Conejito: A Folktale from Panama (review)

Conejito ("little bunny") is off to his auntie Tía Mónica's house, where he will eat cakes and cookies and every good thing, and get "Strong! Strong! Strong!" He runs into a fox, a tiger, and then a lion who each proclaim, "I have just met my LUNCH!" but Conejito convinces them he will make a much fatter and tastier morsel on the way home. Conejito and his auntie devise a plan to evade the hungry crew, and he returns home safe and sound (by rolling back in a barrel). MacDonald packs her adaptation of this Panamanian folktale with musical rhythms, repeatable phrases in Spanish and English, and melodic notation so listeners can sing along. Opportunities to yell phrases like "¡Gordito! ¡Gordito! ¡Gordito! Fat! Fat! Fat!" will appeal to kids no matter what their first language, and the cumulative and repetitive nature of the tale will guarantee that young listeners quickly catch on and join in. Brazilian illustrator Valério captures the Latin flair of the text with a jungle motif and sizzling palette of gold and orange tipped with blue sky; lively, swirling figures paired with innovative compositions highlight the action. Loose brushstrokes and emotive body language (Conejito quivers at the sight of the lion; the fox licks his lips in anticipation) add nuance and comedy. This interactive tale will get listeners singing, dancing, and eating their fill right alongside Conejito. A source note is included.