobo buys a churro), make piñatas, and paint on velvet. Little Lobo brings the clothespins to Señor Duende, who gives him a comic book about his favorite luchador, El Toro. “It would be great if we could meet El Toro one day,” Little Lobo sighs. Miraculously, as if the pleasures of churros and comics were not enough, he gets to give his hero a ride home. Most pleasing is the market’s atmosphere of warmth and affection: “Siempre tiene prisa!” the jarmaker clucks fondly after Little Lobo: “Always in a hurry!” Spanish words define background objects throughout (fuego describes a fire breather’s warm emanation) and a Spanish-to-English glossary concludes this inventive picture book. Ages 4–7. [em](Apr.) [/em]