Tengo derecho a ser niño

Gr 1—3—This unique picture book explains children's rights in simple language and illustrations. Basic concepts such as the right to food, shelter, and health care are covered as well as less tangible ideas, such as the right to play and to be expressive. Double-page illustrations are the norm, with one to two lines of text. Many of the folk-art drawings have a touch of sweetness and whimsy. In one picture, a cat is perched on a girl's wheelchair while the child gets a ride on her father's shoulders. The right to breathe fresh air shows a child balancing on the nose of a friendly polar bear while a seal balances a ball on its nose in the background. Some of the illustrations are appropriately solemn. For instance, the right to not be physically abused is illustrated with an eerie picture of a wolf with sharp teeth. Children of many nationalities, often dressed in traditional garb, are featured throughout. Although it is stated on the cover, "20 years in defense of children's rights," little information is given about the international Convention on the Rights of the Child, where this statement originated. The text is entirely in Spanish, and the vocabulary is simple enough for beginners to understand.—Rebecca Hickman, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL