Papa Gave Me a Stick
Written by Janice Levy
Illustrated by Simone Shin
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Always. And the stick that Antonio’s papa gives him is certainly no exception. What Antonio really wants is a guitar (guitarra), but the best his papa can do is a stick with which to play. Antonio soon encounters a dog who needs help lighting a fire – to keep warm. His stick is perfect. The grateful dog brings him a tortilla. The tortilla saves a starving bird, who gives him a string. The string is used to pull a burro’s tooth. The burro’s blanket saves a drowning cat. The cat gives Antonio a ring he’d found. The ring proves to be the lost ring of a mariachi musician, who is about to get married. The man is so grateful, he gives Antonio the guitarra he wished for.
The illustrations are wonderful and in keeping with the lightheartedness of the story.
Mexican culture and language are highlighted in this delightfully simple story. First graders and older will love learning and pronouncing the Spanish words and delight in the lovely conclusion to the story.
Title: Papa Gave Me a Stick- Author: Janice Levy
- Illustrator: Simone Shin
- Published: Star Bright Books, 2015
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
- Grade Level: PreK to 2
- Genre: Fiction, Helping others, Language, Culture
- ISBN: 978-1595723420
- Extras: Glossary, Mariachi instruments
