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My Abuelita
Winner of a 2010 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor!
Abuelita’s hair is the color of salt. Her face is as crinkled as a dried chile. She booms out words as wild as blossoms blooming. She stuffs her carcacha—her jalopy—with all the things she needs: a plumed snake, a castle, a skeleton, and more. Her grandson knows he has the most amazing grandmother ever—with a very important job. What does Abuelita do? With her booming voice and wonderful props, Abuelita is a storyteller. Next to being a grandmother, that may be the most important job of all.
Sprinkled with Spanish and infused with love, My Abuelita is a glorious celebration of family, imagination, and the power of story.
Abuelita’s hair is the color of salt. Her face is as crinkled as a dried chile. She booms out words as wild as blossoms blooming. She stuffs her carcacha—her jalopy—with all the things she needs: a plumed snake, a castle, a skeleton, and more. Her grandson knows he has the most amazing grandmother ever—with a very important job. What does Abuelita do? With her booming voice and wonderful props, Abuelita is a storyteller. Next to being a grandmother, that may be the most important job of all.
Sprinkled with Spanish and infused with love, My Abuelita is a glorious celebration of family, imagination, and the power of story.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2009
About the author
Tony Johnston
132 books55 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Tony Johnston has written many acclaimed books for young people. She and her husband lived in Mexico for fifteen years, where they raised their children. She now lives in San Marino, California.
Tony Johnston has written many acclaimed books for young people. She and her husband lived in Mexico for fifteen years, where they raised their children. She now lives in San Marino, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 15, 2019
A young boy narrates this story about his Abuelita, and how she gets ready for her day. The routines and rituals of their mornings together - a shower and bath, respectively; a meal with starry (fried) eggs; some singing and yodeling together, along with Abuelita's cat, Frida Khalo - are lovingly described. Finally, the boy "helps" his grandmother get dressed for her job, which turns out to be working as the at the local library...
With an engaging narrative from author Tony Johnston, and eye-catching artwork from illustrator Yuyi Morales, My Abuelita is a sweet tribute, both to the loving relationship between a little boy and his grandmother, and to the important role of stories in the community. The text is sprinkled with Spanish words, all explained in the course of the story. The artwork, "created with polymer clay, wire, felting wool, acrylic paints, fabric, wood, metals, and Mexican crafts," netted Yuyi Morales a Pura Belre Honor, in the category of illustrator. Although a little sinister - I always have mixed feelings about these posed doll/figurine illustrations - the visuals here are also quite inventive. The clay figures were photographed by Tim O'Meara. All in all, a lovely book, one I would recommend to those readers looking for children's stories about grandparents and/or storytellers, as well as to those seeking picture-books with a Latino cultural background.
With an engaging narrative from author Tony Johnston, and eye-catching artwork from illustrator Yuyi Morales, My Abuelita is a sweet tribute, both to the loving relationship between a little boy and his grandmother, and to the important role of stories in the community. The text is sprinkled with Spanish words, all explained in the course of the story. The artwork, "created with polymer clay, wire, felting wool, acrylic paints, fabric, wood, metals, and Mexican crafts," netted Yuyi Morales a Pura Belre Honor, in the category of illustrator. Although a little sinister - I always have mixed feelings about these posed doll/figurine illustrations - the visuals here are also quite inventive. The clay figures were photographed by Tim O'Meara. All in all, a lovely book, one I would recommend to those readers looking for children's stories about grandparents and/or storytellers, as well as to those seeking picture-books with a Latino cultural background.
October 17, 2018
Recommended Grade Levels: K-3
Themes: Family, imagination, and multiculturalism
Summary:
A young child lives with his grandmother, Abuelita. Through the book, this young boy explains the daily morning routine that the two of them complete together. Starting with stretching and moving the body to showering and eating breakfast, the narrator explains in English with Spanish peppered throughout just how special his abuelita is to him, even in simple, daily activities. Throughout their morning routine, Abuelita is clearly warming up her voice for something later, but readers are left in the dark as to what specifically she does for her profession. Prior to departing from the house, the two main characters pack an assortment of props into the car. These props range from stalks of corn to a skeleton. At the end, Abuelita puts on a show for children, dramatically showcasing her storytelling abilities. The little boy is proud, admitting that when he grows old, he wants to be just like his abuelita.
Personal response:
I enjoyed this book very much because I, too, had a special connection with my grandma. Although she is deceased, I distinctly recall many adventures I had with her in Germany, both in the house and in nature. The multiculturalism of this book further connects me to my grandma, as my grandma, “Oma” instead of “Abuelita”, is German. With my grandmother not being able to speak any English, the use of another language became one of the many mediums which connected us. In the book, Abuelita cooks breakfast for the little boy. This reminded me of the times when I ate wonderful meals from my Oma in her kitchen. I looked up to my grandmother as she was a powerful role model in my life, just as the little boy looks up to his grandmother in this book.
