MARTÍNEZ, Claudia Guadalupe. No es un frijol. tr. from English by Carlos E. Calvo. illus. by Laura González. 32p. Charlesbridge. Apr. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781623544829. SP
PreS-Gr 1–Part story, part poem, part nonfiction book, this Spanish translation of Not a Bean is a winning combo. Told with lyricism, Martínez’s text explains the life cycle of the Cydia saltitans , a moth that lays its eggs inside of a seed pod. Once it’s dry, the seeds fall on the ground with a growing larva inside. As the little critter shifts inside the pod, it moves, so it’s best known as a “Mexican jumping bean,” though it’s clear from the title that the pod is not, in fact, a bean. With a desert setting rendered at various times of day, in blues and tans, and with an increasing number of local fauna, this beautifully illustrated book is a crowd pleaser. It’s a great choice for those learning the language or who are already fluent. An author’s note offers more facts about this fascinating bug. VERDICT A gorgeous nonfiction title recommended for all Spanish-language picture book collections.–Carol Youssif

MARTÍNEZ, Claudia Guadalupe. No es un monstruo. tr. from English by Carlos E. Calvo. illus. by Laura González. 32p. Charlesbridge. Apr. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781623544836. SP
K-Gr 2–This Spanish-language edition of Not a Monster portrays the life cycle of the axolotl or “el monstruo del agua.” Through simple and poetic text, readers meet this distinct amphibian, an endangered species that inhabits the Xochimilco canals of Mexico City. A palette of pastel colors accompanies this informational text, showcasing the variety of fauna and flora that this unique creature encounters throughout its life. Two children rowing through the canals are incorporated into the narrative and present briefly the Aztec history and myth of this animal as well as humanity’s role in taking care, preserving, and advocating for the axolotl’s existence and future in its natural habitat. Color concepts are integrated throughout the story, which enhances and provides an interactive and playful approach to this nonfiction picture book. An author’s note and photographs of Martínez’s own axolotl pets are included in the back matter. VERDICT An ideal Spanish-language, informational picture book for young children.–Sujei Lugo

Nogués Otero, Alex. Plantas que hablan, animales que cantan. illus. by Asia Orlando. 52p. Editorial Flamboyant. Mar. 2024. Tr $21.51. ISBN 9788419401847. SP 
Gr 2-4–An attractive and accessible informational text about how animals and plants communicate. Humanity stays in touch via phones, airplanes, letters, and video calls. The title explores how everything else in nature is also connected. Among plants, fungi, and animals, communication flows in myriad ways. Animals use various sounds, aromas, and colors to interact amongst themselves and with plants. The chemicals and smells they radiate either lure the other in or repel it away. Plants and trees connect through millions of roots underneath the ground. Bugs and birds communicate to each other and their environment with their songs. This work is filled with fascinating examples of how animals, plants, and insects navigate one another through flashes of light, aromas, sounds, dances, words, and more. It is successful in proving how all living things are part of a delicate ecosystem and how humanity’s responsibility is to help it stay balanced. This work is beautifully illustrated with intricate details, and children will be mesmerized by the images and find the text engaging. The lush art, in vibrant Technicolor shades, will draw in readers. There are no sources, so this wouldn’t be a candidate for research but would be an excellent choice for Spanish-language and browsable nonfiction shelves. VERDICT A wonderful, Spanish-language nonfiction text for elementary readers not only interested in the environment but also in the intricacies of the world of animals, plants, and insects.–Melanie Ortega

RUIZ-FLORES, Lupe. Pieza a pieza: El obsequio de Ernestine para el presidente Roosevelt. illus. by Anna López Real. 32p. Lerner/Millbrook. Aug. 2024. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9798765644034. SP
Gr 1-3–Beautiful objects can come from unassuming materials, and this book proves it. Ernestine Guerrero grew up in Texas during the early years of the 20th century. With little schooling experience, she apprenticed with her carpenter father. When the Great Depression hit, the family lost their livelihood, and became one of the many families standing in line for government assistance. Guerrero was so grateful to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt that she wanted to make something special to thank him for the New Deal. Using the pine boxes her family received with food and provisions, she set a goal for herself to make him an ornate clock box. With hard work and while learning from her mistakes, she completed a beautiful gift made entirely from humble materials. The girl could never have imagined that her present would one day end up at the FDR Library and Museum for generations to admire. In this inspiring true story, the soft pencil illustrations are delicate in appearance, lending the art a vintage feel. Back matter features an author’s note with a photo of Guerrero and the reproduction of her letter, a selected bibliography, source notes, and glossary. VERDICT A gorgeous book recommended for all libraries in need of more Spanish-language picture book biographies.–Carol Youssif

RUSSELL-BROWN, Katheryn. La pequeña Melba y su gran trombón. tr. from English by Rita Elena Urquijo-Ruiz. illus. by Frank Morrison. 40p. Lee & Low. May 2024. pap. $13.95. ISBN 9781643797199. SP
K-Gr 4–Melba Doretta Liston loved music so much. She would listen to it day and night. She would dream of musical nights in her sleep. That’s why when the music bus passed by her street in Kansas City, her mom had to buy her an instrument. And the child chose the biggest one she could find—the trombone! At first, Liston found that playing the huge instrument was very difficult, but her grandpa told her, as long as you can breathe, you can play! And play she did! From the age of seven to her last breath, Liston never stopped loving music. She went on to play with famous musicians, including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Quincy Jones, and even composed her own music. She traveled all over the U.S. and around the world. Although she sometimes felt lonely because of her race and gender, her music kept her company. Morrison’s award-winning art glistens like the buffed shine of Liston’s trombone, elevating the biography even further. The back matter includes selected discography and bibliographies, an author’s note, and photos of the musician. VERDICT A biographical read about a young woman who beat many odds due to her love of music. Perfect for burgeoning musicians and aficionados, and certainly for the nonfiction shelves.–Melanie Ortega

TONATIUH, Duncan. La princesa y el guerrero: Una leyenda de dos volcanes. tr. from English by Hercilia Mendizabal Frers. illus. by Duncan Tonatiuh. 40p. Abrams. Apr. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781419772535. SP
Gr 1-3–An award-winning retelling of a traditional Aztec legend. La princesa Ixta has been turning away many wealthy suitors, but when she meets Popoca, a guerrero (warrior), who regales her with humble but honest promises of undying love, she knows she is ready to wed. Ixta’s father, hoping to keep the couple apart, sends Popoca off to battle Garra de Jaguar, certain he will be defeated. When Popoca returns from battle, he finds his beloved in a tonic-induced deep sleep, spurred by false news of her beloved’s death. Devastated, Popoca carries Ixta’s body to the top of a mountain and commits to never leaving her side. As the legend goes, their bodies form the volcanoes Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl, which can be seen from Mexico City. Tonatiuh’s codex-inspired illustrations broaden the cultural and historical significance of the tale and are richly colored in deep earthy tones. The Spanish translation flows naturally and seamlessly integrates Náhuatl words throughout. An author’s note, glossary, and bibliography conclude the work. VERDICT An exceptional and must-have addition to Spanish-language collections.–Jessica Agudelo