mirpanda277's review against another edition
5.0
Such a beautiful story with beautiful art to match! I cried.
jennywithaz's review against another edition
5.0
This is the kind of picture book biography that belongs on any librarian’s shelves, not only because the illustrations (and endpapers!) are absolutely gorgeous, but because the story of Pura Belpre’s lasting impact on children’s librarianship and the Latinx community is both a wonder and an inspiration. My favorite picture book bio featuring a librarian to date!
mssarareads's review against another edition
5.0
Speechless at the beauty of this book- in story and in illustrations. Read this!
glovb's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
4.75
Read the inspiring story of Pura Belpré who used her gift of storytelling to spread joy and bring the stories of her culture to life in a new land. She used puppetry to enhance her storytelling, which was adopted in many libraries across the United States. Her most noted impact on American libraries was the introduction of bilingual books and her authorship of multiple Spanish books that made Spanish-speaking immigrants feel more at home.
This book is appropriate for ages 7-11. It is informational and a great example of a pictorial biography.
This book is appropriate for ages 7-11. It is informational and a great example of a pictorial biography.
msgabbythelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
"Planting Stories" is a stunning book, I will just say that right now. Working in the library, I know of Pura Belpre. Every year, an award, named for her, is given to the best Latinx author and illustrator. That being said, I did not know that much about her before I read this picture book. I did not know her story.
It's the story of coming to NYC from Puerto Rico and falling in love with the United States. She carries "seeds" from her homeland of stories, tales, etc. No one knows them in the United States so Pura sets out to share them with children. She does bilingual storytimes. She makes puppets. She shares her love of culture with those who do not know it.
A beautiful thing about this book are the Spanish words and phrases that are intermingled in the text. This is both good and bad. I know....passable....pronunciation so I wouldn't feel like I was butchering the language. However, because there is not a translation guide, you do have to do your best guess at what you are saying.
I think this book is an excellent example of a strong woman who made a difference in the lives of many. She seems like a positive role model!
It's the story of coming to NYC from Puerto Rico and falling in love with the United States. She carries "seeds" from her homeland of stories, tales, etc. No one knows them in the United States so Pura sets out to share them with children. She does bilingual storytimes. She makes puppets. She shares her love of culture with those who do not know it.
A beautiful thing about this book are the Spanish words and phrases that are intermingled in the text. This is both good and bad. I know....passable....pronunciation so I wouldn't feel like I was butchering the language. However, because there is not a translation guide, you do have to do your best guess at what you are saying.
I think this book is an excellent example of a strong woman who made a difference in the lives of many. She seems like a positive role model!
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
Another children's picture book biography of someone I was unfamiliar. The art was nice, the writing good. And of course it being a librarian just means books. There was a pretty good afterward as well.
rebekah_nobody's review against another edition
4.0
“Her life and work as a librarian… is a testament to the power of our own stories to build bridges - not just to literacy, but to social change.”
A pristine picture biography with direct prose and just enough Spanish in the English edition to demonstrate its creative and linguistic sine qua non.
missprint_'s review against another edition
4.0
Very good. Very beautifully illustrated. But a bit text heavy if I'm being honest.