Note about illustrations:
Yuyi Morales is the illustrator of this book. To make the scenes in this story, Morales used a variety of mediums. She manipulated polymer clay, wire, wool, and other supplies to first hand-make models to photograph. She then positioned these 3-D objects and photographed them. After photographing, Morales digitally transformed the image into the final product shown in the pages of the book. The text is laid on top of the photo, seamlessly becoming part of the overall story and working together with the picture to convey a more wholistic image. The “Glub! Glub! Glub!” floats across the page in waves when it is bath time, and the “¡Ay!” is printed in a thin, spindly script that helps the readers imagine its sound. This book appeals to children with its use of detailed, colorful pictures and doll-like images.
Reader Response/Classroom Connections:
As an extension to this book, children may write their own short story, telling the class about someone older than them whom they look up to. It does not have to be a biological grandma; it can be anyone who assumes the part of a role model to that child. The book can have pictures of the person, real or drawn, and can be a step stool towards a lesson in composing biographies. Once every child is finished publishing his or her book, children may take turns sharing theirs on a day when these role models or their family members are invited to the classroom to celebrate the publishing.
As a tribute to Yuyi Morales’ artistic designs for this book, students may make their own scene in a similar fashion to the artistic style found in this book. They may choose one scene of their life that brings them a happy memory. This scene will first be drafted out on paper in pencil. Then, with the use of clay, wire, paint, cloth, beads, and other manipulatives, the children may build a 3-D version of their scene. Once the 3-D model is complete, children will photograph their scene with the help of the teacher and use photoshop to polish up the photograph. When all scenes are complete, they may be printed out onto large posters and hung about the room for the class’ very own art gallery.
Themes: Family, imagination, and multiculturalism
Summary:
A young child lives with his grandmother, Abuelita. Through the book, this young boy explains the daily morning routine that the two of them complete together. Starting with stretching and moving the body to showering and eating breakfast, the narrator explains in English with Spanish peppered throughout just how special his abuelita is to him, even in simple, daily activities. Throughout their morning routine, Abuelita is clearly warming up her voice for something later, but readers are left in the dark as to what specifically she does for her profession. Prior to departing from the house, the two main characters pack an assortment of props into the car. These props range from stalks of corn to a skeleton. At the end, Abuelita puts on a show for children, dramatically showcasing her storytelling abilities. The little boy is proud, admitting that when he grows old, he wants to be just like his abuelita.
Personal response:
I enjoyed this book very much because I, too, had a special connection with my grandma. Although she is deceased, I distinctly recall many adventures I had with her in Germany, both in the house and in nature. The multiculturalism of this book further connects me to my grandma, as my grandma, “Oma” instead of “Abuelita”, is German. With my grandmother not being able to speak any English, the use of another language became one of the many mediums which connected us. In the book, Abuelita cooks breakfast for the little boy. This reminded me of the times when I ate wonderful meals from my Oma in her kitchen. I looked up to my grandmother as she was a powerful role model in my life, just as the little boy looks up to his grandmother in this book.
Note about illustrations:
Yuyi Morales is the illustrator of this book. To make the scenes in this story, Morales used a variety of mediums. She manipulated polymer clay, wire, wool, and other supplies to first hand-make models to photograph. She then positioned these 3-D objects and photographed them. After photographing, Morales digitally transformed the image into the final product shown in the pages of the book. The text is laid on top of the photo, seamlessly becoming part of the overall story and working together with the picture to convey a more wholistic image. The “Glub! Glub! Glub!” floats across the page in waves when it is bath time, and the “¡Ay!” is printed in a thin, spindly script that helps the readers imagine its sound. This book appeals to children with its use of detailed, colorful pictures and doll-like images.
Reader Response/Classroom Connections:
As an extension to this book, children may write their own short story, telling the class about someone older than them whom they look up to. It does not have to be a biological grandma; it can be anyone who assumes the part of a role model to that child. The book can have pictures of the person, real or drawn, and can be a step stool towards a lesson in composing biographies. Once every child is finished publishing his or her book, children may take turns sharing theirs on a day when these role models or their family members are invited to the classroom to celebrate the publishing.
As a tribute to Yuyi Morales’ artistic designs for this book, students may make their own scene in a similar fashion to the artistic style found in this book. They may choose one scene of their life that brings them a happy memory. This scene will first be drafted out on paper in pencil. Then, with the use of clay, wire, paint, cloth, beads, and other manipulatives, the children may build a 3-D version of their scene. Once the 3-D model is complete, children will photograph their scene with the help of the teacher and use photoshop to polish up the photograph. When all scenes are complete, they may be printed out onto large posters and hung about the room for the class’ very own art gallery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2016
This story is about a child and their grandmother. The boy tells us about her and how she lives with him. Describing her features and what they do together. He walks us through their routine of stretching, showering, preparing breakfast, and getting ready before she goes to work. She hums and sings with the boy to prepare her voice for work. He helps make sure she hasn’t forgotten anything and joins her during every step of the routine. She asks him if she is ready for work, and he tells her what all she still must do. They finally finish getting ready and the boy insures his Abuelita has not forgotten any important items. They ride together to her work, and he assists her with arranging her things. They finally establish that she is ready and a crowd of children form around her. She then begins telling the children a story. He tells the reader that when he is older, he wants to be a story teller like her. Some Spanish words are incorporated in sentences, which is also translated in English. This book is best used with students ranging from preschool to second grade. This can be used when teaching students to help and be kind to others. Students that are close with their grandparents or have a grandparent living with them will most likely connect personally with this book. While in a group setting, students can talk about all the ways the boy helped his abuela, or grandmother, and how they can help their families. This can also be done with the entire class. Students can take turns telling the teacher how the boy helped his abuela, or grandmother, and how they can help their families each day. Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud is a related book that teaches students to help others and be kind. My Abuelita does not have any multimedia connections.
