Let Me Help! / ¡Quiero ayudar!

By Alma Flor Ada, Angela Domínguez

Bilingual English/Spanish. Perico learns this phrase from little Martita, who’s been saying it a lot lately. When the whole family scrambles to prepare for Cinco de Mayo, Perico knows there must be some way he can help-even if he is just a parrot.

Description

“Let me help!”

Perico tries to help abuela make delicious tamales. He tries to help craft beautiful paper flowers for the barge his family will take down the San Antonio River. He tries to help the boys practice their mariachi number on the porch. But at every turn Perico is shooed away, until he finally figures out how he can add something special to the Cinco de Mayo fun.

Acclaimed author Alma Flor Ada’s tale is the story of every young reader who has been told he or she is too little or too young to help. Angela Domínguez’s vibrantly hued paintings glow with the rich colors of the southwest. Let Me Help! is a joyful read-aloud even the littlest helpers can celebrate year-round.

About the Creators

Alma Flor Ada

Alma Flor Ada is an award-winning children’s book author, a gifted translator, and one of the leaders in the field of bilingual education in the United States. Born in Cuba, Alma Flor received her PhD at the Pontifical Catholic University of Lima, Perú, did her post-doctoral research at Harvard University as a Fellow of the Radcliffe Institute, and is a Fulbright Research Scholar. A Professor Emerita at the University of San Francisco, Alma Flor currently lives in Northern California’s Marin County.

Angela Domínguez

Angela Domínguezis the author and illustrator of many books for children, including the Children's Book Press title Let Me Help! / ¡Quiero ayudar! She's a two-time Pura Belpré Illustration Honoree whose debut middle grade novel, Stella Díaz Has Something To Say, was a New York Public Library and a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids, Sid Fleischman Award winner, and an ALA Notable. She illustrated the New York Times Bestseller Just Help! How to Build a Better World written by Sonia Sotomayor. When Angela is not in her studio or visiting schools, she teaches at the Academy of Art University, which honored her with their Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013. Visit her online at angeladominguezbooks.com.

Awards

  • Tejas Star Reading List

    Texas Library Association (TLA)

Reviews

  • "The vibrant and festive colors used throughout invite readers into the celebration, and the images are true to the people they portray. The bilingual text is fluid in both Spanish and English, and the subject is sure to spark interest in the holiday."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Domínguez's vigorous paint strokes in bold aquas, greens and blues that stand out against the dusty backdrop vibrantly complement this bilingually told story about the Latino fiesta."

    - Kirkus Reviews

Paperback

  • ISBN 9780892392391
  • Publication Date Mar 16, 2010
  • Trim Size 9.8 × 9 in
  • Weight 0.375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9780892392322
  • Publication Date Mar 16, 2010
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Holidays & Celebrations / Other, Non-Religious
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Animals / Birds
  • Themes Animals, Bilingual, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fantasy, Fiction, Folktale / Folklore / Traditional Literature, Food, Friendship, Holidays / Traditions, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Immigration, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Neighbors, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Pride, Realistic Fiction, Responsibility, Sharing & Giving
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading L
  • Spanish Guided Reading M
  • ATOS Book Level 3.1
  • DRA 30
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 560
  • SRC 2.5
  • Bebop Reading Early Fluent
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