Summary
Flor’s mother’s magical singing could grow even the tiniest seeds into the tallest of trees. This happened even to her mother’s little flower, Flor. This tall, tall girl was made fun of by the other local children until she began giving them rides with her giant strides. When grown, Doña Flor (as she became to be known) she made her own home and told everyone they were welcome. The townspeople ate her tortillas and welcome her help when a puma begins scaring the town.
Analysis
First, Doña Flor is an engaging story for children. It will hold their interest and is a fun read-aloud. Second, the illustrations throughout are beautifully rendered with a combination of watercolor washes, etching, and colored and litho pencils. And finally, the cultural markers within the book are evident and wonderfully posed. Children and adults will treasure this book for ages.
The illustrations offer many views of cultural markers. First, Doña Flor is illustrated with a distinctly Native Central American face. The skin and hair tones of everyone in the book indicate Mexican villagers. In one illustration, you can see Doña Flor wearing a traditional blanket over her head. In other illustrations, you can see traditional small-village clothing, hair styles and hats.
In the writing, Mora uses many Spanish words within the text to create a more authentic reading experience. She incorporates words and phrases like “¿Qué pasa?” “gato” “¿Dónde estás?” and “una estrella.” There is almost context for the language so both speakers and non-speakers of Spanish can understand and enjoy the text. In addition to the Spanish words, Mora writes of authentic tortilla making and how they slap, slap, slap tortillas between their hands and how the whole place smells “corn good.”
This is a wonderful book to share a little folklore, heroism, and kindness with readers.
Review Excerpts
School Library Journal - There is great texture and movement on each page in the sun-baked tones of the landscape. With Spanish words peppered throughout, this is a welcome entry to the canon that includes other heroines like Sally Ann Thunder and Thunder Rose.
Booklist - A winning read-aloud, particularly for children who can recognize the intermittent Spanish phrases.
Connections
Other stories about awesome women:
Kellogg, Steven. Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett. ISBN 978-0688140434.
Nolen, Jerdine. Thunder Rose. ISBN 978-0152060060.
Check out Pat Mora’s Website for other books incorporating Spanish: www.patmora.com.
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