Jill and the beanstalk - Book Review

Manju Gregory. Illustrated by David Anstey
Translated from English by Maria Helena Thomas
Mantra Lingua (2004), PB, £7.50
ISBN: I 84444 102 4

The tale tells the story of Jill, Jack’s sister, who goes to the market to sell a cow. In her way to the market, Jill trades the cow for magic beans instead of money. When she comes back home, her mum, in anger, throws them on the floor. During the night, the beans grow into a beanstalk that reaches the sky. Jill climbs up the stalk that will take her to a giant’s land.

Jill’s story is a new version of the traditional tale. The story written in rhyme has references to popular nursery rhymes, which are provided in full at the end of the book. The colourful illustrations complement well this story written in dual language.

The book published in English- Spanish parallel text is suitable for children reading Spanish and those who are learning Spanish as a foreign language. Maria Helena’s beautiful translation in rhyme makes this book fully enjoyable for readers of both languages.

Recommended reading age: 6 - 9

Pilar Mateos- Author

Pilar Mateos was born in 1942 in Valladolid, Spain, where she studied Philosophy at the University.

She is one of the most successful authors for children in Spain and she has received several literary awards including El barco de Vapor Award in 1981, the Lazarillo Award in 1982 and Ala Delta Award in 1999.

Pilar has written more than thirty books for children as well as programmes for television and radio. Her books have been widely translated and successfully published in different countries.

Mi tío Teo - Book Review

Mi tío Teo (My uncle Teo)
Pilar Mateos
Illustrated by Javier Serrano
Published by Grupo Anaya, S.A. (2004) PB
ISBN: 84-207-2906-X

The central character of the story is a 10-year-old girl, who doesn’t have any brothers or sisters. When she comes to know that her uncle Teo is coming for a visit, her imagination flies thinking of all the things she could do with him.

To her surprise her uncle is not the person she imagined to be, he is only 7 years old; with him and her best friend Sonia they will experience different adventures that will build a special friendship.

The story, full of humorous moments and misunderstandings, make this book highly entertaining for young readers. Javier Serrano’s colourful illustrations complement the delightful story perfectly.

Recommended reading age: 10+

(Translation of this book recommended)

El pequeño Davirón- Book Review

El pequeño Davirón (The Little Daviron)
Pilar Mateos
Illustrated by Javier Serrano
Published by Grupo Anaya, S.A. (2005) PB 6,40 €
ISBN: 84-207-4362-3

The Davirons are small fantastic beings that change their colour according to their feelings. They live in a secret place where humans can’t find them. The davirons are happy but they don’t know how to laugh.

Davi-Daviron finds out that children can laugh, but he has never seen a child. The book describes the story of his journey to the city, and his search for a child that can teach him how to laugh.

The easy narrative style and sense of humour makes the book ideal for children who are just starting to develop their reading skills. The charming illustrations by Javier Serrano will bring alive this delightful story in the imagination of any young reader.

The book doesn’t have a translation into English available yet, but it would be worth translating.

Recommended Reading Age: 8+

London Book Fair

5-7 March 2006

The London Book Fair is taking place this year, for the first time, at ExCeL London. Moving from its previous location, Earls Court to Docklands.

The London Book Fair is an international event that attracts every year thousands of visitors, publishers and booksellers from all over the world. The 3-day event becomes an excellent opportunity for information exchange and networking in the publishing world.

This year, Mexico will be the special guest of the LBF and Mexican publishers and authors will be present at the event to give an overview of their publishing industry. The 7th of March the focus will be on Mexican Children’s Publishing.

For more information, please visit the London Book Fair website at:
http://www.lbf-virtual.com/