April 20, 2014
My Abuelita is a GREAT children's book. The story is about a little boy and his grandmother (and the cat), throughout the book the boy is describing his grandmother, and their day to day activities: Waking up with the sun, shower/bath time, and breakfast of "huevos estrellados" (starry eggs) among other special things. The little boy mentions the grandmothers important work, work that she loves, throughout the story, at the end we find out that abuelita is a storyteller and the young boy hopes to one day become a storyteller too! From the way the boy describes his abuelita- “Her face is as crinkled as a dried chile”, and the Spanish words mixed throughout, the writing and storytelling by Tony Johnston was absolutely perfect. You add to the excellent writing beautifully whimsy and magical illustrations by Yuyi Morales and you get one of my favorite children’s books. My Abuelita is a must read.
March 12, 2010
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Enough to Eat, March 11, 2010
When I was younger, my neighbor's mom used to make apple-head dolls. Apparently this was some strange Kansas custom that she brought with her to Ohio. I remember wondering what arcane process she used to transform a juicy delicious apple into the wizened little faces that topped her efforts. Yuyi Morales seems to have brought a modern version of the apple-head to her latest work of art. Not content with the rich, colorful perfection of her earlier paintings, Morales now brings a sense of dimensionality to her work, by creating and photographing dolls of her characters. Still there are the vibrant colors, the curved, flowing compositions and the expressive, connected characters. But now they fairly jump off the page. Kids will love this story, a homage to grannies and storytellers everywhere.
May 7, 2019
In this Pura Belpre award winning book, we learn about a little boy and his day to day life with his grandma, or Abuelita, as he calls her. The illustrations are very bold and vibrant and bring the readers right to where it all happens. The boy tells us about Abuelita's daily routine and her extravagent ways of doing things while getting ready. His love and admiration for her is very prevalent throughout the story. The boy wants to do what his grandma does, which we find out at the end is being a storyteller.
May 28, 2010
I am a big fan of Yuyi's work, and she ventured into a new medium here. She is a miracle worker with the clay puppets as she is with acrylics. She is brave, adventurous and innovative and this book proves even more than her previous books have.
April 14, 2010
I just loved this little boy's relationship with his grandmother - it's a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and finding joy in life.
September 11, 2013
My kids loved this book. It is a great book to use for Similes- Figurative Language. I plan on added this book to my teaching books to do with all my kids every year. :)
November 20, 2017
Some words in Spanish, but not many and the meaning is clear from context.
A boy helps his grandmother get ready for the work day. Her job? Storyteller!
Illustrations are 3D mixed media.
A boy helps his grandmother get ready for the work day. Her job? Storyteller!
Illustrations are 3D mixed media.
October 30, 2019
What a beautiful and sweet story! My Abuelita, written by Tony Johnston, tells the wonderful story of a young boy and his adored grandmother, abuelita. Abuelita is round like a pumpkin, has hair the color of salt, and a face as crinkled as a chile. Above all else, she is an incredible story teller. The book explains how abuelita gets ready for the day, such as stretching, taking a shower, making breakfast, yodeling, and getting dressed. Abuelita is preparing for her job, which is working as a storyteller for young boys and girls. At the end, her grandson explains how he wants to be a storyteller just like his abuelita. This book would be perfect for ages 5-8. I think kids in a 1st-4th grade classroom would enjoy this story. The book introduces basic Spanish words and their meanings, which is beneficial for young children to be familiarized with such simple words. The double page illustrations are incredible! Not only are they 3D, but they are vibrant, detailed, captivating, and lively. The movements on the pages work to bring the story to life. The facial expressions of Abuelita and her grandson portray their emotions perfectly! Overall, I adore this book, and I think everyone who reads it will agree.
March 16, 2013
Audience:This book would appeal to primary elementary students K-3.
Appeal: Boys and girls will enjoy the illustrations in this book as some of the objects are in 3D.
Application: I would use this as a read aloud in my classroom. Then I would list the Spanish words used in the story and together as a class we would figure out the definitions. This could be used as an introduction to culture.
