Book of the Week
April 6- April 12, 2009
Book Fiesta! 
by Pat Mora, illustrated by Rafael Lopez
HarperCollins Children’s Books 2009
978-0-06-128877-7
April not only brings showers, but plenty of reasons to have a book party!
In 1996, Author Pat Mora thought it appropriate to combine the Mexican celebration of Children’s Day (April 30) with Book Day. Since that time librarians, parents, and teachers have been planning book fiestas to celebrate the important link between children, books, languages, and cultures.
After 13 years of book fiestas, Mora finally shares a party in a book. The bilingual text celebrates the joys of reading and the joys of where and with whom we read. More importantly it reminds us of all the places we can go while reading a book. Rafael Lopez’ vibrant illustrations set the tone for fun. The reader opens the book to find a grinning sun wearing a party hat. The pleasure continues throughout the day until a gently smiling moon watches over bedtime readers.
For other opportunities to celebrate children and books in April, take a look at these web sites: