October, 2006

Reviewed by Maria Otero-Boisvert, Spanish Language Library Services, LaGrange Park, IL -- School Library Journal, 10/1/2006

ARGUETA, Jorge. Talking with Mother Earth/Hablando con Madre Tierra: Poems/Poemas. illus. by Lucía Angela Pérez. unpaged. CIP. Groundwood/Tigrillo 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-88899-626-8. LC C2005-906422-6.

Gr 3 Up–This literary offering stands out for its beauty and depth of expression. Argueta, a Pipil Nahua Indian, reaches deep into his childhood in rural El Salvador for memories and for his connection to Mother Earth. The poems alternate between bitterness and joy. Nahuatl words are peppered throughout, almost defiantly: “Tetl is my name./It means stone./But everybody knows me as Jorge./I like Tetl better./It is the Nahuatl name my grandmother gave me./Tetl/Tetl/Tetl/Tetl not Jorge. That is my name.” Poems about fire, wind, and water speak to those life-giving forces as friends and protectors. Pérez’s illustrations are colorful, detailed, and appealing, incorporating many indigenous icons. The selections can be shared aloud with youngsters or enjoyed independently. A unique and lovely collection.