Award: Pura Belpre Award 2010
Copyright: 2009
School Library Journal
( August 01, 2009; 9780152163303 )
PreS-Gr 1-A boy describes the morning routine he shares with his grandmother as she prepares for work. Flights of fancy enliven the tasks of bathing, eating breakfast, and dressing. When the pair arrive at her workplace, readers discover that Abuelita is a storyteller-a calling that her grandson shares. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout, often followed by brief definitions. For example, the boy says, "I live with my grandma.I call her Abuelita." Johnston effectively engages young readers' interest by mentioning the woman's work, but not revealing what she does until the final page. Morales's bold, innovative illustrations brilliantly reinforce the text. On one spread, Johnston writes that Abuelita is "robust.like a calabaza. A pumpkin." On the left, children see a cheerful, round person, while a mirror on the right shows a pumpkin with Abuelita's smiling face. The illustrations represent a fresh new direction for Morales. Characters molded from polymer clay are dressed in brightly patterned fabrics and placed among images that evoke Mexican art. Abuelita's mirror is framed by traditional metalwork, and her storytelling props include a winged serpent and a Day of the Dead skeleton. While the story is firmly placed in a Mexican context, children of all ethnic and racial backgrounds will be drawn to the eye-catching illustrations and the universal story of a loving intergenerational relationship.-Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
I agree with the School Library Journal, the colorful illustrations pop out to the reader. It helps children connect the illustrations to the text.
Appeal: Boys and girls will enjoy the illustrations in this book as some of the objects are in 3D.
Application: I would use this as a read aloud in my classroom. Then I would list the Spanish words used in the story and together as a class we would figure out the definitions. This could be used as an introduction to culture.
Award: Pura Belpre Award 2010
Copyright: 2009
School Library Journal
( August 01, 2009; 9780152163303 )
PreS-Gr 1-A boy describes the morning routine he shares with his grandmother as she prepares for work. Flights of fancy enliven the tasks of bathing, eating breakfast, and dressing. When the pair arrive at her workplace, readers discover that Abuelita is a storyteller-a calling that her grandson shares. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout, often followed by brief definitions. For example, the boy says, "I live with my grandma.I call her Abuelita." Johnston effectively engages young readers' interest by mentioning the woman's work, but not revealing what she does until the final page. Morales's bold, innovative illustrations brilliantly reinforce the text. On one spread, Johnston writes that Abuelita is "robust.like a calabaza. A pumpkin." On the left, children see a cheerful, round person, while a mirror on the right shows a pumpkin with Abuelita's smiling face. The illustrations represent a fresh new direction for Morales. Characters molded from polymer clay are dressed in brightly patterned fabrics and placed among images that evoke Mexican art. Abuelita's mirror is framed by traditional metalwork, and her storytelling props include a winged serpent and a Day of the Dead skeleton. While the story is firmly placed in a Mexican context, children of all ethnic and racial backgrounds will be drawn to the eye-catching illustrations and the universal story of a loving intergenerational relationship.-Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
I agree with the School Library Journal, the colorful illustrations pop out to the reader. It helps children connect the illustrations to the text.
December 15, 2014
My Abuelita is written by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Yuyi Morales. The story is about a little boy who lives with his grandmother or Abuelita. He cares very much for her and loves her so very much too. The story starts with the little boy telling about the grandmothers’ routine that she does every morning before leaving for work. One day when they arrive to her work, the little boy realizes what she does. The grandmother is a story teller who tells stories to little children every day. The little boy admires his grandmother so much and believes she is the most amazing person ever. He hopes to one day be able to perform on stage and be just like his Abuelita.
This book is a great culturally diverse book for young readers. In a classroom with ELL students, they will able to read and relate to this story through the language of the book. Students who are not ELL’s will also be able to relate to this book if they have a grandmother or someone else they admire and look up to as a good role model.
This book has received the Pura Belpré award for Latino authors/illustrators. The pictures are done in creative way through making the characters out of clay and then photographing them in each of the different scenes. The pictures are bold and vibrant and I think students will enjoy looking at them.
I would use this book in a 1st to 3rd class. In my classroom, I would read this story to them and then have them do an activity afterward. The activity would be for the students to first think about someone they admire or look up to. I would have the students brainstorm reasons why in their journal. Then they would write a few sentences on lined paper about why they look up to them as good role model and draw a picture of this person. I would have them share their writing and drawings with the class once they are all completed and then display them in the hallway for everyone to see.
This book is a great culturally diverse book for young readers. In a classroom with ELL students, they will able to read and relate to this story through the language of the book. Students who are not ELL’s will also be able to relate to this book if they have a grandmother or someone else they admire and look up to as a good role model.
This book has received the Pura Belpré award for Latino authors/illustrators. The pictures are done in creative way through making the characters out of clay and then photographing them in each of the different scenes. The pictures are bold and vibrant and I think students will enjoy looking at them.
I would use this book in a 1st to 3rd class. In my classroom, I would read this story to them and then have them do an activity afterward. The activity would be for the students to first think about someone they admire or look up to. I would have the students brainstorm reasons why in their journal. Then they would write a few sentences on lined paper about why they look up to them as good role model and draw a picture of this person. I would have them share their writing and drawings with the class once they are all completed and then display them in the hallway for everyone to see.
