Perdido y Solo

PreS-Gr 2—This translation of Roonie B. Moonie: Lost and Alone (Illumination Arts, 2007) is about a little bee that is anxious to explore his world. With his gear and his mother's advice, which is to fly only in open spaces, be wary of strangers, and to trust in his intuition, Zumbo Colmenar sets out to explore the garden. Bored, he lands and spots an unfamiliar object with his binoculars. Curiosity gets the better of him and he finds himself in a hollowed-out log filled with unfamiliar creatures. He quickly flies out and realizes that he is lost. He meets a bird that seems harmless and offers to help him find his way home, but his intuition tells him not to go with him. Then he asks a family of ladybugs for help, and the little bee is reunited with his mother. This story is sure to resonate with parents and teachers trying to teach children about stranger danger. It offers simple rules that youngsters should follow when they find themselves lost or in a questionable situation with a stranger. A note to parents offers ways to discuss the subject. The translation is clear and creates a sense of suspense throughout. The illustrations are colorful and set the right mood as well. A surefire way to teach an important lesson.—Roberto Zapata, San Antonio Public Library