La canción de Gabriela: cómo me adapto a un lugar nuevo?

PreS-Gr 2-In this little exercise in bibliotherapy, spunky Gabriela has a song that she sings when she is anxious or afraid. When a volcano erupts outside her window or a thunderstorm wakes her up at night, her mantra goes: "Kikiri-kikiri-kí, Kikiri-kikiri-ká. Yo no tengo miedo, porque el miedo no me va." ("I am not afraid because fear does not fit me.") The song comes in handy when her family moves from their comfortable home in an unnamed country to her aunt's house in the United States. The youngster is concerned about leaving her friends and moving to a place where people don't speak her language. Her song-and her mother's support-helps her feel brave enough to face school. Her ethnically diverse class helps her feel welcomed. Making a new friend and finding that her father's new job will allow them to move close to the friend completes a wonderful day. This reassuring message, written by a well-known radio psychologist, is complemented by Garcia Burris's cheerful cartoon illustrations. Despite the rough narrative transitions (Gabriela's uprooting and later adjustment seem preternaturally smooth), the book will appeal to young children. Rayo's Sparky's Bark/El ladrido de Sparky [see review 8/15/2006] (2006) is a bit more believable as to the actual process of adjustment. However, Gabriela fits in ELL classrooms and, given the advice for parents section, home libraries as well.-Ann Welton, Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, Tacoma, WA (Anton Knows Magic). Könnecke, Ole.PreS-Gr 1-Translated from the German, this little gem tells the story of a boy who wants to be a magician. Wearing his magician's turban, Antón attempts to make a tree disappear without success. He then tries his magic on a bird sitting on a tree and succeeds. When Antón opens his eyes after delivering the magic words, the bird is not there (it has actually flown away). When he tries to make his friend Lucas disappear, his playmate just walks off. The conceit that Antón can really do magic is cleverly resolved when the bird reappears in time for the young magician's last trick. The cartoonlike illustrations, ink and watercolor over a white background, provide just the right lighthearted tone. Not available in English, this picture book is perfect for beginner readers, storytimes, and read-alouds. A great addition for any collection.-Tim Wadham, Youth Services Coordinator, Maricopa Cty. Lib. District, Phoenix, AZ(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved All rights reserved.