March 5, 2013
This story is a celebration of power, family, and imagination. Tony loves his grandmother so much and she has so many different jobs, he wants to know what it is his that his Abuelita does. Abuelita means grandmother in Spanish. The main characters in this fiction story are Abuelita, the grandmother, and Tony, the author/narrator in the book.
This text is appropriate for instructional use because it can teach about using your imagination, the importance of family and learning a new language (Spanish). The students could talk about the different things that they do with their family, specifically grandparents, and they could say the Spanish words as a class on each page of the book. Ex: the author says a different Spanish word on each page of the book and points it out as a learning tool.
The author and illustrator’s cultural backgrounds relate to the content of the text in many different ways. Johnston has written many different Spanish poems, and she spent years living in Mexico. The illustrator, Yuyi Morales is born and raised in Mexico, so both of these women have a Mexican and or Spanish background. The author did a great job incorporating the Spanish words in the story, and the illustrator did great with bringing out the Mexican abstract in the pictures. Abuelita has on Spanish clothing in the story. This text can teach children that there are many different types of grandmothers. Grandmothers who are darker skinned, grandmothers who are lighter skinned, and grandmothers who do different things. Everyone has their own special way of spending time with their grandmother.
This text is appropriate for instructional use because it can teach about using your imagination, the importance of family and learning a new language (Spanish). The students could talk about the different things that they do with their family, specifically grandparents, and they could say the Spanish words as a class on each page of the book. Ex: the author says a different Spanish word on each page of the book and points it out as a learning tool.
The author and illustrator’s cultural backgrounds relate to the content of the text in many different ways. Johnston has written many different Spanish poems, and she spent years living in Mexico. The illustrator, Yuyi Morales is born and raised in Mexico, so both of these women have a Mexican and or Spanish background. The author did a great job incorporating the Spanish words in the story, and the illustrator did great with bringing out the Mexican abstract in the pictures. Abuelita has on Spanish clothing in the story. This text can teach children that there are many different types of grandmothers. Grandmothers who are darker skinned, grandmothers who are lighter skinned, and grandmothers who do different things. Everyone has their own special way of spending time with their grandmother.
March 4, 2013
The main idea of the story is trying to figure out what Abuelita does for a living. This story is a celebration of power, family, and imagination. Tony loves his grandmother so much and has so many different jobs and he wants to know what does his Abuelita do. The main characters in the story are Abuelita, the grandmother, and Tony, the author/ narrator in the book. This text is a fiction book.
This text is appropriate for instructional use because it can teach about using your imagination, the importance of family and learning a new language (Spanish). The students could talk about the different things that the do with their grandparents, and they could say the Spanish words as a class on each page of the book. Ex: the author says a different Spanish word on each page of the book and points it out as a learning tool.
The author and illustrator’s cultural backgrounds relate to the content of the text in many different ways. Johnston has written many different Spanish poems and she spent years living in Mexico. The illustrator, Yuyi Morales is born and raised in Mexico. So both of these women have a Mexican and or Spanish background. The author did a great job incorporating the Spanish words in the story and the illustrator did great with brining out the Mexican abstract in the pictures. Abuelita has on Spanish material and the story. This text can teach children that there are many different types of grandmothers. Grandmothers who are darker skinned, grandmothers who are lighter skinned, and grandmothers who do different things. Everyone has their own special way of spending time with their grandmother.
This text is appropriate for instructional use because it can teach about using your imagination, the importance of family and learning a new language (Spanish). The students could talk about the different things that the do with their grandparents, and they could say the Spanish words as a class on each page of the book. Ex: the author says a different Spanish word on each page of the book and points it out as a learning tool.
The author and illustrator’s cultural backgrounds relate to the content of the text in many different ways. Johnston has written many different Spanish poems and she spent years living in Mexico. The illustrator, Yuyi Morales is born and raised in Mexico. So both of these women have a Mexican and or Spanish background. The author did a great job incorporating the Spanish words in the story and the illustrator did great with brining out the Mexican abstract in the pictures. Abuelita has on Spanish material and the story. This text can teach children that there are many different types of grandmothers. Grandmothers who are darker skinned, grandmothers who are lighter skinned, and grandmothers who do different things. Everyone has their own special way of spending time with their grandmother.
November 18, 2015
Johnston, T. My Abuelita. Harcourt Children’s Books, 2009. 32 pg. Gr. K-3
This multicultural story is about a child who loves his grandmother whom he calls, Abuelita. Abuelita has hair the color of salt and is round like a pumpkin. She does not seem to care what others think of her because she has an out-going personality. Well she has too because she is a story-teller and her grandson is her helper to make sure she is in check and ready for each show! Because Abuelita is such a positive person many want to be like her; especially her grandson. When he is old with hair as white as salt and pumpkin shaped, he wants to be a story teller.
