Green Is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors

PreS-Gr 2--The creators of Round Is a Tortilla (Chronicle, 2013) are back with another Mexican American culture--infused concept book with universal appeal. A little girl and boy walk around their town pointing out the vivid palette that permeates their home and community. "Green are the cornstalks./Green are the pails./Green is a bench/for abuela's tales." The Spanish translation of the featured color is also provided on each spread. Excellent for building vocabulary, this work introduces festive customs such as the Day of the Dead and Mexican folk dance, which are further explained in an extensive glossary. The diversity of the characters refreshingly reflects the diversity of the Latino community. Thong's buoyant rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud and Parra's stunning folk-art illustrations offer vibrant scenes that children will return to again and again. The exuberant depictions of cooking, outdoor parties, and fun craft-making invite myriad extension activities. A choice book for bilingual or STEAM-powered storytimes.--Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal