Libro de las palomitas de maíz

Gr 1-3–While watching television, twins Tony and Tiny see a commercial for palomitas de maíz, or popcorn, and both get an instant craving for this delicious snack. While Tony begins to make the popcorn, Tiny looks through a book and answers questions both of them have about this treat, providing Tony, their two cats, and readers with information about the origins and history of palomitas de maíz. Tiny reads about how the Aztecs cooked and wore popcorn and how the Haudenosaunee people made popcorn in clay pots. Readers will discover the different ways popcorn was cooked, the types of corn that can be used to make it, and advice on how to store and cook the kernels. Meanwhile, Tony warms the pot, then adds cooking oil and corn kernels---maybe too many kernels! Soon there are palomitas everywhere! The Spanish text is informative and educational without being overwhelming. This picture book, with its mix of fiction and nonfiction, provides solid information about the history of popcorn and will leave readers hungry for their own bowl of palomitas de maíz. Recipes and recommended resources are also provided.