This is a great story for children to learn about others and relationships that occur between two people. They can connect to this story because many children aspire to be like someone when they grow up. To connect it to learning I would have the students each write or draw a story about a time someone older in their family did something that made the child want to be like that person. They will also include if they were an influence in the special something their family member did. When they finish the story they will share it with the class. Another connection that they can share with the class when they are done is make-up their own story that they would want to tell if they were a story-teller. For those that cannot write a story yet they can draw a picture and the teacher can help them or they can take it home and have a family member write out what they would want to tell. This allows a guardian to be involved in the child’s education.
This multicultural story is about a child who loves his grandmother whom he calls, Abuelita. Abuelita has hair the color of salt and is round like a pumpkin. She does not seem to care what others think of her because she has an out-going personality. Well she has too because she is a story-teller and her grandson is her helper to make sure she is in check and ready for each show! Because Abuelita is such a positive person many want to be like her; especially her grandson. When he is old with hair as white as salt and pumpkin shaped, he wants to be a story teller.
This is a great story for children to learn about others and relationships that occur between two people. They can connect to this story because many children aspire to be like someone when they grow up. To connect it to learning I would have the students each write or draw a story about a time someone older in their family did something that made the child want to be like that person. They will also include if they were an influence in the special something their family member did. When they finish the story they will share it with the class. Another connection that they can share with the class when they are done is make-up their own story that they would want to tell if they were a story-teller. For those that cannot write a story yet they can draw a picture and the teacher can help them or they can take it home and have a family member write out what they would want to tell. This allows a guardian to be involved in the child’s education.
October 23, 2019
When reading this book to a group of preK kids, I had them act out parts of Abuelita's morning routine. My tongue got a little bit twisted over the Spanish words (sorry Spanish-speaking friends! I tried!) but I thought it was a fun read. I don't think any of the kids in my group guessed that Abuelita was a storyteller but I think older kids might.
December 15, 2015
Annotation: The main character and her Abuelita have a strong relationship together. They wake up around the same time, they stretch together, they get breakfast together, and then they get ready to start their day. Abuelita likes to sing and yodel saying it prepares her for work. On this certain day getting ready for work Abuelita almost forgets to change out of her robe into her clothes. Then they get in the car together and they travel together to Abuelita's work with lots of props in the back seat. When they finally arrive to the place they are traveling, they find that Abuelita is a storyteller at a library.
Classroom Connection/Reader Response: This book won the Pura Belpre Honor award, which is given to Latino cultured books for children. Teachers could gather together a few other Belpre honor award books for students to read, and then they could complete a Venn diagram of the stories, basing the Venn Diagram on the illustrations and story, do both the stories have really good illustrations, are the stories similar or different who are the main characters etc. They could then hang the Venn diagrams around the room to display all the Pura Belpre award books for Latino Culture. Focusing on the book itself students could draw or find pictures of themselves and there grandma for a collage which then they can share with the class, and bring their grandma in to share.
Classroom Connection/Reader Response: This book won the Pura Belpre Honor award, which is given to Latino cultured books for children. Teachers could gather together a few other Belpre honor award books for students to read, and then they could complete a Venn diagram of the stories, basing the Venn Diagram on the illustrations and story, do both the stories have really good illustrations, are the stories similar or different who are the main characters etc. They could then hang the Venn diagrams around the room to display all the Pura Belpre award books for Latino Culture. Focusing on the book itself students could draw or find pictures of themselves and there grandma for a collage which then they can share with the class, and bring their grandma in to share.
November 4, 2014
Summary: Abuelita’s grandson admired and loved her. He tells a story of her- describing her looks, her morning routine, and her job. Abuelita inspires her grandson. He wants to do what his grandma does- perform and tells a story on stage to the audience.
Personal Response/Critical Response: I enjoyed this book. It was culturally diverse and Spanish students will be able to relate to this book. Not only will Spanish children be able to relate to this book but all children will be able to if they have a grandparent that they look up to. I feel like all the children in my class will enjoy and be interested in this book.
Description of Illustrations: The illustrations are bold and vibrant. The illustrations are cartoony but look real in a way. I like the pictures a lot in this book!
Classroom Connections: After reading this book aloud to my class, I will have each student write a little story about a person they look up to—describing what they look like, things they like about them, and then draw a picture of this person. I could also have these children bring in these favorite people in their lives and share them with the class. I could also have them construct and all about me collage that talks about that person and displays them and what they mean to the student.
Personal Response/Critical Response: I enjoyed this book. It was culturally diverse and Spanish students will be able to relate to this book. Not only will Spanish children be able to relate to this book but all children will be able to if they have a grandparent that they look up to. I feel like all the children in my class will enjoy and be interested in this book.
Description of Illustrations: The illustrations are bold and vibrant. The illustrations are cartoony but look real in a way. I like the pictures a lot in this book!
Classroom Connections: After reading this book aloud to my class, I will have each student write a little story about a person they look up to—describing what they look like, things they like about them, and then draw a picture of this person. I could also have these children bring in these favorite people in their lives and share them with the class. I could also have them construct and all about me collage that talks about that person and displays them and what they mean to the student.
