!Pio Peep!: Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes

Module 4

Ada, Alma Flor and F. Isabel Campoy, Selec. 2003. !Pio Peep!: Traditional Spanish nursery rhymes. Adap. by Alice Schertle. Ill. by Vivi Escriva. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

This bilingual collection showcases traditiional Hispanic nursery rhymes. Stemming from oral folklore, these verses have been passed down for many generations. While similar to the types of mother goose rhymes children from North America learned, many retain their own special Hispanic flavor. An example is in the words to Tortillitas para Mama (Tortillas for Mommy) and Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding) which mention traditional Hispanic foods. La Pinata shows the delight of a traditional game enjoyed by Hispanic children. Other poems about animals and family life could be from any culture but reading them aloud in both English and Spanish adds a special element. The Spanish language has its' own rhythm which sounds very musical even to those who don't understand all the words. Watercolor illustrations beautifully grace each page. Scenes of children playing and enjoying life, animals and nature all create images to complement the poems. This is a beautiful collection to share with young children and is recommended for PreK to grade 2.