PreSchool-Grade 2—Lizards and armadillos prepare a Tex-Mex fiesta for their animal friends, complete with música, salsa, and baile (dance), in this bilingual tale (Pinata Books, 1998) by Pat Mora. The English version of the rhyming text includes some Spanish words to add to the Tex-Mex flavor of the tale. The Spanish translation by Alba Nora Martínez is very well done and maintains both the flavor and rhythm of the text. Francisco X. Mora's illustrations are muted and almost sandy in texture, featuring green lizards and purple armadillos. Rosi Amador provides exquisite, flawless narration in both English and Spanish. The CD offers three tracks: bilingual, English, and Spanish. Appropriate sound effects and Mexican-flavored music are present throughout, enhancing the listening experience.