February 8, 2015
Tony Johnston's and Yuyi Morales story about a young boys storyteller grandma is truly amazing. Morales digital photographs of Morales’s unique polymer-clay sculptures, which are unique to Mexican colors and crafts brighten up the story. Grandma (Abuelita) is described with many similes (She is as old as the hills), but no matter what she does, the young boy loves her, and she loves him. They incorporate some spanish words in the story, which add to the meaning of the story.
The story takes place with grandma getting ready for work, and what she does each morning. The young boy gets ready with his grandma each morning, helping her make breakfast, and singing with her. The young boy repeats many times that no matter what his grandma is like, "he loves her and she loves me". This story shows the young boy looking up to his grandma, and that he wants to be just like her "when his face is as crinkled like a chile."
This story would be great for K-4th grade, for a variety of reasons. You can use this story to introduce some hispanic cultures and ideas to older students, as well as younger. You can also use this book to study the polymer-clay sculptures for older students.
The story takes place with grandma getting ready for work, and what she does each morning. The young boy gets ready with his grandma each morning, helping her make breakfast, and singing with her. The young boy repeats many times that no matter what his grandma is like, "he loves her and she loves me". This story shows the young boy looking up to his grandma, and that he wants to be just like her "when his face is as crinkled like a chile."
This story would be great for K-4th grade, for a variety of reasons. You can use this story to introduce some hispanic cultures and ideas to older students, as well as younger. You can also use this book to study the polymer-clay sculptures for older students.
February 21, 2016
My Abuelita is cute story of a grandmother and her grandson, and we cannot forget about the grandmother's cat! Throughout the story the grandson describes his grandmother, describes her morning routines, and mentions how important her job is. At the end of the story it is revealed that his grandmother is a storyteller and that he wants to be a story too, when he grows old. The illustrations in this book are fantastic. They are very bright and bold. Yuyi Morales took all sorts of materials, including Mexican crafts, and then photographed and digitally manipulated them. My Abuelita is embedded with Spanish words and shows a side to the Mexican culture. This book shows that it is normal for extended family to lived together in the Mexican culture. Students that are Mexican would be able to relate to this book as well as students that are living with a grandparent (or extended family. Students would also be able to relate to this book by thinking about who they look up to in their own lives.
April 17, 2015
Text to Self: This wonderful tale of a grandmother and grandson, reminds me of my grandmother. She would explain everything that she was doing and included us grandchildren in everything that interested us, for me, it was her garden, I loved to eat the fresh peas right out of the garden.
Text to Text: This book reminds me of old claymation cartoons that I watched as a child, the illustrations have the same look. The story shows a closeness between a grandmother and grandson and the lessons that he learns, but does not know he is learning. This book with Spanish words and Mexican themed illustrations is a wonderful addition to any library.
Text to World: With the world becoming more and more culturally diverse, this book adds to any collection that is wanting to introduce Mexican culture and Spanish words. It also tells children that our older generation is one that is loving and has lessons to teach us all.
Text to Text: This book reminds me of old claymation cartoons that I watched as a child, the illustrations have the same look. The story shows a closeness between a grandmother and grandson and the lessons that he learns, but does not know he is learning. This book with Spanish words and Mexican themed illustrations is a wonderful addition to any library.
Text to World: With the world becoming more and more culturally diverse, this book adds to any collection that is wanting to introduce Mexican culture and Spanish words. It also tells children that our older generation is one that is loving and has lessons to teach us all.
September 8, 2016
Audience: Primary
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Quote: "Then my abuelita booms out words, loud and clear. She always say the words should be as round as dimes and as wild as blossoms blooming."
First, this is a great book to use to teach similes. There are so many in the book that it was hard to choose one that promotes mental images. I really liked this quote because everyone could picture it a little differently. How would round, wild words look? I could picture them just flowing out of her mouth. I doesn't even really matter what she's saying, but I can picture people hanging on to every word when she speaks, just like her grandson.
A side note/connection: I liked how the cat was named Frida Kahlo after the artist in the book Me, Frida that I read right before this one for the assignment.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Quote: "Then my abuelita booms out words, loud and clear. She always say the words should be as round as dimes and as wild as blossoms blooming."
First, this is a great book to use to teach similes. There are so many in the book that it was hard to choose one that promotes mental images. I really liked this quote because everyone could picture it a little differently. How would round, wild words look? I could picture them just flowing out of her mouth. I doesn't even really matter what she's saying, but I can picture people hanging on to every word when she speaks, just like her grandson.
A side note/connection: I liked how the cat was named Frida Kahlo after the artist in the book Me, Frida that I read right before this one for the assignment.
February 20, 2012
My Abuelita is the story of the love and admiration a young boy has for his grandmother (My Abuelita). The illustrations are nice and remind me of the claymation characters. Funny how they had a pet cat named Frida Kahlo.....we all know who she was. The spanish words used in this book are followed by their english translation.
Example: caracha, her jalopy; vamonos!, Let's go! "My abuelita is round. Robust, she says, like a calabaza. A pumpkin." After following all of the preparations of the morning as Abuelita prepares for something - a bath, getting dressed up in funny clothes, driving her jalopy we find that My Abuelita is really a storyteller. A sweet book. Appropriate for ages 4-6. Central themes: family life, relationships, Latino culture.
