lsm239's review against another edition
5.0
This book is funny, clever, and sweet all at the same time. Pepe, el perro (a dog), finds a sombrero in the street one day. The sombrero is his ticket to fame and riches... but he finds himself wanting a family to love him. When Pepe's rival, el gato in zapatos (the cat in shoes), steals his sombrero, Pepe chases him down and in the process finds a family that adopts him. The family adopts el gato as well, and they are "the happiest family in the world.
Each line is written in both English and Spanish. Spanish ELLs or students learning Spanish could all benefit from this book. The illustrations are gorgeous; colorful and poignant, done in a cartoon style which complements the comedic tone of the book. You can feel the expression on the animals' faces, especially when el gato watches Pepe meet his new family.
This book is so well done, it could be used at all grade levels, as a read-aloud for younger students, independent read for older students, and as a language learning tool for all.
Each line is written in both English and Spanish. Spanish ELLs or students learning Spanish could all benefit from this book. The illustrations are gorgeous; colorful and poignant, done in a cartoon style which complements the comedic tone of the book. You can feel the expression on the animals' faces, especially when el gato watches Pepe meet his new family.
This book is so well done, it could be used at all grade levels, as a read-aloud for younger students, independent read for older students, and as a language learning tool for all.
mmattmiller's review against another edition
1.0
Love this story except for the page that mentions "A whole family: father, mother, daughter, son." While certainly that is one look of a family, something about that page really rubbed me the wrong way. (Maybe the word whole?) I love the message of the story, that life is more who you share it with and having your people than it is money... but that page to me excludes a whole lot of families! Again, I don't think it would have hit me so hard had it just said, "A family!" (And maybe didn't label each member so obviously...) I don't know. A fun one for most of the book but I can't get over that page.
ericsherwood's review
3.0
Cute story about a homeless dog who makes it big, but can't find fulfillment until he is adopted by a family. The villain "¡El gato con zapatos!" was fun.
Illustration was fine; nothing to write home about.
Illustration was fine; nothing to write home about.
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