Direct and charming.--Publishers Weekly

Cynthia Weill's book of Mexican folk art teaches kids about opposites in Spanish and English These whimsical little animals from Oaxaca, carved and painted by hand, make learning about opposites fun. Up and down, tall and short, left and right--all inside a beautiful book.

Cynthia Weill is an educator and art historian whose expertise is the work of indigenous artisans from all over the world. She is the co-author of the very successful ABeCedarios: Mexican Folk Art ABCs in Spanish and English, the first book of her Folk Art for Teaching Kids series, and of Ten Mice for Tet (Chronicle Books, 2003). She lives in New York City.

This second work by one of the authors of ABeCedarios (2007) follows its predecessor's highly praised concept and design. Pages on the left side introduce children to a word in English and Spanish, as pages on the right side present its opposite: Asleep/Dormido (a spotted dog snoozes)/AwakeDespierto (the same dog, eyes wide open and tail sticking up).

Concepts are illustrated with photographs of unique hand-painted animal carvings created individually by Oaxacan artists Quirino and Martin Santiago. The contrast between the text colors and the bright background combines with the imaginary dialogue that children can establish with the vivacious folk-art figures to make this bilingual edition another outstanding entry in the First Concepts with Mexican Folk Art series. On some pages an external element-a sun or a moon, for instance-expands on such concepts as Day/Dia and Night/Noche.A great selection for bilingual storytimes at preschools, elementary schools and public libraries. As a work of art, its display will enhance art exhibits and cultural programs as part of Hispanic Heritage Month or Children's Day/Book Day celebrations. --Kirkus Reviews

"This bilingual companion to the alphabet book ABeCedarios also features images of Oaxacan sculptures (albeit from a different group of artists), but instead focuses on opposites. Wood statues of various animals face each other on each spread, colored with bright spots and stripes and set against equally vivid backgrounds. In a nod to Aesop, an orange hare ('Fast / Rpido') is seen across from a turtle ('Slow / Lenta'), while a spotted dog and a black wolf both sit beside chalky images of the sun and moon to demonstrate day and night. Direct and charming. Ages 2 — 5." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Cynthia Weill’s book of Mexican folk art teaches kids about opposites in Spanish and English! These whimsical little animals from Oaxaca, carved and painted by hand, make learning about opposites fun. Up and down, tall and short, left and right—all inside a beautiful book.

Cynthia Weillis an educator and art historian whose expertise is the work of indigenous artisans from all over the world. She is the co-author of the very successful ABeCedarios: Mexican Folk Art ABCs in Spanish and English, the first book of her Folk Art for Teaching Kids series, and of Ten Mice for Tet(Chronicle Books, 2003). She lives in New York City.

Cynthia Weill is a professor and mentor to teachers at Columbia University's Teachers College. She also owns a business-Aid to Women Artisans-that promotes the craftwork of artisans from developing countries. ABeCeDario is her second book.