Example: caracha, her jalopy; vamonos!, Let's go! "My abuelita is round. Robust, she says, like a calabaza. A pumpkin." After following all of the preparations of the morning as Abuelita prepares for something - a bath, getting dressed up in funny clothes, driving her jalopy we find that My Abuelita is really a storyteller. A sweet book. Appropriate for ages 4-6. Central themes: family life, relationships, Latino culture.
August 17, 2011
A young boy helps his grandmother get ready for work. The grandmother is a vibrant, caring woman who has a regular routine that the young boy is clearly part of.
I really liked this book! I love the use of mixed media and I found the combination of items with paintings charming. I also liked Johnston's use of repetition and structure. "I know that already. My abuelita says it every day. But I like to hear it anyway." The ending is also wonderful -- a bit mystical with a final reveal that abuelita is a storyteller.
This would be a great book to use in a lesson about figurative speech or descriptive language.
I really liked this book! I love the use of mixed media and I found the combination of items with paintings charming. I also liked Johnston's use of repetition and structure. "I know that already. My abuelita says it every day. But I like to hear it anyway." The ending is also wonderful -- a bit mystical with a final reveal that abuelita is a storyteller.
This would be a great book to use in a lesson about figurative speech or descriptive language.
April 16, 2012
My Abuelita is a story about a young boy who lives with his grandmother. Throughout the whole book he describes how their mornings are and how his abuelita gets ready for her exciting job. The description of his grandmother are humorous and very imaginative. The illustrations are done so wonderfully. It has bright colors and draws to perfection the descriptions the boy gives of every detail about his grandmother. She is this old, loud, and round lady with a crinkled face who dresses in bright colors who is a storyteller. This book teaches children the celebration of family where he is honoring his grandmother and although she is very different, he loves and admires her.
May 1, 2014
My Abuelita by Tony Johnson is a story about a little boy who lives with his grandmother. The grandmother is a storyteller, who dresses up in costumes and tells stories to children as if it is a production.The boy admires his grandma and wants to be just like her.
I enjoyed every bit of this story. I thought this was a very warm story because of the love and admiration that the little boy had for his grandmother. The illustrations were awesome, they were very bright, colorful, and detailed oriented. Every page was a different color and there were no blank or empty spaces on the page. Overall I thought that this was a great story that the entire family would enjoy.
I enjoyed every bit of this story. I thought this was a very warm story because of the love and admiration that the little boy had for his grandmother. The illustrations were awesome, they were very bright, colorful, and detailed oriented. Every page was a different color and there were no blank or empty spaces on the page. Overall I thought that this was a great story that the entire family would enjoy.
Read
March 14, 2017Winner of a 2010 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor!
Abuelita's hair is the color of salt. Her face is as crinkled as a dried chile. She booms out words as wild as blossoms blooming. She stuffs her carcacha, her jalopy, with all the things she needs: a plumed snake, a castle, a skeleton, and more. Her grandson knows he has the most amazing grandmother ever who has a very important job. What does Abuelita do? With her booming voice and wonderful props, Abuelita is a storyteller. Next to being a grandmother, that may be the most important job of all. Sprinkled with Spanish and infused with love, My Abuelita is a glorious celebration of family, imagination, and the power of story.
Abuelita's hair is the color of salt. Her face is as crinkled as a dried chile. She booms out words as wild as blossoms blooming. She stuffs her carcacha, her jalopy, with all the things she needs: a plumed snake, a castle, a skeleton, and more. Her grandson knows he has the most amazing grandmother ever who has a very important job. What does Abuelita do? With her booming voice and wonderful props, Abuelita is a storyteller. Next to being a grandmother, that may be the most important job of all. Sprinkled with Spanish and infused with love, My Abuelita is a glorious celebration of family, imagination, and the power of story.
Want to read
October 25, 2017My Abuelita was a great book! It is great for children. It is about a boy who is close with his grandmother who lives with him. He talks about her features and compares it to things like salt, dried chile, etc. He also explains their everyday activities that he enjoys doing with her. He was trying to figure out her job and it was to be a storyteller. The illustrations are great and go well with the text. It is diverse and good for children because children who are close with grandparents can relate. This shows a lot of love and affection between family relationships. It has a great imagination with it as well. I like the diversity embedded and believe students will enjoy it a lot,
April 27, 2019
My Abuelita is by Tony Johnston and the illustrator is, Yuyi Moralles.. The book was published in 2009. This children's book is about a grandma (Abuelita) and her granddaughter. Throughout the story it shows the importance of family and the relationships you build with them. Abuelita and her granddaughter are also very imaginative in every page of the book which made it fun to read. During the book they have occasional Spanish words describing characteristics of her Abuelita. I'd recommend ages 3rd graders and up to read this book just because of the descriptive words she uses, I feel that grades below 3rd would have a hard time understanding.
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