La Princesa and the Pea

La Princesa and the Pea

Title: La Princesa and the Pea

Genre: Multicultural book

Author: Susan Middleton Elya

Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal

Awards: Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

Age group: 5-8 year olds

This book is a cute and culturally rich spin on a classic tale. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to someone in the future.

Summary:

One day a prince wanted a wife, but not any woman would do because his mom was very picky. But one day a maiden come by and asked to stay at the palace and the prince fell in love with her fast. But his mother had to put her to the test with a pea if she felt it she would be queen. But she made her sleep on to many Colchones. La Nina tried to sleep but the bed was so lumpy she could not sleep.the next day la reina told her son that she had passed the test and was a real princess. They were married and later we find out that the prince had put rocks under the bed to make sure she passed the test. In the end, the prince and his bride had many children, one for each mattress.

I believe I would use this book in my class room because this book is a culturally rich version of a classic story and can expose children to some Spanish.

I believe the appropriate grade level for this book is Kinder-3rd grade. This book has Spanish words inserted throughout the English so that they are exposed to some of that cultures words which is cool, but the book is still understandable and has a guide to some words on the first page. This book also has beautiful illustrations to go with the story.

I believe this book can be used in the classroom as a fun read aloud for a bilingual classroom. Also an activity that could go with this book is the students will write their own short story’s using some Spanish words throughout it just like in the book.

HAVE FUN READING!💙-Lacy