Maria the Matador
Author/Illustrator: Anne Lambelet
Age range: 4-8
Reviewer: Jeanette Perkins aka Beeba
Maria loves tea parties and dancing and wearing her hair in pigtails. But more than anything in the world…Maria loves churros.
“MORE CHURROS!”
One day Maria is walking through town and sees a poster announcing a bullfight. To her delight, the grand prize is a lifetime supply of churros. Of course she must enter. The big day comes and she is the youngest and smallest in the group of contestants. The other matadors tell her she is not big enough, fast enough or strong enough to win. But one by one they fall. Finally it is Maria’s turn and she uses determination and creativity to dance her way to victory and those churros.
This story emphasizes the idea that brute force is not always the answer. If you use your imagination and creativity, there might be a better outcome. The illustrations are bright and expressive, especially the pages of Maria in the ring with the bull. This is a great book about empowerment and resourcefulness.
BUY NOW
About the author:
Anne Lambelet is a strong believer in solving issues with pacifism and dessert foods. She received her illustration degree from the University of the Arts, where she was awarded the Roger T. Hane award for the top senior illustration portfolio. The first picture book she illustrated, Get to Know Your Parks / Conozca sus Parques, was an educational introduction to the National Park Services, and she has also done several middle-grade fiction covers. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband, dog, and cat.
About the reviewer:
Jeanette Perkins is the grandmother of two adorable grandsons. She lives in beautiful St Pete Beach, FL. Jeanette is a book and product reviewer for GRAND and is looking forward to reviewing lots of new and useful books and products for all us grandparents.
If you have a product for boomer grandparents and or their grandkids, tell us all about it in an email to editor@grandmagazine.com.