A cumulative tale. I'm not someone who thinks all books have to teach kids something or have a good lesson/moral at the end, but I wasn't a fan of the way this story resolves. It seems to boil down to just know the right people and you'll get what you want.
I will say though I do not have the cultural knowledge to understand the context of this tale, so there's definitely a chance I have misinterpreted it and that my understanding is completely wrong.
| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle A humorous and adorable tale about a little witch who does not get along with her baby sister. I feel like this is such a relatable story, wanting your baby sister/brother to disappear. I personally don't have siblings, but I have read enough books and seen enough movies to know that at some point, most kids feel this way. This is a considered an I Can Read! level 2 book for developing readers. Personally, it seems kind of lengthy. The sentences and story are simple, but it is a very long book. From what I can tell, this is an older book that was readapted and given a super cute makeover. This version appears to be much cuter than the original. Since this book was already written then given a level rating (as apposed to writing the book with the plan of it being a level 2), it makes sense that the length doesn't quite fit. I think it still works, just be aware that it may be best to read the book in parts instead of all at once. Adorable illustrations and a fun story. I actually really enjoyed this witchy tale. |
I read this one in Dutch, but I will be writing this review in English so more people can know about this book.
Because, boy, this book is super adorable, cute, fluffy, and perfect for us bookworms. Going to the libraries is such a magical thing, and I was just delighted to see how Bibi (or Lulu/Lola) loves going to the library. She was all eager at super early in the morning, and all done with putting in her books in a bag even before they had to leave.
Most kids I see going to the library are totally the opposite, they just run around screaming, or just don’t care about the books and instead play the games on the PCs that the library has. So yes, I love it when there is a kid, even if fictional, who loves libraries for the books, for the stories.
And then the trip, and also the whole time at the library (story time, finding new books, and even singing), and then what happens afterwards. It was just one trip of squee and cuteness. It made me want to go to the library, even though I just came back from it.
The art is also pretty cute, and really fun. It was so fun to see Bibi’s expressions when she got to the library, when she found new books, when a book was read to her. The artist really captured them well.
All in all, this is a great book for bookworms little and big. I would recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Bernier-Grand, C. (2002). Shake it, morena. Minneapolis, MN: Millbrook Press.
From the opening "Waking Up Song" to the final bedtime tune, "The Song of El Coqui," this collection features games, counting rhymes, and riddles as well as familiar children's songs from the author's native Puerto Rico. Taken from classrooms and playgrounds, each selection is accompanied by a brief footnote that explains cultural background.
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand is a national award winning author of eleven books for children and young adults. She teaches writing at the Whidbey Island MFA, a program of Northwest Literary Arts, at Writers in the Schools, a program of Oregon Literary Arts, and at Wordstock. She was born in Puerto Rico, but currently lives in Oregon.
K-3rd grades
Bilingual Puerto Rican Folklore
This is an old review by a person who doesn't even review any longer.
I've long since corrected all the formatters mistakes and the book can be found on the internet with as many as 5 1/2 star reviews.
I wrote to the now inactive reviewer and told him so, and he said there was no way to remove it from circulation.
However, if booklikes treats authors in this unfair manner, I'll find a way to eliminate this feature/blog from my sight.
Thank you.
Log in with Facebook 
