Dream Carver / El tallador de sueños

By Diana Cohn, Amy Córdova Boone

Pink goats, blue rabbits, and purple cats–oh my! Manuel has the determination and imagination to create them all!

Cabras rosas, conejos azules y gatos morados–¡que maravilla! ¡Manuel tiene las ganas e imaginación para crearlo todo!

Description

Between their work growing blue corn and green alfalfa, Manuel and his father carve small wooden animals to sell at the fiestas in Oaxaca, Mexico. Manuel’s imagination overflows with goats as pink as blossoming bougainvillea, purple cats with corn-yellow spots, and many more completely unique animals.

When he tells his father how he longs to sculpt creatures in this new style, his father only scowls, telling Manuel to stick to their traditional way.But Manuel practices on his own, trying over and over until he’s finally able to carve wood into the lively animals he sees in his mind. Finally, he brings his creations to the fiestas, where he finds out that being true to himself is a great thing!

Including an afterword on the vibrant Mexican art form of wood carvings, as well as information on the real artisan who inspired the book–Manuel Jiménez Ramírez–this colorful tale inspires readers of all ages to follow their passion.

Entre su trabajo cosechando maíz azul y alfalfa verde, Manuel y su padre tallan animalitos de madera para vender en las fiestas de Oaxaca, México. Pero Manuel sueña con dar vida animals más grandes y coloridos. Su imaginación se desborda con cabras tan rosas como las buganvillas en flor, gatos morados con manchas color de maíz amarillo y muchos más animales tan únicos que nunca antes habían sido creados.

Cuando le dice ha su padre que anhela esculpir criaturas en este nuevo estilo, su padre solo frunce el ceño. Él quiere seguir tallando como siempre lo ha hecho. Pero Manuel practica solo, esforzándose y esforzándose, hasta que logra hacer que la madera luzca como los animales alegres que ve en su mente. Al fin, trae sus creaciones a las fiestas, ¡y se da cuenta que ser fiel a sí mismo es algo maravilloso!

Con un epílogo sobre el arte mexicano de tallar madera, e información sobre el verdadero artesano quien inspiro este libro–Manuel Jiménez Ramírez–esta historia vivaz inspira a lectores de todas edades a perseguir sus sueños.

About the Creators

Diana Cohn

Diana Cohn has worked on environmental, economic, and global justice issues as a teacher and a media activist, and an advisor, a program officer, and an executive director in philanthropic institutions. She is the award-winning author of seven children's books, including ¡Si Se Puede! / Yes We Can! Janitor Strike in L.A., The Bee Tree, and Crane Boy, all published by Cinco Puntos Press/Lee & Low Books. She lives with her husband on a houseboat in northern California.

Amy Córdova Boone

Amy Córdova Boone is an artist, an arts educator, a conference presenter/lecturer, and a nationally recognized children's book illustrator and author. Córdova Boone has received the prestigious Pura Belpré Award Honor twice, as well as other national recognition for her vibrant art. Her delicious, saturated, colorful paintings are found in museums and private collections throughout the US and Europe. She lives in Oaxaca, México. Visit her at amycordova.com.

Awards

  • Best Children's Books of the Year in Spanish Winner 2024

    Bank Street College of Education

Reviews

  • "A fitting tribute to the energy and power of an artist's distinctive vision."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "Shows how imagination can become a compelling force for change. . . A good introduction to a uniquely Mexican art form."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Cordova's bright, acrylic illustrations on gessoed ground lovingly portray Mateo, his family, his village, and the amazing wooden animals, splashed with polka dots and intricate designs. "

    - Kirkus Reviews

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781643796352
  • Publication Date Aug 08, 2023
  • Trim Size 11.25 × 9.25 in
  • Weight 0.48 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Cultural, Ethnic & Regional
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / People & Places / Mexico
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Social Topics / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • Themes Art, Bilingual, Biography / Memoir, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Cultural Diversity, Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Dual Language, Families, Fathers, Fiction, Imagination, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Nonfiction, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Spanish
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 7 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 2 - 4
  • Guided Reading O
  • Spanish Guided Reading O
  • DRA 34
  • Interest Level Grades 7 - 9
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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